Page 32 of Keeping Zita

“Nothing,” Zita said, not sure how she could explain how funny the thought of her becoming a nun and wearing a habit was.

“I had a good time tonight. Thanks for being a good sport about the group date thing.”

“It was great. They put me at ease. Let me have the confidence to get out of the rut I’ve been in. Thank you.”

She stared at him as he leaned forward. Had he leaned forward? Was she imagining it? No, he’d definitely moved closer.

Feeling bold, and thrilled that he wanted to kiss her, Zita leaned toward him.

His hand came up and touched her cheek almost reverently, before his lips covered hers.

It was a sweet kiss…at first. But all too quickly, it morphed into something more.

Their mouths opened and they devoured each other. As if they’d known each other for years and this was their first time back together after a long separation.

Zita couldn’t get enough. He tasted faintly like beer and all man. He smelled awesome, probably like the soap he’d used before picking her up tonight. His facial hair brushed against her cheeks, giving her already overloaded senses something else to focus on.

He pulled back way before Zita was ready but kept his hand buried in her hair. She hadn’t even noticed that he’d gathered her loose strands in a fist at the back of her head as they’d kissed.

“I love your hair,” he murmured quietly, slowly loosening his fist, letting the silky strands fall from his fingers.

“It’s too straight,” she complained.

“No such thing,” Sage countered. He stared at her for a long moment, then licked his lips.

The action made her want to kiss him all over again, so she did. The next kiss wasn’t as long or as passionate, but it was no less intimate.

Excited butterflies swam in Zita’s belly. She hadn’t felt like this in years. Probably since she’d made out in her date’s car in a well-known spot after Homecoming her senior year.

“It’s late,” Sage said, after she pulled back to take a breath.

“Yeah.”

“You still want to go out with me again?”

“Yes.” He’d pretty much already asked her out, but she liked that he was making sure they were both on the same page.

“Star Wars movie marathon at my place? If anyone unwanted shows up, we can just refuse to open the door.”

“Sounds perfect.” And it did.

“I’d say I’ll cook for you, but I suck at it. So we’ll order something takeout. I have a whole drawer full of menus of places we can choose from.”

“Okay.”

“And if you hate the movies, we can watch something different.”

“I won’t hate them.”

“We aren’t going to be able to get through them all in one night.” He sounded nervous, which was kind of adorable.

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you on set in the morning.”

“You will. I’ll have your coffee as usual. I’ll find you.”