IMOGEN
Major problems.
What the hell do I wear to host a booty call? My pajamas aren't sexy. I don't own any worthy lingerie. Maybe a trench coach, with nothing under it?
But where would I get a trench coat? This is Southern California. The only people who wear trench coats here play detectives on TV.
No. This isn't for him. It's for me. What makes me feel sexy?
Dark lipstick. Winged liner. Black panties.
There. My skin flushes as I stare at my reflection. It's not that I get off on myself. More the thought of a near-stranger seeing me in only my underwear.
He knocks.
I grab the Fiona Apple shirt I wear to sleep and pull it over my head. I don't feel nearly as sexy in the baggy tee, but I'm not in danger of flashing the neighbors.
The dozen footsteps to the front door feel like a million. My heart thuds against my chest. My stomach flutters. My sex clenches.
Then I open the door and I see him and lust washes my nerves away.
Patrick Murphy is standing on my doorstep in snug jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and a leather jacket.
He's even more handsome than he was this afternoon.
He's super fucking hot.
Sandy hair, freckles, green eyes.
He's tall, but not too tall. Muscular, but not too built. Adorned in ink, but not too—
Well, how could a tattoo artist have too much ink? Really?
"Come in." I pull the door open.
"Thanks." He gives me a long, slow once-over, focusing on my bare legs and the hem of my t-shirt. "Nice place."
"Have you looked at it?"
"No." His eyes meet mine. "Do you want a drink?"
"I'm supposed to offer."
"Might as well mix things up." He smiles.
My heart thuds. He's cute. Way too cute. Cute and sexy is a dangerous combination. A feelings-inspiring combination. And I'm not interested in feelings. Only satisfaction. "Water for me. You?"
"Where are the cups?"
"You're going to serve me a drink in my apartment?" I ask.
"I'm a gentleman."
"Are you?"
"Cups?" he asks.
Okay, sure, why not? I lead him to the kitchen side of the main room then I open the top drawer. (Our place is big, by Brentwood standards, but it's not exactly huge. The kitchen and two-person dining table are on one side. The couch and TV are on the other).