The main difference now being instead of wanting a lick of his ice cream, I want to lickhim.
“I could just drop the towel if you’d like that better.” He makes a strangled sound, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “I don’t get what the big deal is; you’ve seen me in a bathing suit.”
“It’s different, Pen.”
“Why?”
“Because I know everything about you. I know that you love the smell of a spring rain and chocolate croissants. I know you’d rather watch the same movie over and over than go see a new one. I know you became someone different when you left and it’s fucking incredible seeing the realyoucome back to Wintervale,”—I swallow hard as he holds my gaze—“but I don’t know how you like to be touched. I don’t know what gets you there fast or slow or how you feel…what yousound likewhen you’re about to come.”
“Oh…”
“We put the brakes on orgasms and I’m completely fine with that but, Baby, the only thing separating me from your naked body is that towel.” He takes a step back as he runs his hand through his hair. “That’sthe big deal.”
I feel the heat from his gaze, and his words creep from my chest all the way up to my face. He’s never looked at me like this—hungry and dangerous andwow.
But he’s never been able to either.
“I didn’t mean to tease you,” I say, the words quiet and breathy as the microwave dings again.
“I’m glad you’re comfortable here. Iwantyou to be comfortable here.”
“Just with clothes on,” I murmur, my lips lifting on one side.
“No, see, that’s the problem; I want you just like this.”
“I didn’t know you were such a masochist.”
“Me either,” he grunts, opening the little door and depositing my mug on the counter. “Let me take you out tonight.”
“Like on a date?”
“Yeah, like a date.”
“I don’t put out on the first date,” I tell him, cocking my hip and pushing my chest out.
“We’ll see,” he replies, his tone suggestive as his eyes sweep over me and I like it. I like the way he looks at me and the way my body feels like a zap of electricity is coursing through my veins.
“I guess we will.”
17
LAKE
Iwanted to take her somewhere fancier, but the Range Bar and Grill was my best option with the storm rolling in tonight. The parking lot is packed, and it seems everyone had the same idea I did as I find a spot in the back and turn off the ignition.
Pen shifts in her seat, her eyes trained on the building in front of us.
“Are you all right?” I ask, her nerves getting the best of me.
“Yeah, it’s just this is the first time I’m really going out, socially, since the wedding.” She turns and looks at me, her expression open and vulnerable. “Are you sure you want to be seen with me? People will know we’re together and…”
Her bottom lip wobbles as her words trail off, and I hate the insecurity that lines her pretty face. Instead of answering, I lean over the console, cup her face with my palm, and pull her in until I can press my lips to hers.
She gasps and I push my tongue into her mouth, sweeping and licking every inch of her sweetness until she relaxes into me, until she’s giving as good as she gets.
“Yes,” I manage, pulling back and meeting her gaze. “Yes, I want to be seen with you, andyes,I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
“Promise?”
