Page 50 of Park Avenue Princess

Chapter 14

Lynne

“This is the absolute best,” I say, taking another bite of pizza. I follow that with a chug of root beer.

“Mm, hmm,” Guy moans, his mouth too full to actually form words.

He’s exceptionally skilled at finding the most delicious eats in places that look like hole-in-the-wall joints. And remembering pizza is my weakness earns him more bonus points. We’re tucked away in a dimly lit room with only five tables, all filled. Noises emanate from the busy kitchen while a waitress comes around to refill our drinks.

“Getcha anything else?” she asks.

“We’re good, so good.” I practically drool, earning a laugh.

“You need anything, just holla.” She sashays on to the next table.

“You might need a wheel barrel to cart me out of here if I don’t stop. But, oh my heck, this is so delicious.”

“We can always box it up for later,” Guy replies. “Cold pizza isn’t bad for breakfast.”

I cast him a sideways glance. “Is that your sly way of inviting yourself to my place tonight?”

He chokes on his drink. “No, damn, no, I wasn’t, I mean—”

“Guy, relax, I was only joking. Something I haven’t been able to do in quite some time.”

He wipes his mouth with his napkin then places it on the table before holding my gaze. “Well if you want to know the truth, there’s no place I’d rather be than with you tonight. And tomorrow night, and the night after that.”

I face him and know he’s sincere. As much as I want that, why am I still hesitant? I meant it when I said I trusted him. Can I trust myself? Fully open myself to the belief that Iamworthy of him?

“Just like that, you’re ready to jump right back in?”

“I thought we already had this sorted earlier? Yes, Lynne. We’ve lost nearly six years. I don’t want to lose another moment.”

“But—”

“Stop with thebut, thewhy, thehow, and just go with your gut, your heart.” He places a hand on my thigh. “You know we were great together, and I’m not just talking about the sex.” He squeezes my leg. “I mean, yes, the sex was amazing, and do I want you back in my bed? Fuck, yeah. But it was more than that. It was everything. The fun, the laughter, the discovery. The ease of being together.”

I shake my head. “But that was paradise. A time and place outside our usual lives without stresses and demands. Who’s to say we could continue that here, now?”

“And who’s to say we couldn’t? Because I know we could. Lynne, I know we still have things to learn about one another, and I want that. I wantyouto want that.”

Placing my hand on his bearded cheek, I lean in to press a soft kiss to his lips. “I do want that,” I murmur. “And I do want you to come back to my place with me.” I sit back a fraction. “Of course, only if you want to.” I tease.

Guy snakes a hand around my neck and pulls me back for a kiss, only this one lasts much longer and is way hotter than the one I initiated. “You bet your perfect sweet ass I do.”

I can’t help but laugh as he flags down the waitress, asking for the check and a to-go box. Once we’re ready, he carries the box while wrapping an arm around my waist to lead us outside where dusk is settling over the city. I indicate the need to go north as we begin our walk to my building which is about a dozen blocks away.

“Do you live in the city?” I ask Guy.

“No, I live east of here over in Jackson Heights, a suburb in Queens. I’ve got a great townhouse, been there three years. Before that I was renting in a complex near Queens College.”

“You’re happy with your life?”

He looks over at me. “I learned to be content without you.” At the sharp intake of my breath, he continues before I can say anything. “I have a great job with the city government. It’s rewarding and challenging, and I make a very nice salary. But, there was still one element missing.” He smiles. “Someone to share it with. So, I kept myself busy with work, and I love teaching at the college.”

I keep the conversation light for now. “I loved college. I think I could’ve been a career student.” I chuckle. “The constant learning. But out in the world, performing your job, putting to use the skills and knowledge you acquired, it’s stimulating, and yes, rewarding.”

“Stimulating, huh?” He teases. “Sounds likes we need to revise your experiences with stimulation.” He squeezes my side.

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