I searched his expression for any hint of wicked intent, but he looked serious. “Maybe.”
“I want you to trust me,” he said, sliding his hand across the table to take mine. “My intentions are pure, I promise.”
He had been nothing but nice and honest with me from the get-go. I didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t trust him. Biting my lip, I looked around for a moment to make sure no one was within earshot then leaned in. “I’m not good with trust, either.”
“I guessed that. I need just a little tonight, okay? Please? I really want to do this,” he said, his gaze glittering in the overhead lights. The illumination highlighted all the curves of his perfect bone structure like a golden light from heaven. I still wondered how it was possible I was—dare I say it?—dating this God. He'd asked for a little trust. I could do that. Besides, like my therapist had said, not everyone was out to betray me. The best way to learn to trust someone was by doing just that. My breath came to me in a ragged pull, and I nodded.
He smiled and released my hand then winked. “I promise, you won’t regret this.”
Our light dinner of salads was peaceful, and we talked about returning to Haunted Trails at a later date. He insisted he needed time to practice Skee-Ball on his own in order to prepare for a rematch. It was damned adorable he was a sore loser about it. By the time we left the restaurant it was dark.Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn't it?And I’d had much-needed fun with him.
He steered us toward downtown on I-55 and I couldn’t help thinking about what he wanted to do. The first thing that popped into my head was a blowjob. As nice as that sounded, with my near panic attack, I didn’t think I could get it up. I was desperate to have sexual contact with him and was scared he might get bored with the sloth’s pace I needed.
The skyscrapers were lit up this evening, one of the buildings displaying a giant pumpkin for the holiday. A deepchill had settled in, the temperatures plunging. It was the perfect night to spend with someone, I thought. Glancing at him, I surveyed his profile, from his hair that had gotten messy, to the elegant curve of his nose and fullness of his lips. Maybe I just needed him to take control and lead. I knew I’d never be able to say no if he got me naked.
As we penetrated the city, I inquired, “Are you taking me to your place?”
“Yes.” The response was to-the-point. His focus on the road, he reached over and took my hand, his thumb gliding softly along my skin.
I took a shaky breath and watched as the skyscrapers rose to swallow us. We pulled into an underground parking lot in a more ritzy area of the north side. The spaces were all filled with BMWs, and a few foreign vehicles. I vaguely wished I had a car. Hell, it would be nice to just have a driver’s license.
“We’re here,” he announced, a little smile curled on his lips.
He guided me toward a door with a gentle touch and we entered the building.
“Doc!” A security guard shouted from a desk.
Gabriel raced up to him, and they butted fists. “I heard your boy sacked the quarterback on the last play.”
“Oh, man. You should have seen it. I’m not a cryin’ man, but that kid brings me tears of joy,” the security guard said.
I watched as the two yucked it up and looked at photos on the security guard’s phone. Situations like these always made me uncomfortable. I feared coming off as disinterested in talking to people when in reality, I just didn’t know what to say. I thought about the way I’d finally made contact with Gabriel. The idea of someday sharing my inept conversation abilities with friends or family was a nice fantasy.
“Jake?” Gabriel prompted. “This is Arnold. I treat his family. I’ve been working on his son, who has a good shot at going pro.”
The security guard smiled. “This man is a magician. Ask my wife.”
“Oh,” I murmured, hating myself.Say something else, you dolt.I knew I should compliment the man’s son, but the right words wouldn’t come.
Gabriel was right on it, explaining the entire situation. All I could do was nod and do my best to look interested.
“I’ll see him next Sunday?” He said and made a move to leave. “I promise to make one of his games.”
“Be careful. He will hold you to that.”
He was all smiles as he put his arm around my shoulders and led me into the elevator. “Arnold is a great guy. His family is awesome. I sure hope his kid makes it into the NFL because that boy can knock bodies around like nobody’s business.”
I nodded and said, “Sorry. I don’t know football.”
The elevator dinged and I followed him into the hall. He said something else about the sport and opened the door for me. The moment I entered the condo, I was hit with a blast of rich air. I swore I could smell the money. The place was roomy with an open-concept that made it seem bigger than it probably was.
“Wow,” I murmured.
“Yeah. What is that saying? My eyes are bigger than my stomach? When I bought it, I thought it was a great idea, but now I have no clue what to do with all this space. If I ever host an orgy, though, it will come in handy.”
I gasped as a cat came racing for us, mewling. I bent down and offered my hand. They sniffed my fingers then bumped them.
“This is Pixel. He loves everybody. I’ll put the salads in the fridge,” Gabriel said and headed for the immaculate kitchenthat shined with polished appliances. “Take your shoes off. Get comfy.”
