It wasn’t as though she didn’t know the dangers of the internet, but so far this guy hadn’t done anything other than talk to her. He hadn’t asked for any information, and she hadn’t seen anyone following her at school or behaving weirdly, so why shouldn’t she indulge in a little fun?
At some point she’d convince him to watch the BBC version ofPride and Prejudicewith her, but not tonight. After twenty agonizing minutes of scrolling through Netflix with sweaty palms and a racing heart, she couldn’t decide on a movie, so he suggested a ‘light hearted chick flick’ with Chris Evans calledWhat’s Your Number?She had to admit, Captain Americawaseasy on the eye so she’d said yes.
She’d opened a bottle of Cupcake Moscato as the perfect pizza accompaniment and a mixture of quiet contentment and wine warmed her cheeks as they texted.
Cleo: Are you gay? Is that why you picked this movie? To tell me you’re gay?
Mr. Darcy: I think every man alive could be gay for Chris Evans. But no, not gay. What do you think of the buffalo chicken pizza?
Cleo: It’s perfect.
She took a bite, closed her eyes, and moaned at the explosion of flavor on her tongue before wiping her chin and greasy fingers.
Cleo: The neighbors probably think I have male company with all the sounds I’m making right now.
Embarrassment mixed with the pizza and wine in her stomach. “Oh God.” Her cheeks flared hotter, and when her phone chimed she half expected a dick pic waiting for her on the screen.
Mr. Darcy: Kind of sad I’m not there to hear that.
Her breath hitched, somewhere between a gasp and a hiccup, and a small squeak escaped her. Was he flirting with her? People didn’tflirtwithher. She had no idea if he was flirting or not, and Molly and the girls were out at the party so she couldn’t ask for best friend guidance on best practices for flirting.
Mr. Darcy: I can almost hear your brain whirring from across campus. Yes, I’m flirting. Yes, I like you, and if you were here, I’d absolutely kiss you right now, even if you do have strings of cheese dangling down your chin.
Her hand flew to her face on instinct, but there was no drippy cheese. Her shoulders sagged with relief, and she giggled. Would he really kiss her if he was there?
Mr. Darcy: If I need to dial back the flirting please say so. If I need to dial it up so it’s more obvious and something you can more readily identify, I can do that too. But I like you Miss Bennet and I would absolutely be kissing the hell out of you right now if you were beside me.
Mr. Darcy: I’d probably try for more, but only after washing my hands. Hot sauce on the nether regions isn’t fun. Take it from someone who learned the hard way.
She snorted. She loved how he could make her heart quicken and heat pool between her thighs while also being able to make her laugh. Maybe it was okay to let him into her heart – just a little. Maybe he truly was as good as he seemed.
Cleo: I’d let you.
Cleo: Once you washed your hands, of course. I mean nothing would kill the evening more than a spicy hot va-jay-jay.
Mr. Darcy: LOL!! Well. I can say with certainty that I hadn’t expected to snort milk out my nose this evening. Part of me is kind of glad you’re not here to witness this.
Cleo: Part of me wishes I’d been brave enough to say yes to an in person date.
Mr. Darcy: Well, Lizzy, you just made my whole damn week. The milk-snorting was worth it. We’ll both be brave enough someday.
Cleo: I hope so. I kinda want my kiss.
Mr. Darcy: You’ll get it.
She got up off the couch and put the now-cold pizza in the fridge. She refilled her glass of wine, made her way to her room, and got ready for bed.
Mr. Darcy: Did I spook you? You went quiet.
Cleo: No, I’m getting ready for bed.
Mr. Darcy: Oh man. I was hanging in there just fine until you mentioned bed.
Cleo: What do you mean?
Mr. Darcy: I’m a red blooded man, Lizzy. I might not know what you look like, but knowing you’re getting undressed and climbing into bed…
Mr. Darcy: Don’t panic, I’m not going to send you dick pics or anything. I just wish we were in the same space, that’s all.
