Page 151 of Hat Trick
“It’s funny. I doubt any of them could throw a baseball more than four feet, but they’re out here acting like they’re the next Cy Young.”
“Do you have anywhere you like to go in the city?”
“If I’m going out with someone, I prefer it to be somewhere more intimate. So I can hear what they’re saying and hold a conversation, you know?”
“Oh.” She sits up and grins. “Is this your romantic side?”
“It’s the decent human side of me.”
“I bet you’d be fun to go on a date with. You’re probably all smooth moves and that wholeoh, you have something on your shoulder, let me get it for youtrick where you end up having your arms around her.”
I snort. “The arm around the shoulder. Acting like I can’t hear her, grabbing her stool, and scooting it closer. Pretending like she has something on her face, but it’s really just an excuse to touch her. The perfect date hat trick.”
“I want to see Date Riley,” she says.
“No, you don’t. I’m really not that exciting.”
“Come on, Mitchy.” Lexi sticks out her bottom lip in a pout. “Show me what you’re like on a date.”
“You never go on dates,” I say. “I remember you being specifically anti-dates.”
“Tonight I’m not. Tonight Idogo on dates. I picked you up from your apartment. I’m wearing my nicest underwear. This is absolutely a date. Or, at the very least, a pretend date.”
“Nicest underwear? I hope I get to see them later.”
“Only if you answer my question,” she teases.
“Fine.” I grin. “I’d start the night by picking you up from your place with your favorite flowers.”
“Tulips,” she says. “Which is a frustrating choice, because they don’t bloom up here until April. What’s next?”
“I’d tell you how hot you look in your skirt and how much I like your boots.”
“They’re cute boots, aren’t they?”
“Very cute.” I put my hand on her leg and give her knee a gentle squeeze. It’s only been two days since we last slept together, but I missed the feel of her skin, how warm and soft she is. “Next, I’d ask what you want to order for dinner.”
“You wouldn’t order for me?”
“Fuck no. You’re an independent woman who can speak for herself. And, on the off chance you don’t like what you pick, I’d make sure to let you try some of my meal too.”
“Shared custody of our french fries? I like where this is going.” Lexi reaches for my collar and tugs on my shirt. Our faces are inches apart, and I can see the brightness in her eyes. “Give me more, Riley.”
“Well”—I blush and clear my throat—“we’d talk. I’d ask about your job and your family. I’d compliment you and tell you how beautiful you look,which you do. You always do, with your strong legs and your pretty smile. I’d laugh at your jokes even if they weren’t funny, and at the end, I’d pay for our meal, kiss your forehead, and text you when I got home.”
“My forehead? That’s a tease.”
“Yup. You should always leave them wanting more.”
“Where are the ropes?” she asks. “And the orgasm denials? And the blowjobs? You’re holding out on me, Mitchy.”
“Ah.” I didn’t think it was possible for my cheeks to get even redder, but here we are. “I only do that with people I know and trust. People I like.”
“We do all of that.” She smirks. “Must mean you like me.”
I grab her chin and her eyes lock with mine. Her breath hitches when I say, “You have no idea, Lexi.”
There’s an underlying message there.
