“You have any tests coming up?”

“Yeah, in bio.”

“Great. He’s in bio, right?”

Another nod.

“Tell him that the only thing taking your mind off everything is studying . . . He’ll offer to come over and study with you. Give it a day, then let him. Text me the minute he comes in the house, and I’ll text you during the study session so that you seem distracted. Laugh at some of my texts, and then sigh and slam your book shut. He’ll tell you that you deserve better and ask if you’ve ever considered being with anyone else. And this is where it’s very important that you listen to my every damn word.”

“I feel like this is happening really fast.” Her breathing picked up speed, like she was ready to pass out.

Oh, good, another hyperventilater. I didn’t have time for this shit today. Blake would be getting out of volleyball soon, and I had plans for that mouth, those legs—well, every single part of her.

“You want him, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good, so tell him you’ve never been with anyone else. Tell him you’ve only kissed . . . ?” I waited for her answer.

“Two guys,” she nodded her head confidently.

Good, she was getting the hang of it.

“Great,” I said. “The first was in high school?” I was guessing.

A nod and then a shrug. “Well, we both were in high school. I haven’t dated much since coming to college.”

“Sorry.”

“Overprotective parents,” she huffed. “They control everything. It’s just easier sometimes to lie down and let them.”

“You’ve moved out, so now you’re good, right?”

“Yes.” She beamed. “Okay, two guys, and then what? How do I know if I’m any good at kissing? What if I’m not good enough?”

The girl had a point.

I held up a finger. “Hold that thought.”

Gripping my cell with my hand, I dialed Lex’s number. He answered on the first ring. “Tell me you’re walking by the fountain in a few seconds.”

“I see you right now.”

“Need you.”

“Great.”

He hung up.

Vivian frowned as Lex made his way around the fountain and stalked toward us. I loved watching girls’ reaction to him. He was built like a football player but had the brain of . . . I don’t know, an evil genius? It was almost like he knew exactly what chemicals were firing off in their hormonal little bodies when he smiled in their direction, and knew just the amount of pressure to add to each kiss to cause an explosion.

Right. In the past, I’d had times where I wanted to kill him and dissect his freaky little brain. Now it was just interesting to watch.

“You called?” He shoved his hands into his pockets.

I gave a nonchalant nod toward Vivian. “She needs to know how to hook a guy with the gentle kiss.”

“Right on.” He set his bag down. “We doing this here?”

I glanced around. “Yeah, but maybe stand back more by the trees so John doesn’t see.”

He pulled Vivian to her feet and led her back toward the trees, then placed both hands on her shoulders. “You ready?”

“Wait.” She looked back and forth between us and whispered in a shaky voice, “What’s happening?”

“First day of the rest of your life.” Lex nodded seriously. “Think of it as sex ed, only . . . better.”

“I know about the birds and the bees.”

Lex smirked, eyeing her up and down in disbelief. “Sure you do.”

“Who are you?” she demanded, putting her hands on her hips.

“The second half to his whole.” Lex pointed at me.

“You’re gay?” she said.

He tugged her close to him. “Rub against me and find out, sweetheart.”

I rolled my eyes. “Viv, just let Lex teach you how to kiss. I can’t do it, because . . .” I frowned. Technically, I could do it. I just . . . didn’t want to. It felt like cheating, even if it was just a job. Shit, I wondered if strippers thought the same thing every night they got ones shoved down their panties.

“He grew a vagina,” Lex said helpfully. “Besides, he may get more tail, he may even have me beat in bed—we haven’t really done a survey as of late—but this? This I know I excel at. So pucker up, buttercup, because I’m about to change your life.”

“The survey was falsified,” I argued.

Lex pressed his mouth against hers softly, then pulled back. “Now, before I go in again, I’m going to lick my bottom lip. Note I said lick, not slobber. A light lick, so that our lips slide across one another. And then just a small tease.” He licked his lips and kissed her again, this time lingering at her lower lip before another kiss. Then his tongue slid out, meeting the entrance of her mouth before he pulled it back.

Her eyes were closed, and she leaned forward as Lex started talking again. “Now, once you have the correct pressure down, make sure you keep your hands above his waist. They are never down, they are never tugging at his head, simply touching his biceps lightly, almost like you’re trying to control yourself. Got it?”

Vivian didn’t look confident, but she nodded and then leaned in and kissed Lex.

When she was finished, she took a step back and waited.

“Good.” Lex frowned. “Maybe hesitate a bit more, make sure you’re touching at least one erotic point on my body.”