As my orgasm ebbs, I open my eyes, woozy and sex drunk, then meet his gaze.
He’s smiling, looking satisfied and happy.
Harlan drops another kiss to my lips, all soft and sweet. “Thank you for giving me the best fifteen minutes I’ve had in ages.”
I grab my lip gloss and reapply it. “Those fifteen minutes were pretty darn good for me too.”
***
Harlan walks me to the hotel lobby, standing outside with me while I wait for my Lyft.
We’re quiet until he reaches for my hand. “I can’t wait to see you again. I want you to know how much I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”
The feeling is so very mutual. Sure, Harlan’s a playboy, if I believe the media and gossip blogs. And yes, I’ve seen pics of him with beautiful women. But I’m not bothered. Why wouldn’t he enjoy the perks of his fame? A gorgeous, talented pro athlete beloved by the city? He’s not hurting for offers from the fairer sex.
Good for him.
And now, good for me. I can handle whateverthisis, whether it’s a date or a prelude to sex.
“Me too,” I say.
Though, a tiny part of me is curious if he’d be interested in more. Maybe another date, maybe seeing what comes of it?
A pang in my heart is hungry for a little something more.
I wince.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Legitimate concern imbues his tone.
It’s so real, so tender, and I like it so much. Perhaps he also feels all this yummy possibility.
“Nothing,” I say with a smile. “Just had a good time tonight.”
“Me too,” he says, grinning back, then he brings me close again, tucks my hair around my ear. “I mean that. And I truly do want to see you again. We’re going to have a great time.”
“We are absolutely going to.”
A red Nissan pulls up. As I check the plates, Harlan says, “Give me your number.”
Quickly, we exchange digits, and then he kisses me goodnight, and puts me in the car. The driver pulls away. Already, I miss Harlan.
I don’t have room in my life for more, and yet I just might want it.
As the driver pulls onto 19th Avenue, making his way to the airport, my phone beeps.
I expect it to be my sister. But it’s Harlan.
Harlan:Call me crazy, but that was the best unexpected first date I’ve had in ages.
It’s like he can read my mind.
Katie:Me too.
Harlan:Also, I have your lip gloss. You left it behind. And it’s in a glass tube. Fitting, Cinderella.
I grin like an idiot.
Katie:Tonight was kind of like a dirty fairy tale.
