“That sounds really nice.”
“Ya. And we were going to top it off with a picnic.” Slowly, my fingers are skimming up and down her ribs.
“Were?”
“Ya. I had the biggest plans. But now I can’t imagine not holding you in my arms, and all of a sudden I think I have a better plan.”
“What’s that?” she whispers.
“We should kiss.”
“No hesitation on that, hey?”
“Not even one.”
“Why not do the date first like you had planned?”
“Because I don’t want to waste your time. We already know each other. We know we get along. We know we’re compatible, as friends, which is the basis of any good long term relationship. What we need to find out is if we’re compatible physically. If you want me that way.”
And it could be my imagination, but I feel her nipples press into my chest at that last phrase.
“And what if we don’t suit?”
“What if we do?”
“I’m serious, Eli.” Her hands wind up my chest and play with the back of my neck. “What if we’re not into each other like that?”
“We’ll be friends.” I gauge her reaction to that and can see the vulnerability seeping into the corners of her eyes. I know it’s a lot, asking her to trust me and give me a shot when so many friends have failed her in the past. But I can’t not ask it.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I follow it up with a vow, “I promise.”
Her nod, the smallest of movements, practically shoved a boulder away from the opening of my heart. The relief I feel. The joy that’s humming through me is enough to compose a symphony.
“Can I kiss you?”
