Page 69 of A Better Place

“Carly…” He looks down, shaking his head, laughing lightly as he reaches down and adjusts himself, the sight causing my cheeks to flame and my core to tingle. “…it’s fine. Trust me on that.”

“Oh, okay.” Am I ever not going to be awkward in front of this man?

“So, I was thinking.”

“You could think during that!?” I screech.

“Well, to be fair, I’ve been thinking this for a while now. That just confirmed it for me.”

“What is it?”

“We should go on a date,” he says, smiling.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“Really? I expected way more of a fight on that one.”

I giggle. “I have been a little… determined, haven’t I?”

“Worth it,” he mumbles, pulling me back down for another kiss, making my heart soar.

“So, a date?”

“I don’t want this to come off as presumptuous, but I’d really like to cook for you in my home and I have the apartment above Balance, but it’s not ready yet. I’m not willing to wait very long for this date.”

“You have been very patient with me,” I assure him.

“So, I was thinking… what if I come pick you up tonight? Or is that too soon?”

“Not too soon at all.”

“I’ll cook for you there one day, I promise. But tonight is a real date.”

“Can’t wait,” I say, fighting back giddy squeals.

“So, I’ll see you around six?”

“Five,” I correct him, causing him to grin.

“Five it is,” James confirms, kissing me again, as if he can’t get enough. “You might need to get off me now, so I can go home and prepare to woo you.”

“Oh!” I say, sitting up quickly. “I’m sorry.”

“Never be sorry for sitting on me, or lying on me, basically touching me in any way.”

“You’re kind of wonderful, you know that?” I tell him.

“Nah, it’s pretty simple when I’m with you.”

And my entire body melts to a big pile of goo.

We both stand up as we make our way to the front door. He steps into his boots, leaving them untied. He turns to face me and takes my face in his large hands.

“I’ll see you tonight? At five?” I ask, breathless.

“Yeah, baby, see you here. I’ll pick you up at five. Until then.” James leans down and brushes his lips against mine once. Twice. Three times. Then I take his shirt in my hand and fist it, bringing him down to me. One hand leaves my face as he reaches around my back and bends me over backward. He kisses me so thoroughly I feel it in my toes.

Suddenly we’re both upright again and he lays his forehead against mine.

“You’re everything I need, Carly,” he says, making me gasp. He rubs his thumb over my cheek, his voice low and husky. “Remember a bit more of last night, sweetheart?”

I look into his eyes, reach up, and cup his scruff-covered cheeks with my fingers and nod my head slowly.

“You’re everything,” he repeats. He kisses my forehead as his hand trails down my arm. He squeezes my hand in his once, then he’s gone.

And I’m alone with my thoughts.

Let the freak-out begin.

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