Page 453 of One More Kiss

VADA

“I haven’t beenon a real date in years. I don’t know what to wear,” I tell Nora over the phone because she’s my go-to in situations like this. Actually, she’s my only person considering I don’t have anyone to ask.

“Go sassy with a touch of slutty. Guys love that,” she says matter-of-factly.

“Oh my God. How do you know that?” I let out a laugh, emptying my suitcase on the bed. Nora doesn’t do dates, and the only time she gets out of the house is to go to the grocery store or visit her best friend. Considering the woman is in her mid-sixties, I imagine her version of slutty and mine are two totally different things.

“I watch a lot of television shows. I’m sure it’s the same in real life,” she tells me, amused with herself.

I roll my eyes, and I’m glad she can’t see me because she’d totally call me out for it. “Okay, well hug Oliver for me, and tell him I’ll see him soon. I’ll call you in the morning and let you know how it goes,” I say, trying to piece clothes together to make some sort of outfit that doesn’t look like I’m going to bed or to the gym.

“You already know how I feel about him. And you better call me. You know I’ll be up all night worrying about you otherwise.”

“I’m sure you will. I promise I’ll call.” And I will. Nora cares about my life more than my own mother, and I’m happy someone does, even if she pretends to hate Oliver. Usually, my life is monotonous, and I live the same schedule over and over. To have some sort of action has got to be entertaining for her.

We say our goodbyes, and I throw my cell phone on the bed, right next to a sundress I bought on a whim yesterday while I was out. Slipping it on, and seeing how it fits in the full-length mirror, I know I’ve found a winner. Considering it’s late summer in Charleston, the evenings are still warm so this will have to do. Pinning my hair to the side and putting on a hint of makeup, I sit down at my computer and am able to type a few pages before a knock echoes through the cottage, pulling me away.

Instantly, my heart flutters as I cross the room and open the door. Ethan greets me with a sexy smile wearing a blue, button-up shirt and slacks.

“You clean up nicely, Casanova.”

Pulling me into his arms, our lips crash together, causing the butterflies inside me to swarm in circles. Taking our time, we kiss until our lips are swollen, until I feel like I can’t breathe. There was a moment when I didn’t think we’d make it out of the cottage.

“You’re beautiful, Vada,” he whispers across my lips, setting the tone of this date. Blush hits my cheeks as soon as Ethan tucks loose hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing the softness of my neck. Once I close the cottage door, Ethan leads me down the sidewalk.

After seeing him, I feel completely underdressed for the occasion, and my nerves start to get the best of me.

“What?” I ask as he looks over at me with a smirk on his lips. I wait for his answer as we continue walking forward.

“Just thinking about taking that dress off you later,” he teases, opening the door to his car for me. “Hope it wasn’t expensive.” He winks.

His words make me laugh and slightly relax. Once I’m inside the car, I take the moment to suck in a deep breath.

Ethan climbs in and buckles then starts the engine. “Everything okay?”

“Just nervous, I guess,” I say honestly, buckling myself in.

“Don’t worry. I left my cock at home,” he teases, and all the worry I had of the evening melts away just like that.

We drive through town, and I’m confused when Ethan doesn’t slow. I turn to him, ready to ask where we’re going once we cross the second bridge.

“I thought we’d go somewhere on the outskirts of town that’s more intimate, away from all the touristy stuff,” he explains when he notices my perplexed expression. “You can do that any day of the week.”

“Oh, so I’m getting the exclusive Rochester treatment tonight?”

Ethan chuckles. “Babe, you’ve been getting that all week.”

Soon we’re pulling into the parking lot of a restaurant that’s decorated with parts from old boats. Oars, anchors, and ropes are hung on the building, and when we step inside, I realize it’s the entire theme of the place. I immediately fall in love with it. We’re swiftly escorted through the quaint dining area onto the patio. Our table overlooks the white sand and dark blue water, and in the distance, I hear the waves crashing against the shore. Glancing over the candle that lights Ethan’s face, I find myself smiling.

“This is perfect,” I whisper to him, admiring his messy hair and the smirk on his lips. Though there’s a few couples on the patio, it feels like it’s only Ethan and me in this moment.

The waitress walks up, and Ethan orders everything down to my favorite wine.

She returns with a bottle of Cabernet and a basket of hot bread.

“How’d you know about the wine?” I ask.

“Google,” he jokes.

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