It’s only back in my apartment that I start feeling the effects of the two margaritas. Or were there three?
I discard my clothes and collapse on my bed, but don’t fall asleep. The smartphone on my nightstand beckons.
With uncertain fingers, I pull it to me and call Sebastian. He answers after three rings.
“Hi.” For some reason, I’m feeling shy.
“Hi, back.”
The sound of his voice sends tendrils of heat through my body. “I know you’re busy, but I wanted to hear your voice.”
“Mmm. . . so my plan is working.”
“What plan?”
“Not calling you so you’d miss me.”
“You little player,” I giggle, my body aching for him. Oh, God, how will I survive until Saturday? “Thank you for the chocolate. And the flowers.”
“I wish I was there to see your smile when you received them.”
“Why are you spoiling me like this, Sebastian?”
“It’s called courting.”
I squirm in my bed, my toes curling up. I’ve never been courted before.
“I wish you could return sooner,” I admit.
“Me too.”
“So, what will I receive next?”
“Like I’d tell you. You’ll love it.” His voice drops an octave on that last note, and it’s so damn sexy. “What did you do today?”
“I actually did some work in between daydreaming about you. Then Pippa took me to heaven.”
He laughs softly. “What?”
“It’s a place downtown with delicious margaritas, crusty pizza, and hot waiters.”
“Pippa gave you margaritas in a place with hot waiters? I need to have a talk with my sister.”
“Oh, she wanted to have some girl time.”
“By taking you to the male equivalent of Hooters. So, how hot were these waiters?”
Now it’s my turn to laugh. I pull the cover up to my chin, enjoying this immensely.
“Like I’d tell you,” I tease. “Payback for not calling me yesterday.”
“Did any of them hit on you?” His tone is still playful, but I detect a hint of uneasiness in it.
“Oh, yeah, one of them did. He took my number, said he’ll take me to dinner this week.”
“You gave him your number?”
My stomach clenches at the disappointment and hurt in his voice. It’s time to end my little joke.