Page 49 of 28 Dates

Shedoesstill want me.

And now all I have to figure out is if it’s just for sex…or is she finally considering giving me what I wanted months ago? A shot at forever.

—

Caitlin bumps against me as I walk her down the sidewalk. We leave the bar at ten o’clock, early enough that it’s not too bad to walk, and yet when she insisted she could get home on her own, I absolutely refused to let her go.

When she realized how serious I was being, she put up little fuss, blowing a kiss goodbye to Tucker before letting me help her get her coat on. As entertaining as it was to watch her struggle with armholes and get her scarf wrapped around her neck, it would have been closing time had I left her to fend for herself.

Now I have one arm wrapped around her, my gloved hands at her waist. Her head is propped against my chest as I guide her over the cracked sidewalks so we don’t face-plant onto the cement.

After Ashley left earlier, I only had two more drinks. Caitlin clearly had to let go of some stress because she sucked those martinis back like she’d never get another one. Tucker and I chose to kick back and watch her drink, listen to her drone on and on about plans for the bar if I decide to expand.

The fact she already considers it a done deal ofwhennotifhas sparked an excitement in my veins I’ve been struggling to have about the whole idea.

But with Caitlin’s excitement growing and so clear, shining in her slightly glassy eyes, I sat back and listened to her explain the entire grand concept to Tucker, loving how confident she is about what I can do.

It makes me feel like an asshole for lying to her, especially about tonight, but also like a superhero, as if in her eyes, I can accomplish anything.

And damn…every man I know wants a woman at his side who encourages them and their ideas like Caitlin does with mine.

It also hasn’t escaped my notice that not once, not one single time since Ashley left tonight, has she mentioned Michael, either, and I haven’t pressed that. A part of me is hoping it’s because she’s had so much fun with me she’s completely forgotten that she was stood up earlier. The other part of me is dying to know if she’s still disappointed.

She trips over a crack in the sidewalk, and we both fall forward. “Easy!” I call out, grabbing her right before we both face-plant.

Once we’re on our feet, I dip down and slide my other hand beneath her knees and stand.

“Jonas!” she yelps as I pick her up.

“We’ll never get you home if you keep tripping over everything.”

“It’s not my fault the sidewalk is moving.”

I laugh. She’s goofy.

I carry her the last two blocks to her apartment and am greeted with a wave from Maurice when I reach the lobby.

“Hello there, Miss Hayes and Mr. Reeves. Need any help tonight?”

Caitlin already has her keys in her hand and waves them in the air. “No thanks, Maurice. Jonas’s got me.”

Yeah I do. And I wish I could in a different way.

“Just making a delivery, Maurice, I won’t be up there long.”

“Shame,” he grins. The man is old enough to have retired a decade ago, yet he still shows up for the night shift with the excitement of an employee’s first day of work at their dream career. “Take your time.”

I punch the elevator button and adjust Caitlin in my arms. Her eyes are droopy but she’s smiling.

“What’s so funny?”

“Maurice. He likes you.” She pats my hand and settles in on my chest. That burn ignites along with another desire I’m hoping she can’t feel beneath the thickness of my coat. “You’re a good guy, Jonas. One of the best.”

The elevator door opens, and we enter, me setting her to her feet as I hit the button to her floor.

I don’t respond as the elevator creeps to the floor. She and I enclosed in small spaces has always led to physical things, and more than once we’ve left with my handprints on the reflective walls from caging her in and kissing the hell out of her.

Her being so sweet is messing with my head and my resolve to win her slowly, and the right way.

---