Page 78 of Crying Shame
40
Elon
My stomach felt full as we exited the restaurant. My brother would want me to report on what we'd thought of his recommendation, but I could do that later. As we made it to the street, the brightness of the afternoon added to the perfect day. Walking was free, but I supposed the expensive lunch and museum hadn’t been in my favor.
She tugged on my arm. “Let’s walk back to Central Park.”
The city was large. I tilted my head and saw she was still radiating warmness. “You sure?”
She went up and down on her toes. “I want to see the window displays and get a sense of what fashion looks like these days in your world.”
Fair enough. I told the driver our plans and returned to Clarissa. “We can get you anything you want.”
The words flew out of my mouth. I sucked in my lips, as offers like that weren't going to prove that I wasn't trying to buy her love.
We started off on our journey back to Central Park. “I remember some of the designers your mother supported. I’m curious if any of them now have their own stores.”
People passed us on all sides as we walked, but all I saw was Clarissa. “Sounds fun.”
Steam rose from a nearby vent. We could hear the squeal of the subway. She hugged herself and smiled as we trekked along. “I’d forgotten how walking the streets of this city made me feel," she said.
She was cute like this. “What’s that?”
She sighed. “That there were so many people, and I’m an equal, not just someone who scurries to deliver.”
“My family has always thought of you as an equal, even if yours didn’t.” I wondered if I could just enjoy our date without worrying about the future. “Did you ever regret not finishing college?”
She shrugged and brushed against me. “Yes and no. I was happy with Sam, and I focused on that, just as I’m now promising to focus on one day at a time.”
Amazing.I refused to spend another second of the day worrying. She was hot and mine. “Is that why you’re happy now?”
She hooked her arm in mine. “I’m with you.”
I needed her. All my promises to keep my hands to myself faded. I tugged her closer to me. “I’m going to kiss you.”
She batted her eyes. “Sounds perfect.”
Her lips tasted better than dessert. My body burned for her, and I held her tight. “I wish we were alone.”
She sucked on her bottom lip and bounced. I ached to be inside her again. She cupped my ass. “We’re almost back to your place.”
I laughed, raised her palm to my lips, and kissed it. Then we walked faster. Being with her was everything I needed.
41
Clarissa
My heart was racing as we rode the elevator up to the apartment. My lips still tasted like Elon. I ached to be his.
My heart whispered it was time to tell him I loved him. I needed to share that his feelings weren't just one-sided. However, as the door closed to the apartment, I asked, “What time will Sam be back?”
He unbuttoned his shirt. “A few more hours. Arman and Maddie are taking Sam and Aurora to a lunch and the park.”
Perfect.I lifted my dress over my head and headed to the bedroom. “Then we have time.”
I dropped my clothes onto a chair in the bedroom and ignored how my feet ached. I needed his physical touch. Afterward, we could talk.
He closed the door behind him and came toward me. “Good.”
