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“Kate! Why do you have to sound like this is a business meeting and not a hot date?” Before I can respond, she continues, “And what do you mean, you’ll let him know? You just said you want to go!”
“I thought playing hard to get was a thing! Isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?”
Char laughs, then glances down at my phone when the screen lights up with his response.
Lorenzo: see you there
Chapter Nine
December 31st
Thiswasamistake.Trying to be bold, I didn’t text him back. He was so sure I would come, so I decided I didn’t need to confirm.
Andmaybea small part of me hoped that he would follow up. But it’s 8 o’clock sharp and the Uber just dropped me off in front of the house he sent the address to. I see his car parked in the driveway, as shiny as it was six days ago, and I’m filled with nerves.
I pull down the short hem of my very tight, long-sleeved black dress. It’s somewhat pointless, because I have black, fleece-lined tights underneath, but I’m uncomfortable. Char insisted on taking me shopping after brunch and she made me try on way too many dresses. It was hard to even tell them apart, they were so similar— black, short, and revealing. This one felt the longest to me, landing at mid-thigh with a shallow v-cut.
I hold the gold and black intertwined strap of my otherwise black purse and walk up in my black heels. My hair is in its usual bun, and I added a curl on each side of my face like I did for the holiday party.
Because Lorenzo liked playing with them, and I thought he might like them again tonight. Pathetic, I know. At least I didn't wear my glasses, too. I havesomeself-restraint.
I walk up the long, pebbled path to the cozy house. It’s made of brick with a gray shingle roof, and the front door is painted a matching maroon.
I take a deep breath, boosting my confidence by reminding myself I’m getting answers tonight. I knock on the door and take a step back. A few long, nerve-wracking moments later, a large, tall man opens the door. He reminds me of Lorenzo in the way he’s dressed, with all black clothes and a ring through his lip. He sizes me up before looking me dead in the eye.
“Who are you?”
“H-Hi, I’m Kate,” I stammer. When he cocks an eyebrow, I add hesitantly, “Lorenzo invited me?”
“Yo! Zo! There’s someone here for you!” the man shouts into the house. He stays at the entrance, though, hovering over the door and staring at me. I shuffle uncomfortably but luckily, Lorenzo walks up a few seconds later.
“Kate,” he says. His voice has that same silk I thought I previously imagined, and his eyes rake over my body. I watch them fill with smoke and my stomach swoops under his very lustful perusal.
“Hey,” I say, trying to play it cool. I’m happy to hear that I sound totally normal and not afraid and excited and unsure, like I actually feel. I clutch my purse but don’t move, the other guy still standing in the doorway causing me pause.
“Move, Santi,” Lorenzo says, pushing past who I can only assume is his friend. Santi releases the door and retreats into the house. Lorenzo shuts the door behind him and stands in front of me.
“You look stunning,” he says, pure sex dripping from his lips.
“Oh, thanks. Um, you, too,” I reply awkwardly, taking in his appearance. He has on a similar outfit to what he wore the first night I met him— black jeans, black boots, and a long-sleeved black shirt.
“You came alone?” he questions, glancing behind me.
“Yeah. I wasn’t aware I could invite anyone…”
He chuckles, and I see that familiar twinkle in his eye. I hate how seeing it makes me feel like I’m floating on a cloud. “It’s a party, of course you can bring someone.”
He could have told me that. Char would have loved to come.“Well, it’s just me. Hope that’s okay.”
“It’s more than okay. It’s great.”
I nod, and we stand for a moment, holding each other captive with our eyes. I get that same feeling that he’s completely fine just watching me. I, on the other hand, want to squirm under his watch and run the six miles back home.
“Should we…?” I point towards the door, but Lorenzo doesn’t break eye contact.
“Yeah, let’s go.” He doesn’t move, so I take it upon myself to walk past him. When I turn back to make sure he’s following, because I’m not going to walk into his friend’s house without him, his eyes are traveling my body.
I turn back to the door and open it, a small smile playing on my lips. I love the effect I seem to have on him, even if it is just on a physical level. The memory of him slapping my butt flashes across my mind and I bite down on my lower lip.
