Page 89 of Pieces of Us

‘Sure, Linc, let’s have a sleepover. Should I bring my night light too?’ I groan at her teasing. The first time we had a sleepover was when we were kids and I was still afraid of the dark, so Hart brought her lamp down so I would stop crying like a little bitch. I should have known she was my forever girl right then. She never told another soul about my wussy breakdown.

‘Would you? I want to see your face when I make you come on my cock, and when your mouth opens, begging for my come.’ It’s not the smoothest line I’ve ever said, but it’s enough to make her choke and cough. ‘What’s the matter, Hart? Cat got your tongue?’

Without missing a beat, she gets me, hook, line and sinker. ‘Nope, but I know another pussy that needs a tongue badly. See you soon.’ She hangs up, leaving me aching with blue balls.

Casual my ass. She’s tripping if she thinks we’re not more than casual. I just need to be patient with her until she realises it herself.

After checking with the distillery if they have any last minute availability for tonight, I whiz around my house to get ready. I also curse that my place hasn’t had a decent clean in weeks. At least the sheets are fresh and there’s no dirty laundry lying around. Sending off a quick text to Jas, I beg her to restock my fridge and pantry with all of Amity’s favourite foods. Even though I’m sure her preferences have changed in the last seven years, I still want to bring on some nostalgic memories when she’s here.

Less than an hour later, I pull up to Uncle Mark’s house. I don’t even have enough time to switch off the ignition before she comes bouncing out the front door like she’s been anticipating my arrival.

I’m equally excited and sad that this is our first date and one of our lasts before she leaves again. Still, I shove those memories out of my mind for the evening, choosing to focus on the here and now, and I have to say, it is looking like heaven.

There’s a golden glow setting upon us, the sun setting from day to dusk. The sky is painted with swirls of soft pinks and oranges, casting the most angelic light on Amity as she heads towards me. Unlike the sweltering heat of the last few weeks, tonight has a gentle breeze that blows her jet-black waves off her face.

It’s incredible how effortlessly gorgeous she is. She is in a short, sleeveless dress that is white and has red roses on it. It isn’t tight. It isn’t revealing. It’s just fun and flirty. She matches it with red wedges that tie up around her ankles, which make her legs look even more delectable. I’m having vivid fantasies of peeling her dress off and untying her shoes with my teeth. Over her shoulder, she has a small overnight bag, which sends a thrill through me.

I’m waiting at the passenger door for her, taking in this marvellous view. ‘Hi.’ She gives me a shy smile as if this really is our first date.

‘Hey, baby.’ I press a gentle kiss to her lips, groaning at the taste of her chapstick. Still the same one she used to wear all those years ago. It’s like the manufacturers knew exactly how to drive men crazy when they created the flavour. Placing a hand on my cheek, she holds my lips against hers. She doesn’t deepen the kiss with tongue but she pauses, loving her lips on mine. She pecks me once more before kissing my cheek and pulling back.

I slide her bag off her shoulder to pop it in the boot before opening her door and settling her in.

‘Ready?’ I grin at her. She doesn’t answer as she’s too preoccupied. She adjusts the air conditioner to blasting temperatures while also pushing the button for heated seats, which makes zero sense, but I enjoy seeing her make herself at home in my car. Lastly, she readjusts her chair and fiddles with the radio, only to give up and plug her own phone in.

When everything is to her exact satisfaction, she turns to me. ‘Now I am.’ I chuckle, shaking my head. ‘Where are we going, anyway?’

‘Wildflower Gin. Thought it might be nice to do a gin tasting and make our own. We’ll make all sorts of cool cocktails and have a cheeseboard and everything. Does that sound like fun?’ I hope.

We haven’t ventured into too much detail over our dating history. I wanted tonight to be original, but it never occurred to me this date might be average compared to the ones she’s been on, which leaves a sting in my chest. Will I ever be good enough for her?

‘Sounds perfect.’ She takes hold of my hand, but her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. She gives me a little squeeze, holding whatever she wants to really say in. I might not know everything about her, but I know her telltale signs when she still has more to say but is too polite to.

‘What’s on your mind?’ I’m itching to be able to read her mind again.

‘Whether or not you ever took Billie here,’ she sighs, dropping her head back on the headrest and letting my past infiltrate the present.

‘I would never take you somewhere I took her.’

‘You were with her for a long time. It’s inevitable.’

‘We’re on our first date. I never got to do this with you before. I wanted tonight to be special.’ It hurts to think she would assume I’d just copy and paste my past date spots.

We don’t speak for a few minutes, both needing to digest how we move forward without our past creeping in. There is something on the tip of my tongue that I can’t hold back any longer. ‘I’m afraid that tonight won’t be up to your standards,’ I blurt.

This admission shocks her face towards me. Before I let her make me feel even worse, I continue, unnecessarily smoothing my hair with one hand. ‘You’re rich and famous. The guys you hang out with are able to whisk you away to Paris at the drop of a hat. You’ve been to exotic places with Jagger and God knows who else, and I’m sure an appetiser at some of the restaurants you’re used to costs more than what I spend all evening.’

Her eyes widen then screw shut before she shakes her head. ‘No. God, no. Linc, it wouldn’t matter where you took me. It’s about the effort you make and the way you make me feel. I don’t want you to feel inadequate in any way.’ I smile weakly, but I still feel like I’m not good enough.

‘I can’t believe I’ve never taken you out on a real date. We’ve lost so much time.’

‘I know,’ she murmurs.

Needing to lighten the mood somehow, I suggest a game. ‘Let’s play question for question until we get to the distillery?’ Her eyes shine brightly as she nods enthusiastically.

‘Okay. Favourite interview so far?’

‘Tie between Ian Somerhalder and Charlie Hunnam,’ she says automatically. I roll my eyes, knowing it’s because she’s addicted to The Vampire Diaries and Sons of Anarchy. ‘Favourite home you’ve designed so far?’

---