Page 44 of Sweeter Than Fiction

Barely able to speak, I ask, “What’s the verdict?”

“I think it was pretty fucking incredible,” he says with a smile. “Abby, all those things that you just named? I don’t see any of those things as downfalls. All of those things put together make you who you are.”

“And even with all that, you still want to go on a date with me?” I ask, still in shock.

“More than ever.” He grins. “So, Abigal Jones, I’m going to ask you one more time. Will you go on a date with me?”

I still can’t help being skeptical, but the desire for him to kiss me again far outweighs my doubts. So for once, I decide to push away all of my fear and insecurities and instead take a chance.

“Yes.”

Chapter Eighteen

Abby

“This was a mistake,” I say to Jenson, who is setting out a slew of dresses and makeup all over my bed.

After Don asked me out last night, I had to tell someone. Who better than my gay bestie? I even asked if he’d come help me get ready for said date. I didn’t think he’d bring the entire mall with him.

“No mistake, my darling. When I’m done with you, you’re going to make his jaw drop…and his cock rise.”

“I don’t think you’re a miracle worker, Jenson.”

“Oh, honey, just watch. Now, I’m going to set out some different options while you go take a shower.”

“Do I have a choice?”

He winks at me. “What do you think?”

I let out a heavy sigh and head toward the bathroom.

Jenson says, “And you better shave above the knee! And make sure you groom everything that needs groomed.”

Trying to avoid the inevitable, I take my time in the shower. I wash, shave, exfoliate, and groom for what feels like forever. I’m in there so long that I run out of hot water and have to quickly finish my shower under the cold spray.

I really don’t think Don and I will do anything naughty tonight. Instead, I’m sure I’ll do something to completely embarrass myself.

I doubt Don will be eager to jump into bed with me. At this point, I’m hoping we still have a friendship when the evening is over.

I spent all night thinking about that kiss. The man didn’t even use tongue, and I was already a love-sick mess.

I wonder how he kisses with tongue.

Still, I have no idea what prompted him to ask me out or how my speech didn’t completely scare him off.

But this is Don.

Over the past few weeks, he has inadvertently become a huge part of my life. As scary as dating is, dating him doesn’t seem quite as bad.

I just have to remind myself of that fact when it’s actually time for the date.

When I get out of the shower, I put on some lotion and head back to the bedroom. The mess on my bed has gotten even worse.

“Jenson, where did all this stuff come from? It had to cost a fortune.”

“Sweetie, that’s what receipts are for. Anything you don’t wear, we can return.”

“What’s wrong with my own clothes?’

---