But it was not the whole truth.
The whole truth was that I wanted him badly enough to feel it in my teeth. Wanted him to put me on my back and drill me into a mattress ’til all that good sense I kept trying to wear around him broke apart. Wanted to know how his mouth felt everywhere. Wanted his weight. His hands. His voice going low when he lost some of that gentleman control and started talking to me like a man who was done being patient. Wanted to tastehis dick and find out if he sounded the way I imagined he would when pleasure stopped being hypothetical for him too.
And still.
I wanted more than him coming over hot and leaving me open and shaking and staring at the ceiling afterward wondering whether we had rushed past something that deserved room.
I wanted time. Room. The chance to let this deepen without treating every ache like an emergency.
His answer took longer this time.
And when it came, something in me softened even while the heat stayed right where it was.
Micah: Good.
So do I.
Dinner tonight. My turn to keep it long.
I read that twice. Then once more.
Because right there in the middle of all the want and all the heat and all the very real possibility of doing something reckless and satisfying before the sun went fully down, he had met me in the place I actually lived.
Desire with standards.
That was maybe more dangerous than the kiss had been.
I smiled before I could stop it.
Me: Tonight works.
His answer came back like a hand at my back.
Micah: Now stop thinking about last night long enough to eat something.
I laughed, full and helpless enough that it echoed softly through the room.
Me: You first.
Micah: Already did.
Now I’m working on the part where I leave you alone ’til I come get you.
I read that and bit my lip.
Because no, I did not want to be left alone till he came to get me.
eleven
. . .
The truth was,I wasn’t nervous. Just aware.
Aware that I wanted this night in a way that had already moved past casual. Aware that after the Velvet Room, after that kiss, after waking up still carrying the memory of her in my body, tonight had a little more weight on it than a second date should’ve.
That part didn’t scare me—it just meant I needed to do it right.
I had made a reservation at a place in the Strip with a tucked-away patio, low lights, and food worth slowing down for. After that, if the night still needed to breathe, I’d take her up toGrandview where the city always looked like it had something to confess as long as you appreciated it.