“All right then, get your cute ass up. There’s hot man meat across the hallway waiting to have his way with you.”
She stands up and holds out her hands to pull me up from the bed. I smooth my dress before finding the new purse I made last week. I loved it so much I didn’t have the heart to sell it. I did, however, get a ton of hits on my blog asking me how I made it after I posted pictures. I need to make a video showing people how to do it.
Tasha opens my front door and we step out into the hall. I lock the door behind me and Bear’s door opens immediately.
“Someone’s eager,” Tasha says, and I smack her arm.
My eyes run over Bear, who’s in a black button-up dress shirt and black slacks. The shirt is tight just like everything I’ve seen on him. I can’t imagine there are a lot of people who make clothes for his size. He looks intimidating until his face softens as he takes me in. He closes the distance between us and takes my hands, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Can you blame me?”
“That’s sweet,” Tasha says, stepping in between us. “You hurt that sweet, innocent creature and we’ll have problems.”
I look at Tasha in shock. I’ve never heard that tone of voice from her before. She has her hands on her hips as she gives Bear a final warning glare.
“Never,” he says instantly and then squeezes my hand. Tasha steps aside, and he reaches out, giving my braid a little tug.
“Okay, you kids have fun,” Tasha calls out as she departs down the hallway.
“I’m so nervous,” I blurt out. God, I’m terrible at this.
“Me too,” Bear admits, and his admission puts me at ease.
“That makes me feel better,” I say, suddenly shy.
“Let me see if I can make you feel less nervous.” He leans down. “There will be a lot more dates after this one, and if you’re worried about the kiss at the end of the night, then let’s go ahead and do that now.”
Before I can think or speak, he’s got my face in both his hands and his mouth is on mine. At first it takes me by surprise, but then I close my eyes and melt into him.
His lips are softer than I thought they’d be, and his hands are so gentle yet strong. I hum as he licks the seam of my lips, and then I open for him. He tastes like fresh mint, and I moan as one hand wraps around my waist and pulls me closer. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my first kiss would be with someone like Bear. But as his protective hold tightens, I know that this is better than anything I could have concocted in my dreams.
I crave more as my fingers dig into his shirt and I try to pull him closer. He makes a sound that vibrates through my body, and suddenly my back hits the door. I move against him as our kiss intensifies and I try to get rid of the space between us. I’m so close to him, but so far from easing the tingle that’s throbbing between my thighs.
“Doll face.” His voice is low and gravelly and he’s breathing heavily as he leans away from me.
I stay pressed up against the door, unable to move, and it takes me a moment to get myself together. What just happened?
Bears steps back and turns around, and it looks like he’s getting his breathing under control.
“Sorry,” I whisper as I reach up and touch my lips. They feel swollen but wonderful at the same time.
“Don’t be sorry. I just…” His arms move and I know he’s running his hand down his face. It’s a tic I’ve noticed when he is trying to get his thoughts right. “I just didn’t want to go too far. We have a date.” When he finally turns to look at me, I can see the hunger there. It makes me feel womanly and sexy.
“I’m not the least bit sorry about that kiss, Bear. I’m only sorry it had to end.” I push myself off the door but stumble a bit on my heels. He pulls me to his side and I feel safe and secure.
“Love the shoes, doll face, but not if they’re going to get you hurt.” He gives me a small smile.
“I think I’ll be all right. I’ve got you.”
He chuckles as he gives me a little squeeze. “Guess I’ll just keep you close.”
For the first time since I’ve moved to the city, I actually feel like I’m home.
Chapter Six
Bear
I made good on my promise to keep her close as we walk to the restaurant two blocks away. A few times I just held her off the ground to keep her from tripping, and I thought it might have just been easier to carry her the whole way. I hope she wears heels around me again just so I can have the excuse to hold her.