My mind wasn’t in the gutter this morning, but by the end of the day, it was completely nasty and filthy to the brim. I needed to cool off and, unfortunately, the only one truly able to help with that was Andy himself.

I let out a long sigh as I leaned into the warm car seat as Andy drove us home.

“Long week?” he asked.

I let out another tired sigh. “You don’t need to remind me,” I said.

One of my projects was about to wrap up. I was busy all week at the house adding finishing touches and with professional photographers to get the best pictures. This project was called The Mykonos Project. My client fell in love with the Greek-Mediterranean villa she stayed in during her visit to Mykonos and wanted to bring it back to her own home with a modern twist.

It was such a fun project to create and be on. This was probably one of my best works yet, and I was super excited to wrap it all up. But all the running back and forth between the office and the project site took out the best of me this week. I was exhausted.

“At least it’s Friday. And our first date is tomorrow.”

I let out a light chuckle. “I honestly thought our first date was going to be us going to the movies during matinee hours.”

“That would be a great way to reminisce, but I’ll like our first date to be something different and fun. That’s why I think going on a quick day trip to Solvang would be best.”

“I’ve heard so much about this Dutch-inspired town. I’m really excited about tomorrow, to be honest. It’s in wine country too!”

“You’ll love it. I went there with Mom, Dad, and Anthony last year and they enjoyed it.”

I watched as traffic swelled, and we came to a slow pause on the freeway. Andy took the chance to unbutton one button of his ivory white dress shirt. Now that he had two buttons undone and my eyes immediately went straight to his chest.

Ever since Monday, I had been trying to stare at him respectfully without eyeing too long or hard. My eyes traveled all over him as I continued to focus on nothing but his warm beige skin underneath his clothes. I thought it had been a long day at work, but it turned out I wasn’t as exhausted as I assumed.

The burning lust from Monday morning immediately washed over the pit of my lower stomach, and I eagerly embraced it. I purposely reached over to the dashboard and turned up the temperature for the heater by a notch or two.

“Are you hot? Because I’m cold,” I lied.

“Yeah, it’s a little warm,” said Andy.

“Sorry. But if you want to, you can always take off your shirt. Or maybe I can give you a helping hand in that.”

Andy’s brows shot up as he gave me a quick, surprised glance. I bit my lip as I watched his cheeks bloom bright red, feeling a rush of excitement course through my body. I knew what I said was unexpected and bold. But I couldn't help myself around Andy. His presence was like a magnet, drawing me toward him with an irresistible force.

"So, this is the game you want to play, huh?” Andy’s voice was barely a shaky breath.

I grinned, triumphant. “Are you being shy right now?”

“N-No, I’m just nervous.” His response was weak, but cute.

I laughed. “Andy, it’s just me. What is there to be nervous about?”

“Because it actually is you, that’s why. I’ve only ever dreamed of being with you like this.” His thumb brushed over my knuckles tenderly.

The fire that blossomed in my chest took over the warmth radiating from the pit of my stomach. He set my heart ablaze with tender love for him over how cute he was. I took his hand in both my hands. I placed a kiss on the back of it.

“Andy, it’s alright. You can live out that dream with me.”

His big hand squeezed my smaller ones back. “I know and I’m trying.” I kissed his hand again, and he smiled bashfully.

We eventually got home after forty five minutes despite living just over ten miles away from downtown Santa Mariana. Before I could even toe the kitten heels I had on off, Andy’s arms were around me and pulled me into a hug from behind. Our bags dropped carelessly at our feet. His hot breath fanned across the back of my neck.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest as I held onto his strong arms. Andy leaned in and placed soft, tender kisses trailing up the nape of my neck to my face. I let out an uncontrollable shiver and he chuckled into my ear before placing a kiss on my cheek.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he whispered.

I leaned further into his wide chest as I lifted my chin to look up at him. “That’s it?” I asked.