Page 35 of The Lover
“It’s our first date.”
“Right. And if I’m going to get you to go out with me again, I’m going to have to both flatter and impress you with my manners.”
Who was I to fight it?
“Okay, Jake. Impress away.”
* * *
Jake pulledthe truck up to the Hair Stop and turned off the engine.
“Want to come upstairs?” I didn’t have to tell you it had been without a doubt the best night of my life. After all it was me and Jake, but with Jake making every effort to be even more perfect.
So naturally I wanted to jump his bones.
“Yes.” Only he said it with this deep sigh. “But I’m not going to.”
This didn’t make sense. “Why?”
He turned to face me. “Because we’re not lovers anymore, Ellie.”
That totally didn’t make sense. “You don’t want to have sex with me?”
“Of course I do, but we’re dating. Dating means taking things slow.”
“But we’ve already done it. Like a lot.”
“Will you cut me some slack here? I’m trying to be a gentleman. Trying to do this the right way.”
Okay. I got it. Jake wanted to show me that being with me wasn’t all about sex and getting laid.
I was worth more to him than that. Which was sweet. It really was. But also a little disappointing, because apparently I wasn’t going to get to jump his bones.
“Okay, Jake.”
“May I kiss you?” he asked. Actually asked.
“Yes.”
It was beautiful. Soft kisses on my lips. Deep stirring kisses with this tongue. He kissed me slowly and leisurely, like we could sit out here all night and make out. Until finally he pulled away from me. “That’s enough. I’m a man, Ellie. There is only so much I can take.”
“When can I see you again?”
“Are you working tomorrow?”
I nodded. “A full eight-hour shift, too. But Sunday I’m free after one.”
“Why don’t you drive out to the ranch and we’ll go for a ride? Plus I want to show you some changes I’ve made.”
“Sounds good.”
He sighed again like he was reluctant for the night to end, and that made me feel special.
This time I knew to stay put. When he opened my door and lifted me out of the truck I didn’t complain. I might have even pressed myself against him, which caused him to moan a little in the back of his throat.
He walked in front of me up the stairs to my room. Took my key and unlocked the door for me.
Then he handed me back my key and waited until I was inside. I started to close the door when he said, “Ellie…”
