Page 89 of Written By a Woman

I lifted an eyebrow, making her raise both of hers in challenge as she took a sip of her water.

“In this fantasy,” I glanced down and gathered another bite of food on my fork, “You’d be on my lap, both of your legs around my waist.” She glanced around, similarly to how she did yesterday in the office. I took a bite of food as if this was a very normal, appropriate conversation for a public space, and swallowed before continuing, “No one would see inside because of my tinted windows,” I let my fork drag across my food as if I was preparing another bite, “But I’d see you. I’d see everything you’re hiding underneath that mouthwatering dress,” I grabbed my glass again and took a sip, meeting her eyes that were looking more hooded as she watched my throat work around my drink, “I’d feel everything. Hear everything. Every little sound you made back in that hotel room, and more.”

Her breathing caught before she reached for her own glass of water again and took a drink.

“But we’re not going to do that,” I shook my head, my lips tipping up in a smile as I saw her shoulders slump and her eyes widen in disbelief.

“We-we’re not?” she asked.

I shook my head before leaning back in my chair and taking another drink of water, setting the glass down on the table, “No, we’re not.”

She sat there, nodding her head once as a small pinch in her brow formed, her hands falling into her lap, “Can I ask why?”

I grinned, “I don’t like to rush things.”

She nodded again, taking another sip of water, and fanning her neck afterward, a self-deprecating smile tugging on those pink lips I desperately wanted to taste again.

“You didn’t consider what we did at the hotel rushing things?”

“I actually do,” I forked another bite, before locking eyes with her, “I was a man unprepared for your attention. But this is our first date, Signe. I want to savor it.”

Her expression softened a little at that, and as she watched me take another bite of food and chew it behind my closed lips, her shoulders relaxed a little bit before she nodded for the third time.

“I think I like the sound of that,” she grabbed her spoon and scooped another bite of curry before adding, “Though, you need to cool it. Otherwise, I’m going to soak through my dress here soon.”

I didn’t choke on my food this time; I just gave her a hungry look that I’m sure conveyed how desperate I was for her.

“So,” I cleared my throat, the straining in my pants desperate for me to change the subject, “What else is there to know about Signe Lange?” I took another bite and stared at her. I noted the look of nerves that flickered across her features, and how she adjusted in her seat as if she was momentarily uncomfortable. Because she didn’t know that I was already fully aware of how she was in the process of writing a book with me in it.

How I wasn’t supposed to know it even though that knowledge of mine is what led us to this dinner tonight.

Signe recovered after squirming in her seat for a moment, grinning at me and straightening her back with confidence as she pointed to the plate of naan, “Signe is a huge fan of carbs.”

I smiled and nodded, “I’ll make note of that.”

“…And I guess free food in general.”

I hummed noncommittally.

“…And you.”

I felt something warm bloom in my chest at her words, wondering how much longer I could keep up this charade of mine. Part of me was curious how long we would see each other before she felt the need to bring up her book. I remembered my sister’s warning from a while ago, about how it would be important for me to inform Signe that I was fully aware of her book, to avoid any conflict the longer our future relationship lasts.

But a part of me also struggled with the thought of why Signe was still keeping it a secret from me, I didn’t want to push her to share with me before she was ready. Surely, if this relationship we were exploring together were to become more serious, she’d have to share it with me at some point. Then I could let her know that I loved the idea of her pursuing her dream, even if I unintentionally helped inspire her to do it.

Maybe she wouldn’t be upset with me for keeping her secret just like she was?

But I didn’t let those thoughts spiral out of this moment I was having.

After months of pining, and longing for her, I was here. Having dinner with Signe.

I didn’t want to ruin this experience by focusing on both of our deceptions.

…I just wanted to focus on Signe.

ChapterTwenty

SIGNE

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