“It is.”
“Huh. Interesting.” I can’t read his expressionat all. It’s the perfect poker face.
I stare at him. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”Back??
“Oh, were you looking for a response?”
“Benjy...”
“Oh, all right.” He clasps my hands in his, looking at me seriously. “It’s about fucking time.”
Not what I was expecting.
“What?”I sputter.
“Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to figure this out? Good Lord, Kate, I thought we’d be old and gray by the time you caught up with me.” He prods me off the dance floor as I stumble over my feet.
“I’m sorry, caughtup?”
“I’ve only been in love with you since the day we met. As if that wasn’t obvious by the way I’ve been trailing after you like a lost puppy dog.” He nods at someone who’s trying to get his attention but keeps ushering me forward.
“Since the day wemet? That was never obvious.”
“Pretty sure it was.” He looks around. “Where’s your purse?”
“Mypurse?” I can’t seem to do much besides echo him.
“It’s right here!”
Stephen materializes out of nowhere and shoves it at me, then laces his fingers under his chin. He’s the personification of the heart-eyes emoji. “Just tell me, so I can be the first to know. You worked it out? You’re together now?”
“We’re together. And I’m taking her home, is that all right?”
Stephen looks at me, eyes saucer-wide. “Of course! I’m so thrilled for you both. That sounds like I’m congratulating you on your engagement or something, but you know what I mean.” He glances from me to Ben. “Wait, you’re notengaged, are you?”
“Good night, Stephen,” we say in unison.
After an Uber ride that lasts a short eternity, we’re back at Ben’s apartment and I’m in his arms before he can kick the door shut.
Ben’s kissing me like a man possessed. He’s got one arm around my waist while his other hand roams all over my body. His hips tilt into mine as he presses me against the door, legs planted on either side of me, staking their claim. He’s all around me and everywhere at once.
I’ve never been so turned on.
“Bedroom, please take me to your bedroom,” I beg him.
He smiles against my mouth, then drops down and scoops me intohis arms. As he walks us through his darkened apartment, I bury my face in his neck and breathe him in like an asthmatic.
“You know, I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you the night you carried me home.”
“Was that before you told me carrying you was antifeminist or...?” He turns us sideways to enter his room and my heel knocks against the doorframe.
“I changed my mind. Carry me everywhere from now on.”
He’s chuckling as he sets me down on the edge of his bed. When he flicks on the nightstand lamp, my heart skips a beat.
He’s standing over me, eyes dark and hungry, though still soft somehow, and a little awed, like he can’t believe I’m here. He’s never looked more beautiful. A wave of desire engulfs me and I leap to my feet, scrambling to push his jacket off his shoulders. I’m desperate to touch him, freed from the handcuffs of our rules. I reach toward his neck and my fingers shake with anticipation.
“I finally get to take off your tie. I’ve been dreaming of this.”
