Page 59 of Pretty Relentless

“Totally.” Leaning forward and pressing his mouth against my ear, he whispers, “Sexiest. Fucking. Dress. Ever.”

My heart is pounding in my chest as I stare into his heated eyes. “I wore it on New Year’s Eve,” I blurt out like the dork I am.

“I figured. It took me a bit to figure out it was the red dress with a black sweater over the top, but rest assured, the result was the same. Jacked off before I could fall asleep.” His confession is heady and does wonders for my confidence level and calming my nerves. “You are the sexiest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and the fact you haven’t dry humped anyone before actually makes me happy, because not only was it a first I get to share with you, but I don’t have to kill some poor asshole because, apparently, I’m a jealous fucker when it comes to you. I really like you.”

A smile cracks across my lips as I lean forward and press them to his. “I really like you too.”

Again, he strokes his finger over my bottom lip. “Good. And I don’t want you to ever feel embarrassed when we’re together. Every moment I spend with you is perfect, because it’s just you and me. We’re getting to know each other and doing things that make us both feel good. There’s nothing wrong with either, especially when I get to watch you come undone the way you just did.”

Feeling myself relax, I hug him as best as I can, considering our positions in the truck. “You’re too good to be true,” I whisper.

“No, I’m not. I’m just a man doing his best to learn from past mistakes and do right by the people around me, especially those I care about.”

You couldn’t pry my smile off my face with a putty knife. Glancing down, I notice the wet spot on the front of his jeans. “Ummm…”

He snorts, looking down after noticing where my eyes are. “Occupational hazard?” he jokes.

Knowing how messy I feel right now in my own pants, I can’t imagine what he’s dealing with. “Do you want to come inside? You know, get cleaned up?”

His smile is the sweetest, most gentle one I’ve ever seen. “Yes,” he says, placing a chaste kiss on my lips. “Which is why I’m not.”

There must be confusion written all over my face.

“We’re not quite there yet, despite what might have just happened, but we’re close. When I take you to bed, it’s all night, Ava. You and me with nothing between us, literally and figuratively.”

“I want that too,” I murmur.

“And we’ll get there. I’m not rushing this. I’m not rushingyou.”

My lips find his once more in a leisurely kiss. I realize I could kiss this man all day, every day, and never tire. He has the most amazing mouth and evokes feelings I’ve never experienced.

When we finally pull apart, it’s with a sigh. “I’ll walk you up.”

Again, I glance down at the wet spot between us. “I’m sure that wouldn’t be very comfortable. I can manage.”

He opens his mouth, most likely to argue, but I silence him with a finger to his lips. “I’ll be fine.”

Seeming annoyed, he insists, “Text me when you get inside, and be sure to lock the door.”

“I will,” I agree, reaching for my purse.

Carefully, I climb off his lap and out the door, only to be stopped the moment my feet hit the pavement. “Thank you for an amazing day. And just so you know, this was definitely a date date.”

Nodding, I concur. “It was definitely a date date.”

Pressing one final kiss to his lips, I make my way to my house, smiling the entire way.

By the time I’m inside, my panties are soaked from my orgasm, but it doesn’t stop me from spinning around in a circle in elation. I quickly fire off a text message, realizing Gavin is still sitting in my driveway, most likely waiting for the sign to leave. His reply is instant and makes me smile once more.

Gavin:Good night, beautiful. Talk to you very soon.

Best date date ever.

“I have a question for you,” Ellie says the moment she reaches my table.

“Well, good evening to you too,” I tease as she delivers a glass of water.

“Do you want something besides water?” she asks.

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