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"Uh ... because I like you," he offers carefully. "We don't have to talk about you, if you don't want to."
"Let's not."
I know I'm being a bitch and should feel bad, but honestly, I don't trust anyone who wants to know more than my name. And I'm not sure how to explain that to him without making it awkward.
"Would you rather ask me questions? Or ... we can just sit here. They should be here soon."
And now ... it is awkward. Crap. Why do I suck at this so much?
I search for something, anything, to say so it's not so tense. I've never dated a guy or even been out on a date. We go to parties and bars where small talk is just that. Stupid, mindless conversation that leads to making out or getting felt up in a dark corner. Even the guy I regularly hook up with keeps the pillow talk to a minimum. It's just about the sex, and that's completely fine with me. I don't want anyone to get to know me.
"Tell me something embarrassing," I blurt.
Joey lets out a short laugh. "We can't talk about you, but I have to reveal something embarrassing? That's fair."
"Maybe if you share something vulnerable, I'll feel more comfortable."
I bat my eyes at him dramatically. He chuckles.
"Umm ... " He searches the sky in contemplation.
"Don't think too much about it. The first thing that comes to mind."
"The first time I had an erection, I was in church."
"Wha--" I can't even get the word out before I burst out laughing. "Details."
I know that if I could see him clearly his face would be bright red.
He continues, "This really pretty girl was sitting in front of me--I think she went to school with Parker actually--and during the greet-your-neighbor part of the sermon, she turned around, and when she bent over to hug me, I got a face full of boobs. Let's just say, I held on tight until my grandmother swatted me with her purse."
"What'd the girl do?" I ask, still chuckling.
"She laughed, especially when she saw the tent in my khakis. My grandmother was mortified, and my mother yelled, 'William!' so loud that half the church turned around and stared at me cupping my crotch. I had no idea what was happening or how to make it go away. It was undeniably the most embarrassing moment of my life."
My stomach's hurting I'm laughing so hard "That's amazing!" I finally catch my breath. "Why'd she call you William?"
"My full name is three first names, and everyone calls me something different. It even confuses me sometimes."
"Joseph William Harrison?"
He nods slowly. "That's it."
I raise my eyebrows. "Add some Roman numerals to the end and you could be royalty."
Joey laughs. "I'm the furthest thing from honorable."
"Really?" I question, leaning in until we're a breath apart. "I don't know if I believe that," I say, tempting him with a salacious grin.
I watch his mouth part. His eyes don't leave mine. He wraps a hand around the back of my neck and pulls me to him.
I close my eyes, anticipating the touch of his
lips. And when they finally find me, my whole world stills. A lightness overtakes me, swirling in my head. His mouth caresses mine, stealing my breath. A small moan escapes at the caress of his tongue. I can't breathe, but I don't want to. I grip the front of his shirt, needing to get closer. Needing him. His arm tightens around my waist. I am lost in him, in this kiss.
Joey slowly pulls away, our breaths mingling in quick pants. His hand still cups my neck as he gently presses his forehead to mine. "I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do that."
Before we can connect again, his phone chimes.
