Page 34 of Approved

Chapter thirteen

WEST

Tyler was so much more than I had ever hoped for. We walked around the Art Festival holding hands, enjoying each other’s company, and looking at tons of handmade items. I noted anything he liked so I could get them as gifts in the future. I loved spoiling someone I cared about, some of these items would be perfect as a pick-me-up or on a day I want to make him smile. Like all the other couples, we laughed and teased, happy to be outside in the beautiful weather. I had never really dated someone, but this felt great, and I was excited to do more of it.

I asked him questions about his life all day since I wanted to know everything about him. Whenever I had a chance, I would steal a kiss, and I was pleased that he would do the same. Unless I was completely misreading it, he enjoyed being with me, and there was no place I would rather be than with him.

“I’m glad you came with me.” I wanted him to know how much I liked being with him without pushing too hard. “And I appreciate that you helped me with Charlie yesterday. You saved me from a full-blown panic attack. Thank you.”

He leaned over and kissed me sweetly. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m glad to be here with you, too.”

“I know that technically this is our first date, but would you maybe consider dating, dating me?”Why did I ask that?Even though it seemed reasonable since we had been circling each other for weeks now, it felt way too soon. Now it was out there, and I had never been so nervous about hearing an answer. Until Tyler, I had everything I could ever want, but this man in front of me was a surprise, and I wanted him as part of my life.

I stood there, my palms were sweating, and I wiped them on my pants. This was not something I had ever asked before, or even considered asking before, because it didn’t seem like it was something I would ever want to do. I hadn’t planned to say anything like this, but I leaned into it now that it was out there. “So what do you think?” It was very difficult for me not to continue talking while I waited for him to say anything. I started to consider backing out of the question when he smiled. It warmed my heart, and I hoped he would say yes.

“Yes. I would like to date you, and I assume you mean exclusively?”

I tried acting cool but knew I hadn’t pulled it off. “Yes. Exclusively. For the record, though, it’s probably been two years since I’ve been near another man, maybe more.” I muttered the last part because it kind of embarrassed me that I was alone all the time and had chosen that.

He looked at me, obviously surprised. “Seriously?”

“You find that hard to believe?”

“You own a bar and are hot. You have to have men falling all over you.”

“I appreciate the compliments, and yes, I have options, but I got tired of the whole hookup culture. I want more.” My stomach dropped. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that, but it was true, and ifhe wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, it was best we didn’t go further.

“It’s pleasantly surprising. I like knowing you are looking for a relationship, especially since we are now dating.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’d like for us to date and see where this goes. There are a few deal breakers.”

I knew I looked crestfallen, but I sucked it up. “Sure, what are those?”

“Jamie, Earl, and Larry must all approve you.”

I let out a chuckle and sighed. “Bring it on. I already know I can impress Jamie.”

This time, he was the one who laughed. “Yeah, she is already on team West. Threatening to seduce you herself.”

“I don’t think that could happen. I'm a fan of the dick. But I think I can get her completely on my side. One of the things you should know is that one of my love languages is gift-giving.” I hoped he would learn to accept that about me. It was a craving to do things for those who mattered to me, and I often got little things for West and Allison. Spark more than once found a little something on her desk, and like I had when we went to Hash House, I take a surprise for my staff when I can. “Earl and I seem to be getting along well enough, and he thinks I gave him a kitten. Larry might be more difficult. This might be presumptuous, but I’d like to meet him.”

“Did you just ask to meet my cat?”

I wondered if I had done something wrong. “Yes?!”

He leaned over, his mouth on mine, deep and hungry. He slipped his tongue between my lips and I opened for him enjoying his tongue hot against mine, a soft moan came from me even though we were in a public place and I had to make a conscious effort not to hump his leg—the things he did to me with just a kiss. What was clear is that I had said something that pleased him. He pulled back. “You can meet Larry. How about Itake you to my place? You can meet Larry, and I will cook dinner for you.”

That sounded amazing to me. “I’d love that.”

We kissed more, which I didn’t mind, I had never been one for PDA, but with him, the need to touch and kiss was ever present. My heart felt full, and it was something unfamiliar, but it wasn’t unwelcome. We stopped at the grocery store on the way home, and while Tyler got what he needed for dinner, I made sure to load up on some special cat treats, catnip, and toys. Larry was one of the last steps between me and Tyler, and I would make sure the fuzzball adored me.

When we entered Tyler’s apartment, Larry made himself known immediately by jumping up on the counter and meowing. He petted the cat and whispered in its ear.

“What can I do to help?”

He smiled. “I’ll let you feed Larry, that’s sure to win you points.”

It was nice that he wanted to help me get his approval. “Okay, Larry, I don’t know if this is the best out there, but let me know if you need or want something better. I’ll arrange it.” I told the cat not so quietly. Larry jumped down and weaved between my feet as I opened the can of food. He ate like he hadn’t been fed in days, but there was clearly a bowl of dry food next to what I just put down. After Larry was fed, my gaze landed on Tyler, who stood at the stove. I walked up behind him, my hand going to his lower back, then I kissed his cheek. Since we were dating, I assumed that allowed me to do such things now.

“Anything else I can do to help?” He cocked his head like he was thinking and my lips found his neck as I teased the soft skin, his body shuddered under my touch.

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