“What?” My mouth falls open before we both burst into laughter. “That shit fucking hurt, woman!”
Angela shrugs. “Yeah, I’m sure it did, but…” She pauses dramatically. “If it hadn’t happened, you wouldn’t be telling me all about Nurse Hottie with a dreamy-eyed stare.”
My face warms. “Ugh!”
“What?”
“He knows all about me setting it on fire with the damn lube.”
She laughs. “Yeah, he does. But you know what else?”
“What?”
She smiles like the cat who got the mouse. “He knows, and he still fucking asked you out. That’s a man who doesn’t mind a woman who likes her toys. A keeper if you ask me. Look at Bryan. He’s all about playing with me, and not once has he been turned off if I bring home a new toy.”
I nod. “Suppose your right. I guess only time will tell if there’s more here and if he’ll be as open-minded about sex as I am.”
***
“Oh!” I cry out, my toes curling with a climax that rocks my womb. Pressing the vibrator against my clit, I ride out the last tremors.
After shutting off my toy, I let my arm fall to the side, and I catch my breath. The tension in my body has lessened, but I’m not sure anything but Joshua can cure this need. Too bad we won’t be going there yet.
I glance at the clock on my nightstand and get up. I have enough time to wash myself and get dressed before he comes to get me. We’ve talked via text all week and a few times over the phone. Tonight is our first date. We decided on traditional, dinner and a movie.
Normally, I avoid dates at the movies since it limits my time to get to know the guy. There’s nothing like sitting with a man in a darkened theater for two hours and walking away without learning more about them… unless it’s that they fall asleep during movies or won’t shut the hell up.
I decided with Joshua it won’t be a problem. We talk multiple times a day, taking every opportunity to play twenty questions. When he said his schedule was crazy, he’d meant it. Between the nameless cases in the ER to the hours which don’t match my own, we’ve both been patient in waiting for replies. Sometimes Joshua doesn’t get back to me until after midnight. Other times I respond when he’s asleep after a grueling shift.
He’s funny and kind. We share similar tastes in movies and shows, and our sarcasm is on par.
Tonight’s date will be at a sushi restaurant within walking distance of the theater. Digging through my closet, I look for the outfit I’d mentally picked out the moment we decided where to go.
After showering and blow-drying my hair, I slip on a pair of skinny jeans and a loose top that exposes the length of my neck, collar bone, and shoulder. Cute and sexy but not over the top.
Each time Joshua’s seen me, I haven’t looked my best. The ER visit is an obviousduh,but the day of our run-in was a casual day at work. Most days, I go in with my hair nicely brushed after blow-drying it straight, but it still ends up a messy pile on my head.
Thankfully, most of the work I do is behind a screen.
Closing the cap to my mascara, I nod in satisfaction. I’m putting on earrings and bracelets when I hear the knock on the door. I hurry to my closet and grab my peep-toe booties to finish my look.
“Be right there!” I call and lean against the wall to slip on my heels. My fingers slide through my hair one last time, and I suck in a deep breath.
Pulling open the door, I smile when our eyes meet. He recently trimmed his hair, short on the sides and longer on top. He’s wearing an untucked button-down, long-sleeve shirt and dark-wash jeans. His black dress shoes shine in my direction.
“Wow, Hazel… You look amazing,” he tells me, his gaze moving down my body.
“Thanks.” I blush. “You look pretty great yourself, Nurse Hottie.”
He chuckles and leans in to press his lips to my cheek. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Ready to go?”
“Me too. Let me grab my purse.”
Spotting my clutch on the counter, I grab it and catch Joshua checking out my ass. Neither of us says anything, but internally I puff up. I feel good, and his appraisal validates my confidence. We walk side by side to his car, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Each time our arms brush, I’m tempted to grab his hand.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with making the first move with a guy, but something holds me back with Joshua. So far he’s made all the first moves, and I must admit, I’m enjoying going at his pace.
He holds the door open for me, and I slide into his four-door sedan. I note it’s clean and doesn’t smell inside. “You aren’t messy,” I blurt.
