Page 66 of Rush

I turn back to my closet.

Okay, so we’re going for an early dinner and then to the cinema. So, nothing too dressy.

Pants maybe?

I rifle through my closet and pull out my white ripped jeans. I could wear these.

What with?

I rummage through my tops and pull out my loose, silky bright blue tank top. The color reminds me of Ares’s eyes. Perfect.

I go to my underwear drawer and get out my nicest white lacy underwear. I’m going for virginal.

Ha! Like that’s even a remote possibility.

But the white will go better under my clothes.

So, white it is.

I take off my robe and put my underwear on, remembering just why I love this bra because of the boost it gives to my boobs. It makes them look fuller and gives me nice cleavage, which will look good with this tank.

I pull my jeans on. Put the tank on.

I decide on my highest black heels. I need the height with this guy.

I put on my gold chain, which sits nicely in my cleavage, bringing the eye to it.

I spritz my favorite perfume, J’adore, on my neck, wrists, and onto my already-done hair, which is down and curled around my shoulders. My makeup is on and light. Focus being on my lips, which are painted with my new favorite lipstick shade, Matte Raspberry.

I’ve just put my lipstick, wallet, and cell into my bag when there’s a knock at my door.

He’s here.

My heart takes off at a rapid pace.

I take my bag with me into the living room, grab my leather jacket and slip it on, and then open the door.

Hells bells, he looks good.

I mean, he always looks good, but this…is something different.

He’s dressed up—not that he normally looks scruffy, but he’s clearly made an effort. His hair is styled. His jaw is clean-shaven. He’s wearing a dark gray blazer with a black button-down shirt beneath it, dark blue jeans, and black biker boots on his feet.

Maybe he looks different to me because I’m looking at him through new eyes now.

I’m looking at him as more than a friend.

I get to kiss this guy.

I’m quite likely going to see him naked later and do all the good stuff with him.

That definitely changes everything, like how I now view him.

“Hi,” he says, voice deep and raspy. “You look beautiful, Ari.”

“So do you. Hot. Gorgeous, I mean.” For fuck’s sake.

He chuckles and then leans down and presses his lips to mine, tongue ever so lightly coming out to touch mine.