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“Thank you.” There are days when that confidence is more flash than fact, but on those rare occasions, I smile and manifest my amazingness into being. Today, with the incredible way Blake is making me feel, there’s no need for bluster. I relax against him, more comfortable in his arms than I probably should be. At least this soon. Thingsaremoving quickly, but my plan is to go with the flow and see where it leads us. “Darling, I can’t help feeling you’re trying to tell me something, but I’m missing it.”
“You’d think I’d be better with words.” He cups my face in his hands, and I melt into a puddle of goo. “I’m trying to tell you that I like you, Stef. A lot. That I’m intensely attracted to you.”
So why does it sound like there’s a ‘but’ in there? I try to keep my body loose and relaxed. “Those are all good things, right?” I watch his eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation… and there it is. My stomach drops, and I hold my breath.
“They are. But it’s also fast, and it’s been a while since I’ve felt like this about anyone.” He grins wryly. “This is me looking before leaping, I suppose.”
Okay, that’s not too bad. I can deal with that. “Well, in case you have any doubts about how I feel, I like you too. A lot. And I’m intensely attracted to you, too.” I smooth my hands down his chest and lean closer, hoping for a kiss. Then it occurs to me that maybe he’s trying to slow things down. “Wait. You said you wanted to date.”
“Oh, I do! Shit, I’m messing this up.” His cheeks pink, and he gets adorably flustered.
Gods, how is this man even real? “Okay. That’s good. So, are we doing celibate dating or can we still get naked together?”
His laugh is so genuine I instantly relax. “I adore your priorities, sweetheart. And yes.” He finally kisses me softly on the lips and I may sigh just a little. “I would love to be naked with you. And dating.”
“Thank gods, because I’ve been thinking about you naked all night!” I eagerly tug him into the foyer. “You had me worried I’d have to act primly and keep my hands to myself.” He takes the lead, speed walking us through the den to his bedroom door, and I bring us to a stop at the foot of his wonderfully large and inviting bed.
He’s still laughing, but stops my hands as I reach for the hem of his shirt. “Wait. That’s only part of what I wanted to say.”
“Blake.” It comes out a bit whiney and frustrated. I might be getting a teensy bit impatient, but who can blame me? I’ve been waiting to get him naked for hours, and the bed isright here. “Do we have to talk right now?” I slip my arms around his neck and press against him since it seemed to do the trick earlier. “In case I’m not being clear enough, I’d very much like us to be naked, doing lots of fun, dirty things to each other until we both have orgasms.”
Blake grins but gently pushes me back a few inches. I obviously need to work on my seduction game. At least he keeps his hands on my hips. “I know. I’m sorry. But I need to make sure we’re on the same page.”
I take a small step back and give him my full attention. I’ve been known to bulldoze over people—completely inadvertently, of course—and I’m trying to do better. This discussion is important to Blake, so it’s important to me. Getting naked can wait a few more minutes. “For the record, you’re incredibly lucky you’re adorable.” I wave my hand in a ‘go on’ motion.
“We didn’t have the most auspicious start, and we’ve only been working together for a month—”
“Wereworking together.” I grin cheekily at him. “You fired me this afternoon.” Thank gods. After seeing him in a Speedo I was seriously considering quitting.
“Yes.Were. Anyway, I want you to know that I think you’re smart, and sexy, and so full of life.” He pauses and grins at me. “Sorry, I assumed you’d have something to say about that.”
I wink at him. “No. It’s all true. I have nothing to add.”
His smile loses some of its intensity, and his hands tighten on my hips. “I’m concerned this is all happening fast. Not worried but concerned. A bit.” And nowI’mconcerned that he keeps saying ‘concerned.’ “What if we find out we have nothing in common?”
I do not roll my eyes, and that should earn me some kind of recognition. This man is going to give me wrinkles before my time. “Blake, we have a ton in common.” At his frown of disbelief, I tick off examples on my fingers. “One, even though we didn’t put the pieces together, we basically have the same friend group. There are a few friends you know better than I do, and vice versa, but they all know each other and get along. Compatible friends are pretty darn important, and we’ve already passed that hurdle.”
I tap a second finger. “Two, we both love physical activity.” I waggle my eyebrows at him. “Of all varieties.” That brings some of the sparkle back to his eyes. I tap finger number three. “We’re both focused on our careers. I have a better understanding of work-life balance, but we’re working on yours and doing it together. Did you know being able to work together is a sign of a solid relationship? We already know we can do that.” I tap finger four. “And we’re both all about family. I know Tadhg and Mia are important to you, just like Jules, Erik, and my parents are to me.”
As I talk, his tension eases, and by the time I’m done he’s smiling again. I’m so glad he’s someone who listens. “You know, Blake, we balance each other nicely.” I glide my hands up his arms and over his shoulders. “You’re so grounded. So think-first-and-speak-second. You consider all angles before making a decision.” I step closer, hoping we’re past his hesitation. “That’s so freaking smart and sexy. If you ask our friends, they’ll probably tell you I could use some grounding.” I brush my lips along his jaw. “But I can teach you how to shake things up a bit. Let your hair down. Be a bit more free-spirited.” I tease his lips with mine. “We’re glitter and glue, darling. Peanut butter and chocolate.” I grin and nip gently at his mouth. “I get to be the chocolate.”
Blake chuckles. “Obviously.”
“We’re french fries and chocolate shakes.”
He makes a yuck face and shakes his head. “Wait, that’s just… no.”
I gawp at him. “Blake, are you telling me you’ve never tried that?”
“Why would I try that? It sounds horrible.” He frowns in disgust.
I throw my hands up. “This is thoroughly unacceptable. On our first date, we’re going somewhere we can order french fries and shakes, and you’re going to try it.”
His response is swift and forceful. “That isnotwhere I’m taking you on our first date.” He’s completely offended, and it’s hilarious. It also kind of turns me on.
“Fine.” I drape my arms around his neck. “So, where are we going on our first date?”
“I…” He hesitates. “I thought I’d take you to dinner atLaurent, have a nice meal, drink some wine, and talk. Get to know each other.”
