«I-I know it’s probably too late to say this, but... I’m sorry, Jace. I-I admit... I acted a bit like a bitch toward you,» Kimberly murmurs, eyes lowered, clearly regretful — she stopped me and Naomi right in the middle of the hallway during the break. «It’s just that... you know how it is, the rumors about you don’t exactly give you the best reputation. I think it’s normal that, seeing how interested in me you seemed from the beginning, the first thing I thought was: "Okay, he’s being nice only because he wants to add me to his list of conquests." Even though in the end, you didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, it’s normal to want to chat with the new girl, right? But please understand... when other classmates do it, they just seem friendly, but if you’re the one doing it... well, people immediately assume the worst. Anyway, I’m sorry for treating you so coldly for no reason.»

Naomi and I exchange a look — and I’m not sure which one of us is having a harder time believing that Kimberly actually said those words.

The truth is, I approached her only because of that stupid bet with Naomi, so she wasn’t entirely wrong to be suspicious of me — I almost feel guilty...

«Yeah, I get it. I probably would’ve thought the same if I were you,» I reply, pretending her prejudice actually hurt me. «But, you know, like you said yourself — they’re just rumors. Probably made up by some rejected girl or some jealous guy. Judging people based on gossip when you don’t even know them... well, that’s not a very nice thing to do.»

I’m seriously shameless... am I really lecturing her right now? Sure, technically I’m right — judging others based on rumors is about the worst thing you can do — but those damn rumors about me... well... they’re not even close to the truth.

They say I fucked one teacher, when in reality it’s three — not to mention no one has ever heard anything about the two janitors and the substitute for Mrs. Ashby — also very respectable trophies.

Come on — if you’re going to talk shit about me, at least do it properly!

«...and besides,» I add, wrapping an arm around Naomi, «I’m happily taken — I’d never hit on someone else!»

At those words, I’m not sure who looks more shocked — Kimberly or Naomi. But Naomi, completely embarrassed and caught off guard, still decides to play along, awkwardly returning the gesture.

«Yeah — we’re such a happy, united couple,» Naomi agrees, forcing a cheerful smile.

Ah... that girl is a true friend. I think she understood right away that I said that just to erase from Kimberly’s mind the idea that I’m some horny creep who would stick his dick into anything that breathes — and has a hole.

Of course, by saying that, I’ve killed any chance with Kimberly — if it was already a long shot before, now that she thinks I’m taken she wouldn’t let me touch her even if she wanted to.

But I’m in no rush — the bet is off anyway, so I can take my time with her. Actually, this makes the challenge even tougher, and the idea of managing to fuck her eventually... would be insanely satisfying! I mean, a religious, pure, chaste girl like Kimberly getting fucked by me knowing I’m "taken"? Fuck, I’m getting hard just thinking about it!

«Oh, I didn’t know you had a girlfriend... then I’m really sorry. I was so stupid to believe all those nasty things they said about you... I feel awful — I’m really ashamed of myself,» Kimberly murmurs, even more mortified, cheeks burning red.

Fuck, I almost feel bad seeing her so upset because of my lies...

«And you, Naomi...» Kimberly continues, giving my fuck-buddy a gentle, sweet look. «Let me tell you, you’re truly a beautiful girl — not just on the outside, but especially inside. It must be hard being with someone surrounded by all those rumors... probably not easy at first... but I admire you a lot. The love I see in your eyes when you look at him... how did I not notice it sooner? I definitely wouldn’t have treated him that way if I had known. I’m sorry — for how I behaved with your boyfriend even though he never did anything wrong...»

«N-No really, you have nothing to apologize for...» Naomi mutters, her face redder than I’ve ever seen it.

Only the bell announcing the end of recess saves her from what could have become the most embarrassing moment of her life — and honestly, I didn’t expect her to take it this hard.

«Jace, you fucking idiot! Why did you tell her we’re together?! If that rumor spreads, aside from risking that your mother shoots me... the guy I’m seeing will murder me!» Naomi snaps, red-faced — but not from embarrassment this time.

«Oh, come on, it’s Kimberly — as if she’d go around gossiping. W-Wait — what do you mean you’re seeing someone?! Since when?!»

«We’ve been seeing each other for a couple of weeks. I didn’t say anything because it’s still nothing serious, but if it ever becomes something more than just an occasional kiss, obviously introducing him to you would be the first thing I’d do!» she replies.

Naomi... is seeing someone?

It’s like a bolt from the blue — not so much because she’s dating a guy, but because she didn’t tell me! All these years, she’s always told me everything, just like I’ve — almost — always done with her, even the most insignificant crap! I mean — I even tell her when some random girl brushes against me in a crowded bus! And now she hides something this important even though we literally fucked just two days ago?!

Come on — what the hell?!

«Does this guy know I came inside you last Saturday? And who is he anyway? One of our classmates?» I ask, annoyed.

«D-Don’t be such an idiot...» she grumbles. «Of course he doesn’t know — and I don’t want him to! He’s really sweet, caring, and reliable. It’s just that...»

«...it’s just that he can’t make you cum three times in a row, am I right?» I cut her off, smirking with satisfaction. «That’s why you didn’t feel too guilty about fucking me while you’re seeing him.»

«What I do with him in bed is none of your business... and besides, you just said it yourself — we’re only seeing each other! We’re not a real couple yet, so there’s nothing wrong with having sex once in a while with my best friend just for fun — exactly like you always said... Anyway, no — he doesn’t go to Ordrienne High. Actually, he’s almost thirty. He works in an office, and he’s really mature and responsible.»

I’m tempted to say ’A thirty-year-old dating an eighteen-year-old? What a loser’. But honestly, that would sound a bit hypocritical, considering that out of the last three women I slept with, two are in their forties.

And besides, when a girl dates a much older man, it’s either for the money or, like Mrs. Fenwick told me, for the sex. Or, hell, both.

But that logic doesn’t apply here!

He’s just some office worker — definitely not rich — and apparently he’s such a disappointment in bed that Naomi has to fuck me to get any orgasms at all.

So what the hell does she see in that guy?

Sometimes women really are a mystery.