Page 39 of Almost Love

Fifteen minutes.

*sends address*

It’s the house with the bright yellow front door.

Leaving it on the counter, Clementine made a second pizza and slid them both into the oven. Those fifteen minutes would give her enough time to get the food and her kitchen ready. She even rummaged around in her fridge and found a bottle of wine and a few beers lurking on the bottom shelf.

Her oven pinged at the same time that her doorbell rang and Clementine felt her nerves return. Inhaling deeply, she flexed her fingers. With a nod, she released the breath and muttered to herself, “You’ve made your pizza, now lie in it.”

She smoothed down her dress as she walked to the door, grabbed the handle and pulled it open.Oh god, I wasn’t prepared for this. Oakley stood on her front stoop in dark jeans and a green T-shirt that made his eyes pop. His blond hair was a mess, like he’d been running a hand through it, and he was pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Where’s your jacket?”

“In my Jeep. Do I need it?”

She shook her head, stepping aside to let him in. She closed the door and admired Oakley from the back. He turned to look at her and she felt a pleasant shiver run up her spine. This man was unfairly beautiful and she didn’t know how to handle it.

“I’m glad you could come,” she said softly as he said, “I missed you.”

Her heart clenched at the sound of his laugh, because she had missed him too. He dragged a hand through his hair, eyes never leaving hers and she felt like she might melt through the floor.

“I’m glad you texted.”

She almost apologized for taking too long, but decided against it. Instead, she offered him a small smile and headed back to her kitchen.

“Dinner?”

“Sure.”

“Wine or beer?”

“Uh…neither, I’m good with water.”

She nodded and put the alcohol back into her fridge and pulled out a jug of water instead. “I made pizza. You okay with pepperoni?”

“Is it pizza if it doesn’t have pepperoni?” He sounded amused and she bit her bottom lip to hide her smile.

Hands covered in oven mitts, Clementine pulled the pies out and set them on the counter. The smell wrapped itself around her and she was glad that even though her mind was elsewhere, it turned out pretty good. She turned to reach for a plate, but bumped into Oakley. For a moment, she’d forgotten that he was there. Now his ocean scent invaded her senses and firm shoulders captivated her. She swallowed hard and lifted her head as he stepped into her space, hands landing on either side of her on the counter. He leaned in and a shudder ran through her before she tensed.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have.” He started, backing away and she shook her head, gently grabbing his arm. With her eyes shut, she exhaled loudly. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t do this. I’veneverdone this.”

“You don’t have to explain. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

Clementine opened her eyes and looked at him, imploring him to understand. “I wanted to like it, but it also…” she sighed, thumb pressed against the wild pulse at his wrist. “I wasn’t prepared.”

“I get it.”

“You don’t,” she said softly and he stopped fidgeting to look at her. “Sex is complicated for me. It’s…I don’t…I haven’t…”Where are all my words when I need them?

“Oh.Oh. Shit, Clementine. I didn’t know.”

She rolled her eyes and released his arm, getting some of her fire back. “I’m not a virgin, not that there’s anything wrong with that either. And honestly what even is virginity, it’s a social—no, let’s not go downthatroad.” She straightened up, meeting his confused eyes. “I haven’t been with anyone in years. And to be honest, sex scares me.”

Oakley nodded. “Scares the shit out of me too.”

Pfft. He’s a total sex god and he’s trying to make me feel better.

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