“What?” My head was spinning. Every hot scene I’d read in a Kate Canterbary novel flashed through my mind. I wanted to try them all.
Right. Now.
Nate leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose. Keeping his hands on my hips, he nodded at the island behind me. “Want to sit here as I finish this up?”
“Um, sure?” I started to put my hands back to help myself up, but Nate put me up there before I could even get started. Well, that was hella hot, but what in the world? We were done?
Just ask, I told myself. “What was that?” I patted myself on the back.
Nate was stirring the cream sauce on the stove, flipping the chicken over that was sitting in it. “That was fucking amazing, that’s what that was.” He placed a lid on the skillet, then turned his focus back to me.
“I agree. So why in the name of all that is holy are we stopping?”
Nate gave me a look that made me want to whip off my top, lay back on the island, and let him do anything his heart desired.
Slow your roll, Elle.
He stepped over to meet my legs, moved them apart so he could stand right between them, and lightly grazed my lips with his.
“Elle, I’m not in a hurry…,” he started.
“What if I am?” I got out like the hussy I was beginning to think I was.
He chuckled but then put a finger on my lips. “I like you, Elle. A lot, a whole lot.”
I pulled his finger off my lips so I could respond. “I like you too.” Then I placed his finger back.
Nate stood there for a moment, just staring at me. I could tell he was trying to figure out how to phrase something, so I waited.
Clearing his throat, he began. “Elle, I don’t want a night. I don’t want you just to jump me—”
My face flushed, I could tell.
Nate kissed my nose, then continued. “I mean, I’m all for that, but I want to start slow. I want to savor every experience with you. I want to make out on my couch to the point that I’m going crazy, but we still wait.”
“You mean like waiting for marriage?” I strangled out. Then I looked around for a hole I could disappear in, crashing my forehead to his chest.
Nate’s rumble of laughter reverberated through his body. “What I’m saying is I don’t want to rush. You’re important to me. In one month of quiet conversations at the library, I have gotten to know you. I know I would like to explore more with you.” He ducked his head so we were looking at each other. “Do you understand?”
“Are you asking me to go steady?” My voice cracked as I immediately wanted to slap my forehead. Who the hell saysgo steady? I did, apparently, that’s who.
Nate’s eyes sparkled. “If we were in middle school, I could pass you a note that asked you to check yes or no about going out with me.” He kissed my brow, then leaned back to watch. “What do you think?”
I felt some wetness in my eyes. Yes, I wanted all he was offering, and so much more. “I think I want that too.”
My phone took that opportunity to vibrate across the counter from us. I glanced back and Nate said, “Check it. I need to stir this sauce one last time.”
Tugging it toward me, I saw Ava’s name on the screen. Of course. Opening the text, I saw several messages I hadn’t heard come in.
Ava:I’m feeling bad that I pushed you to leave with Nate. I mean, what if he’s an axe murderer?
Ava:I mean, hottest axe murderer ever, right? But I’d still feel bad.
Ava:Elle, hello? I’m going to need a proof of life before I can go about my night.
Ava:You’re just fucking with me now, aren’t you?
Ava:Seriously, do I need to get Gabby and storm the castle?
