“Is wanting to repay you for your kindness such a bad thing?”
“Most people would drop off a gift card or maybe a fruit basket.”
“I’m not most people. It’ll be fun, trust me.” I sounded pathetic, like a guy begging for some attention. But that’s what she did to me. Morphed me into a puddle of goo on the floor with no trace of a coherent thought. As much as I told myself to stop, let it go, nothing good could come of this, I didn’t back down.
“Fine. But only one dinner. That’s it. And just dinner. Nothing after.” Journey said and if I wasn’t mistaken, the corner of her mouth turned up into a sexy grin, a molten look overtaking her eyes.
This was going to be fun.
CHAPTER THREE
Journey
I checkedmy reflection in the bathroom mirror for the hundredth time, and with one last swipe of lipstick, I headed out the door. Cullen exchanged phone numbers with me earlier and informed me through text he wanted to pick me up.
My apartment was in the finished basement of my parent’s cabin, complete with a small kitchenette, a bathroom with a shower stall, a living room with a dining room table set off to the side, and one bedroom. The little apartment had come with the cabin when my parents bought it, a year into being married. Haven’t moved since, raising my siblings and I there. The apartment in the basement had been rented out before but my parents didn’t want to deal with the hassle of being a landlord on top of running the garden center. So, it sat untouched until they offered it to me.
I waited on the driveway, Cullen already a few minutes late. I hated waiting, had little patience, and ended up pacing the length of the driveway a few times before he finally pulled in.
Cullen put the truck in park and hopped out. He looked more handsome now that he’d cleaned up. A tight short sleeve button down shirt fit him perfectly, showing off his inked forearms I wanted to lick. A fresh haircut, his beard trimmed, and the best smelling cologne to ever hit my nose, had me rethinking everything about tonight.
You’re going to sleep with this man and you’re going to love it.
I busied myself with fixing my dress though nothing was wrong with it when I felt him stand beside me, his heat radiating off him like the sun on hot pavement. His cologne was stronger now and I nearly jumped into his arms right then and there.
Damn girl, reel it in.
It’s been way too long since I got laid.
“Wow, nice place you’ve got.”
“It’s actually my parents’ place. I live in the basement apartment.”
His deep brown eyes lit up with curiosity, no trace of judgement in them. “That’s awesome. You’re close with your family, am I right?”
I laughed, some of my nerves dissipating. “You could say that again. But I have my own entrance and lots of privacy. I like it.”
“I would too.” He held out his hand and my heart exploded. “C’mon, I’ll help you into the truck.” He nodded at my shoe choice, a wedged heel that went perfect with my black lacy dress.
Okay, so maybe I was a bit overdressed, especially for a dinner date I didn’t want to go on, but here we are.
Stop lying to yourself.
When I placed my hand in his, it was even better than I could’ve imagined. Our touch ignited a type of spark I’d never felt before, a combustion waiting to happen.
Why? Why does he feel so special? So different?
Cullen walked me to the passenger side door of the truck and helped me in before climbing in the other side. “Ready for an adventure?”
“Sure. As long as we get some grub.” I answered.
Cullen laughed and the sound filled me with warmth. I could get used to hanging around him.
No, no you couldn’t.
“Of course. I couldn’t let such a pretty lady starve.” Cullen winked and I nearly orgasmed in his front seat.
Damn him for destroying another pair of my panties.
