Page 56 of Offsides

She startles, offering me a fake smile. “Right. Yeah. Sure. Of course.”

Chuckling, I catch the coat she hastily takes off and almost tosses at me. “Relax, Dani. It’s just you and me. You’ve been here with me a million times.”

She lets out a nervous laugh, shaking her head and slipping out of her shoes. “I know. This feels different, though. More significant, I guess.”

“Because it’s the end of a date?”

That gets me a lopsided grin. “Yeah.”

Placing my hands on her hips, I pull her close to me. “Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”

She rests her hands on my shoulders, her eyes on the open collar of my shirt. “Hmm. I can think of a thing or two.”

“Oh yeah?” At my question, she finally raises her eyes to mine, fathomless and deep in the low light spilling in from the kitchen. Up close like this I can see the shimmer of her bronze eyeliner. “What’s that?”

In response she slides a hand behind my neck and pulls my mouth to hers, her lips still tasting faintly of raspberries. If this is what she needs to feel more comfortable, I’m happy to oblige.

I tighten my grip on her hips, then shift my hands to her lower back so I can hold her against me, wanting to be as close as possible.

Even though we’ve been friends for years, there’s so much about her body that I need to learn. So much more of her to explore.

Last time was great—everything I could’ve hoped for—but once is barely more than a taste.

Speaking of taste, I didn’t get to taste her last time. I plan to remedy that tonight.

Ending the kiss—and smiling at her reluctance—I gently guide her to the hallway that leads to my room. “Let’s go to bed,” I whisper.

“Oh. Right. Yes, let’s do that,” she whispers back, sounding almost dazed.

It’s satisfying to have that effect on any woman, but especially Dani, who’s usually so unflappable, so in control and stoic about nearly everything. The one exception is when she wins. At anything. Any sort of game, and she turns into a competitive maniac who’ll stop at nothing to defeat her competition.

She’s not an ass about it, though she does like to take the opportunity to do a victory dance and point and say, “Ha!” any time she beats me. But I’ve noticed she only does that to me, so I know it’s just part of our particular dynamic. She feels comfortable enough with me to gloat over her wins. With everyone else, she’s as gracious in winning as defeat.

It’s fun to see her flustered in a new way. I wonder how long it’ll take her to get comfortable with this new part of our relationship?

I hope soon. As cute as she is when she’s shy and uncertain, I want to see her let loose her inner vixen. Especially when I know she’s a bombshell all dressed up with her sultry curves and nipped in waist. She’s an old school pinup girl come to life.

That would be a fun role-play …

I think role playing will have to wait for some time in the future, though, when the newness has worn off and we know each other’s likes and preferences and want something to spice things up.

Maybe some people think that sounds boring. I can’t fucking wait, though. Getting enough time to know Dani’s body as well as my own?

Yes, please.

In my room, I close the door then light the few candles I’ve placed around the room before turning off the overhead light.

Dani turns in a slow circle, her lower lip caught between her teeth like she’s trying to hide her smile, her eyes shining in the warm candlelight.

“Who would’ve guessed you were such a romantic at heart?” she says when she faces me.

I lift one shoulder. “Is that such a bad thing?”

She shakes her head, her wavy hair swishing. “Not at all.”

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I beckon her closer. “Come here. Let me get my hands on you.”

She obediently steps closer, and I reach for the tie holding her dress closed. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night.”

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