“No way!”
Every smile of hers seems to come easier now, and my heart pulls in my chest. Without dwelling on all my feelings, I surprise her and take off running.
“Beat you to it,” I yell, hearing her laugh behind me.
“I’m in heels, you big cheater!”
I laugh, make it to the dinner table I set up, and wait for her. When she catches up, I can’t help but stare at her swaying hips. She didn’t bother to run after me, but that’s okay. Night’s not over. I’ll get her to loosen up and have fun with me. I’m the king of fun, after all.
The frown she was wearing disappears when she sees the romantic display. Steak and lobster pasta, brussell sprouts, and biscuits sit under silver lids.
My heart hasn’t slowed down, and it beats in a frenzy under my button-down as she bites her lip.
“Wow, this is impressive. You’re good at this.”
My smile faulters. The reminder sours my stomach because I hate that I’ve been out with other women at all. Why does the thought make me feel guilty? Doesn’t make a lick of sense. Something about Olive has turned the world as I knew it upside down. It feels scary, but then she takes my bicep, and calmness washes over me.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, placing a small kiss on her forehead and taking her over to sit.
She lifts the cloche, and I lift mine.
“This smells amazing.”
My napkin already on my lap, I dig in and am happy to hear her enjoying it. Her moans shoot straight to my cock, like music to a man hearing for the first time. Then, I take a bite, and the melted garlic butter is as good as her moans sound. The lobster is cooked perfectly, the steak amazing. Several moments pass in comfortable silence as we enjoy the meal.
Again, I wonder if it would always be like this for us. Does she feel this instant connection as much as I do? Or are my responsibilities going to be the dealbreaker for her? This date is an obligation I asked her for, but it’s also my one shot, and I’m not going to blow it.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Olive
We finished our wine and amazing dinner, all while asking all the lame first date questions.
“Favorite movie?”
Leo…Up.
Me…Dirty Dancing. Patrick Swazye is the king of all heart throbs.
“A cartoon is your favorite movie?”
“I’m very immature, Olive.” He shrugs casually. “You should probably know that now. Hurry, run. I have no idea how to adult most days.”
“You’re right!”
“Well, that’s just rude,” he says, rearing back with an adorable expression.
“No.” I roll my eyes at his crazy. “We should get out all our ugly. Show each other all our cards, and let our freak flags fly! If you don’t like me once you know I named my cat after my favorite childhood movie, then you’re not who I thought you were anyway. We should part ways now.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” he jokes, with a sexy smirk full of confidence.
“No.” I laugh, feeling nervous. “But everyone always puts their best selves out there on first dates, and since no one is perfect, we often waste time with second dates and thirds. What’s the worst thing that could happen if we tell each other our not-so-great qualities right now?”
“There’s just one flaw in your plan.”
“What?”