Page 18 of Falling for Red
That tone.She’s feigning innocence.
“I’m a man of my word.”
She leans in teasingly close to my lips. “We’re just making out.” We stare at each other, and a bratty smile is growing on her face. “This might be a first.” She laughs, as I keep my hands at my sides, off of her body. “A guy pumping the brakes.”
I exhale loudly, leaning my head against the bench seat, trying to calm myself down. She has me so turned on I can barely think straight. But I don’t want to ruin this by rushing. “Why are you playing games?” I ask, the frustration evident in my tone.
Her brows furrow. “What?”
“You know kissing is all that’s on the table tonight. Why are you trying to do more?”
She shifts, crossing her arms but looking away, a flicker of guilt or maybe defensiveness in her expression. “I didn’t know how much that rule was telling people what they want to hear versus the truth.”
“I’m straightforward.”
“Okay,” she says quietly, almost like she’s unsure if she believes me. Her eyes drop to her lap, and her shoulders sink a little—deflated.
“If you want to know if I want more, of course I do, but we have plenty of time to get there as we keep dating.”
“Dating?” she repeats, her voice rising in surprise.
“Yeah,” I say, smiling. “Next date starts in less than twelve hours.” I wink.
“So, what’s the most that can happen on the next date?”
I grumble, both appreciating and hating how she’s pushing me. “This is how it’s going to be, huh?” She sassily raises her eyebrows, signaling for me to continue. “I’m very disciplined. I know how to be uncomfortable. Don’t think your feminine wiles can sway that.”
Claire rolls her eyes, but I can see the smile she’s desperately trying to hold back. I pull her in for another kiss. “Let me treat you right.” There’s a pause between us before she slides off my lap. “What are you thinking about?”
“I think you’re looking for something serious, and I don’t know what I’m looking for.”
“More reason for us not to rush anything.” I squeeze her thigh gently. I want to take my time with this, with her, because I am looking for something serious.
She smirks, her eyes flicking to the door handle. “Do you expect me to open this myself?”
I chuckle, getting out of the car and walking around to open her door. I reach for her hand, interlacing our fingers as we walk to her front stoop. “Your vanilla latte, no whipped cream, will arrive at seven-thirty tomorrow,” I remind her.
“This was really fun. Thank you.”
“More fun tomorrow,” I say, leaning in to kiss her one last time.
“More fun inside?” she tests, squeezing my hand.
“Claire …”Is she playing games or is she testing me?Or both?
“I rarely have the place to myself.”
I press her against the door, staring deeply into her eyes. Turned on, I’m nearing my wits end and considering breaking the rules. Of course I want her, but it’s too soon. “You can have more fun inside, but we’re done having fun tonight.”
She squints at me.
“You’re going inside, locking your door, and grabbing a toy.”
“A toy?” She blinks, surprised.
“You know what I’m talking about.” I trail my hand up her thigh. “Lay in bed and think about what you want me to do to you …” Claire bites her lip. “After you come, text me that the mission is complete, and then go to bed.”
Her chest rises, deeply inhaling. Maybe she’s wondering how serious I am. “I better get that text before I get home too.”
