When we are finished, I round the table, bringing us toe to toe.
“Good morning, Gracie.”
“Morning, Marco.”
His grin is mischievous, and I just want to know what he’s thinking.
We step into the full elevator. He purposefully stands next to me, his shoulder touching mine. It’s like he just wants to touch me, and I can’t help but feel my heart flicker a bit.
I quickly remember the text I’ve been dying to read. The elevator hits the ground floor, and he steps away from me. I read his text with a full smile.
Marc:You’re killing me. Sitting there with those pink luscious lips that I’m desperate to taste again. When will you indulge me and let me take you on a date? I want more time with you. Remember, I’m a greedy man.
I type out my response while I walk.
Gracie:I’ll check my schedule.
Marc:Don’t take too long.
Gracie:I’m just joking. I’m free any time.
Marc:Saturday night? I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.
Gracie:Sounds good.
Marc:It’s a date.
I laugh loudly and wear a stupid grin on my face for the rest of the day.
It’s Saturday night, and I have less than twenty minutes to figure out what I want to do with my hair. The date is making me a little queasy. The bundle of nerves causes me to overthink everything. I had to ask Ava to help me decide on an outfit. She told me to wear my best lingerie, which was the only advice she provided.
I run the curling wand through my hair, and looking at the time, I realize I have less than five minutes. So, I add some pink lipstick and put my shoes on. Tonight’s choice is black stilettos.
When I’m all done, I stand in my kitchen and check inside my bag. Adding the lipstick and a compact for touch ups and other than that, I stand waiting. Should I wait outside?
No. I shake my head. That seems too eager. I don’t want to look desperate, so I’ll wait here until the doorbell rings.
The sound echoes, and the rush of excitement hits me. He’s here.
I grab my bag and slowly walk to the door. Before I reach the handle, I suck in a deep breath, trying to calm the adrenaline pulsing through me.
Finally pulling it open, I’m welcomed by the sight of him.
I’ve never seen him in jeans, so my breath is lost when I take him in. His black jeans are thigh-hugging, and he’s wearing a shirt that’s more of a relaxed cotton, rolled up at the sleeves, with a few buttons undone at the top. He’s making me delirious with how deliciously handsome he looks.
The small amount of exposed skin I can see on his chest and neck makes me lick my lips. Yeah, tonight is definitely only going to end in one way.
His eyes shimmer under my porch light, making me get lost for a moment. There are no other worries; it’s just me and him and tonight. He holds out his hand and smiles as I place mine in his. Closing our hands together in a tangle. They feel good together, and feel familiar.
“My goodness, you’re a vision.”
I offer a shy smile, feeling every bit of a giddy young woman. The lightness I feel when he compliments me has me desperate for more.
I’ve never received so many. And from Marc, it’s everything.
He’severything.
He makes me believe they’re true. Including appreciating my drive for the future and how he saw a bigger and better one for me that makes every kind word from him mean so much more.