I laugh. “Okay, that’s adorable.”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but the way the corner of his mouth lifts tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing to me. “He is adorable. Total menace, though. He once chewed through the drywall by the door because I took too long getting home from work.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Guess I should be flattered you’re risking it again by coming here.”
“Oh, hugely,” he says. “But he’s with his dog sitter, who he loves, so I’m sure he’s not even missing me that much.”
“I doubt that, no way he couldn’t miss you.” I shake my head, trying not to come on to him too strongly. “Okay, serious question back at you now.”
He perks up instantly. “I’m ready to be judged, let’s hear it.”
I pretend I’m debating, but really I’m watching the way his fingers drum on the back of the couch, just inches behind my shoulder.
“Does Bear get final say in who you date?” I ask.
He laughs again, and the sound makes me smile. “Actually? Yeah. He kind of does. If someone doesn’t like him, or doesn’t let him in the bed, how could I date them? Just wouldn’t work.”
“That actually makes sense.” I grin. “I guess I’d better meet him soon then.”
God, I hope I’m not pushing too hard, but there’s no way I can let today be the only time I see Collin. The way he blushes sends heat straight to my groin. I shift so that my erection is hidden. I don’t need stranger portraits with an outline of my dick showing all over Instagram. I can only imagine the internet’s reaction, but the second they saw Collin in the photos, I’m sure they’d understand.
“Maybe after this?” he suggests, and the heat only intensifies. “I haven’t been home in a few days, so he should be extra excited to see me, and that’s gotta be good for you.”
“Love this,” Sadie says in the background. “Don’t move.”
Neither of us even considers it.
“I like those odds. Count me in.”
“Absolutely,” he says as he starts to lean into me a little more, clearly growing more and more comfortable since I think it’s pretty clear we’re both on the same page with our interest and attraction. “So, if wewereon a real date right now, what would be your dealbreakers?”
I laugh. “Are we not?”
“I mean, it could be a first date if you want it to be. It feels like one, doesn’t it?” He blushes as he says it, and my mind flashes back to him admitting he’s a bit of a hopeless romantic.
“I think this is better than any of the first dates I’ve been on,” I admit, feeling my cheeks heat too “But if wewere, I’d say my only dealbreaker is someone who doesn’t laugh easily or takes life too seriously. My job can be stressful, so I am a big fan of humor to cope.”
He leans in just a little closer, face only inches from mine now as he whispers. “Good news, then. I’m easily entertained, and my life motto is ‘Why not?’”
“So good. You’re both naturals,” Sadie compliments.
Click.
Collin exhales a small laugh at Sadie’s compliment. “I can’t tell if I’m supposed to stay perfectly still when she says we’re doing good or actually breathe.”
“Breathing’s usually encouraged,” I murmur. “But I do know CPR and am not opposed to performing some mouth-to-mouth should it be necessary.”
He lets out an uncontrolled laugh at that, head tipping back slightly. The sound hits me right in the chest. It’s so full-bodied and genuine that I can’t help but smile. I’m glad he gets my humor.
“Good to know,” he finally says between laughs. “I might need a demonstration, though, just to make sure you’re legit.”
I grin, leaning in just a fraction so our foreheads are nearly touching again. “That so? You planning on faking an emergency mid-session?”
He raises a brow, smirking. “You might’ve tempted me.”
That pulls a laugh out of me before I can stop it. I love the playful flirting. “You’re trouble.”
“I’ve been called worse,” he jokes, and the sparks coursing through my veins are so intense that it feels like I’m about to crawl out of my skin with how attracted I am to him.
