Page 56 of Make You Stay

“I would love for you to be the exception,” she murmurs, those dark eyes luminous as they meet mine.

This time, I know that sexy smile is for me. There’s no doubt.

“Get over here,” I order, wrapping my arms around her when she snuggles onto my lap.

Do I want to carry her upstairs and have my way with her? Absolutely, but Chloe deserves first-class treatment, something that’s been sorely lacking in her life thus far.

So, I settle for kissing the most delicious mouth I’ve ever known. As I pull Chloe flush against me, her breath hitching when my tongue melds with hers, I know I could be happy spending every day like this.

Best part? We haven’t even had our first date yet.

But I have one hell of an idea.

Chapter 12

Chloe

I’ve pulled every single item of clothing from my closet in a desperate bid to find something suitable to wear tonight.

It’s my first date with Aidan, and even though we’ve been out together several times, this time, it’s for real.

We aren’t friends grabbing a drink or listening to music.

We’re going on a date.

Something we both swore we couldn’t do with the other person.

Love had other ideas, at least where I’m concerned. Now, I hope Aidan feels some semblance of the emotion, as well.

I think he does. He acts like it. Hell, he’s spoiled me more than anyone else in my life, and weweren’tdating at that point.

I finger the gold necklace, smiling at the feel of the cool metal around my neck. I wear it every day. Not only is it beautiful, but it makes me feel close to Aidan when he isn’t around. I also think he loves the fact that I love it, which is a bonus.

My phone rings, and I bite back a grin. It’s the man of the hour, and I’m hoping he can shed some light on our plans for the evening and how the hell I should dress. “Hi, how’s your day?”

“About to get way better. Will you be ready to go within the hour?”

“About that—”

“Don’t tell me you’re canceling.”

I can’t help it—I smile at the disappointment in his voice. Glad to know he’s looking forward to our date, too. “You’re not gettingthatlucky.”

“I’m not getting lucky now? Damn.”

“Let me rephrase. You might get lucky, but you’re not getting rid of me. What should I wear tonight?” My guess is somewhat dressy, considering he took Barbara to a fancy restaurant.

“Casual is fine. Jeans and a sweatshirt work.”

“Oh, okay.” So much for the trendy steakhouse.

Immediately, I push that thought from my mind. Who am I to expect some fancy dinner? That’s a terrible mentality. In fact, I argued with Aidan several times about paying for the date. I feel obligated since he’s spent so much money on me already, but he insisted on setting everything up tonight.

Besides, it doesn’t matterwherewe go. I’m with Aidan.

“We both know I can dress for comfort.” I throw a glance at the pile of clothes on my bed, realizing I won’t need any of them. Just as well. Comfort trumps heels any day.

“You know what? Bring an extra set of clothes, just in case you don’t want to do what I have planned.”

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