Page 72 of Damaged Prince
“We text all the time,” I point out.
“We do.” He nods slowly. “But why is this the first time I’ve seen you since the birthday party?”
“I... I’ve been busy.” It’s not exactly a lie. I’ve decided to take as many shifts as I can to save up that last bit of money to buy the space I’ve had my eye on for a while for my dance studio. Once I have that, I want to quit and move my love for dance to teaching.
“Mhhm,” he hums. “I’ve been over to the house quite a few times. And I’m almost positive I’ve heard you in your room. Unless it was someone else?”
It wasn’t. I was hiding in there like a chicken. Even though all I wanted to do was go hang out with him and Laney, have more time together. I’ve spent a lot of time with Laney, but I want to be with the both of them too.
“No,” I whisper. “It was me.”
“Then why do you not want to see me?” he asks, and he honestly sounds hurt. And now I feel like an asshole.
“I do,” I insist. “I really do. It’s just... I don’t know... I don’t know how to act around you,” I sigh heavily. “You make me all flustered and tongue-tied. I feel like an idiot."
He chuckles, and the sound is like a warm blanket. “Mhhm. I like that I make you nervous.” His fingers grip my chin. His touch makes me shiver. “But, Eli, baby, you don’t have to be anyone but yourself when you’re around me. It’s just me. The same guy you’ve talked to online for years. Nothing about that has changed. I’m still that guy. We can joke around, flirt, and be ourselves. You just need to give me the chance to show you that, okay?”
“Okay.” I nod, really wanting what he’s offering. “Okay. I'd like that.”
“Yeah?” The smile he gives me nearly stops my heart. “Good. Me too. Now, please stop avoiding me, okay?”
“But wouldn’t it be weird if people see you with me? You told people you have a girlfriend.”
“Yes. And that doesn’t mean anything. Because when you’re ready, I’ll tell the world I have a boyfriend too. And that my boyfriend is my girlfriend's boyfriend as well,” He chuckles, and I can’t help but laugh.
“That sounds like a mouthful.”
“Oh, baby boy, give me the chance and I’ll give you a mouthful.”
Dear god, this man. This fucking man.
I whine, unable to stop myself. “Shh.” He brushes his thumb against my lips. “Soon. But I plan on being the perfect gentleman until you're ready. You’re in charge here, Eli. You hold all the cards. When you're ready, I’ll be whatever you want me to be. Do whatever you want to do.”
“Really?” My eyes sting, the way he’s so caring and patient with me means so damn much to me.
“Really.” He nods.
“Okay.” I smile softly. “Kai?” I ask, nerves filling me once again.
“Yes, sweet boy?” The nickname has me wanting to melt into his touch. I like it.
“I like you. A lot.” My heart thunders in my chest.
“And I like you a whole hell of a lot too,” he murmurs softly, with this adoring look in his eyes that makes me want to cry.
“And I want more with you. More than friendship.”
“So do I.”
“Maybe we could go on a... like a... a date?” God, why was I so lame?
Yet the smile he gives me tells me he doesn’t think I am. “I’d love that.”
“Yeah?” My smile is back, the nerves are more in excitement now.
“Yeah,” he murmurs. “Let me take you on a date.”
“Okay,” I say breathlessly, and he chuckles softly.
