“Only if it means we’re not saying goodnight in the next two minutes.”
The corners of her lips quirk up. “I’d rate this as a solid six out of ten.”
I’ll fucking take it.
I shove the flowers into her hands. “I made it just for you.”
She takes the bouquet. When she brings it to her nose, she inhales deeply. “Do you know that smelling flowers can put a person in a good mood?”
Being within ten feet of her puts me in a good mood. “Is that so?”
She offers the flowers to me, brushing them against the tip of my nose. “Try it.”
I humor her by taking a whiff. “It works. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re serious?”
Her heels offer her extra height, but I still hover over her. I lean down until we’re face-to-face. “I earned extra time with you tonight. That makes me a happy man.”
She brushes the bouquet against my chin. “What’s the plan?”
Take you to bed. Taste you. Fuck you. Watch you come on my cock.
If I want those things, I need to pace this right. “Let’s start with a walk in the park.”
“Central Park?”
I’d rather hop on the subway and head to my apartment with her by my side, but we’ll get there if she’s open to it.
I nod. “Put those flowers in water first. You don’t want them to die.”
“You’re learning.” She pats me in the center of my chest. “Another class and I think you may make it up to a seven.”
“A man can dream.” I laugh. “If my reward for improvement is more time with you, I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to work up to a perfect ten.”
Chapter 23
Athena
The fresh air did me good.
Walking through the city with Liam was calming. He did most of the talking. It centered on dozens of historical details about Manhattan. If he ever decides to give up his career as a counselor, he has a future in the past.
It was interesting and not just because I could listen to him talk about anything for days on end.
His voice is the sexiest I’ve ever heard.
I was enthralled when he told me stories about the architecture of certain buildings and the sordid past of their owners.
We walked for almost two hours before he flagged down a taxi. I didn’t correct him when he told the driver to bring us to his apartment.
I could have asked him to drop me off at my place first, but I want more time with him.
“Water?” he asks as soon as he’s locked his apartment door behind us.
“Please,” I whisper back.
I’m parched. I’m also overheated. Late summer in the city is a mix. Last night it poured rain for hours. That left a bite of chill in the air. Tonight the humidity was off the charts.