Page 48 of Too Enchanting

Jed

I’d love to,” Serena said, and my heart dislodged from my throat.

I really wanted to keep this date going, but I wanted to make sure she was ready. We didn’t need to rush, I was planning on being with her for a long time. But after our talk at dinner, and the way we’d been teasing each other over the past few weeks, I wanted the night with her.

Hell, I just wanted her.

We walked through the house, Serena looking around curiously, and I realized she hadn’t yet been inside, only out at my workshop. I was glad I’d taken the time to at least straighten up. The place wasn’t spotless, but at least I didn’t look like a total slob.

“Would you like something to drink?” I asked belatedly as we walked up the stairs.

“Oh, ah, maybe a glass of wine. And water.”

I led her into my room and said, “I’ll go grab the drinks, feel free to look around. Snoop. Whatever you want…”

Serena laughed when I gave her permission to snoop.

“Make yourself comfortable,” I amended, then turned and jogged down the stairs, hoping like hell I had some wine.

Maybe you should have made sure before you asked her what she wanted, jackass, I mentally chided as I searched the kitchen.

I opened the fridge to grab a couple of waters and muttered, “Score,” when I saw the bottle of opened Riesling in the door. I couldn’t remember when it was from, so I prayed it was still good as I pulled it out and poured a glass.

After giving it a sniff, I deemed it good enough, and hurried back up the stairs.

As I walked in, I saw Serena pull her head from the closet and shut the door quickly, then she turned to me with a look of guilt.

“Busted,” I joked as came forward carrying the bottles in one hand and her glass of wine in the other. I crossed to the dresser to set them down, then turned back to her and said, “You found out where I shoved my dirty clothes. Whatever you do, don’t look under the bed.”

“Too late,” she said with a blush and a giggle. “Sorry, I had to know what was under there.”

“It’s been a long, busy week, so I haven’t had time to do the weekly cleaning I usually do. I hope that doesn’t change your opinion of me.”

Serena shook her head, seeming shy as she headed straight for the wine and took a big gulp, then clasped the glass to her chest as she looked anywhere but at me.

Wanting to jump her warred with wanting to put her at ease. I looked around the room, trying to figure out what my approach should be. Did I suggest we watch TV? Netflix and chill? Did I offer to give her a back rub, which everyone knew was the universal sign for let’s get busy?

Then my gaze landed on the camera I used to take pictures of furniture I liked, or anything that gave me inspiration for a piece, and an idea took root.

I grabbed the Canon off my dresser and held it in one hand.

Serena’s eyes flitted to it and her gaze became questioning.

“Remember when you drew me?” I asked, my tone lowering with excitement at my intention.

She nodded, eyes wide.

“Let me photograph you.”

I could sense her hesitation, and saw her internal debate play across her face, so I also saw when Serena decided to comply.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked, her voice thick, and I knew she was already getting turned on.

“Go stand by the wall,” I ordered, lifting the camera so I could take off the lens cap, find the right setting, and turn it on.

When it was ready, I looked up to see Serena leaning against my wall, shoulders back, legs crossed at the ankles. Those shoes were staying on, but the rest … well, we’d get rid of it slowly.

“Unzip your dress,” I said as I raised the camera and looked through it.

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