Page 14 of Level Me Up

"I want to take you out on a date. Next week. When we are back in Chicago. What do you think about that?"

Well, I think I'd do just about anything to keep him smiling, but I don't admit that. "I'd like that," I say breathlessly as I lean in slightly.

There is a gleam in his eyes when he leans into me and demands quietly in my ear, “Give me your number, Morgan."

I miraculously recite my number, and then I feel my phone vibrating from my clutch. I dig out my phone, and there is his number calling mine. I snatch up the phone and tell him to smile as I snap a picture of him.

It isn't long after we exchange numbers that Ruby and I say goodbye to the group. Ruby and Bernie haven't stopped talking since we joined them, so now that they hit it off I'm even more excited about hanging out with her again.

Dex walks me to the door as I follow Ruby out of the club. He wanted to walk us back to the hotel, but Ruby interrupts, "It’s ok, lover boy! We have like a five-minute walk, so we’ll be fine."

She’s right. We will be. There are so many people out and about, we have no need to worry about getting back to the hotel safely. He chuckles as I wave and say good night. I turn away, and he grabs my hand to pull me toward him. I'm taken a little off guard when I realize that he is pulling me in for a kiss. He leans down, looking into my eyes, and then at my lips, and then he kisses me. It's gentle but firm. It only lasts a few seconds, but it is amazing.

I want more, but he's already taken a step back, and I can hear Ruby whistle from behind me. He smiles genuinely at me and says, "Good night, Morgan."

He heads back into the club. Ruby loops her arm through mine and says with a laugh, "A good night indeed."

Ten minutes later, as we walk into our hotel room, I feel my phone vibrate. I pull it out and see that I have a text. It’s from Dex. My heartbeat hits double-time as I swipe at the text and read…

Dex:She did call me lover boy, so I had to make good on the name. See you soon.

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