walk side by side toward the front door, my stomach is suddenly tied in knots, as if this were indeed a first date and I didn’t know what was going to happen. Is he going to kiss me? Should I invite him in for a nightcap?
Those thoughts are ridiculous, of course. We’ve already fucked like bunnies, and we live together.
Instead of unlocking the door, Troy turns to me and links his hand with mine. “So, here we are.” He smiles at me, revealing the twinkle in his eyes that I’ve quickly come to love.
“Here we are.” I smile back.
“I had a wonderful evening.”
“Me too.”
He doesn’t say another word, just stares at me. Blush is slowly spreading through my cheeks. The intensity in his gaze is making me a little uncomfortable. I don’t know what to say or do. The sexual tension between us is palpable. There seems to be a magnetic field pulling me to him. I have to fight the urge to jump into his arms and have my way with him right here on our front porch.
“Well, would you like to come in?” I ask to break the silence.
He chuckles. “I thought you’d never ask.”
It seems we’re keeping up with the charade that this is really a first date. If that’s the case, who’s going to make the first move? My hand is shaking a bit as I try to find the keyhole.
Gee, Charlie. Take it easy.
“Need some help there?” Troy asks, clearly amused.
Finally, I manage to unlock the door. “No. I got it.”
I let Troy walk in first, and then I close the door behind me. My idea is to head to the kitchen to grab a drink, but he turns around fast and pins me against the wall, covering my body with his. His lips find mine, branding me with an urgent kiss. I melt against him, drowning in his scent, his presence. I clutch his arms, pulling him closer to me, needing to feel every inch of his frame pressed against mine. I’ve never felt this need, this ice-cold fever for anyone before. It gives me chills and burns me up at the same time.
When I think he’s going to take things further, he stops, stepping back and leaving me feeling bereft.
“What?” I ask, a little dazed.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I’ve been dying to kiss you like that all night long.”
“Why did you stop?” I pout.
He shakes his head. “Because I haven’t crossed the point of no return yet. Why? Do you want me to continue, babe? Are you waving your white flag?” he says with a smirk.
“No.” I walk around him—almost running really—to the kitchen. I need something cold to soothe the ache in my loins.
Loins? Oh God. Who am I? Amy Farrah Fowler?
I don’t want to drink more alcohol because I think I’ve had plenty. If I’m to survive the rest of the evening without succumbing to Troy’s charm, I have to be clearheaded. The only thing I see in the fridge is a can of Coke and Troy’s sparkling water. If I drink soda now, I won’t be able to sleep, so water it is. I press the cool bottle against my forehead.
“Poor babe. Are you hurting that bad?” He chuckles.
I whirl around, mortified to be caught in the act. “Shut up. I bet you need an ice pack to place over your groin.”
His eyes take on a dangerous glint as they narrow. “Woman, do not remind me of the worst case of blue balls I’ve ever had.”
“If it’s that bad, why don’t you use your hand?” I quirk an eyebrow.
He points at me. “You’d better stop that right now. I’m onto you, Charlie Alice Fontaine.”
“Wait. How do you know my middle name? I never told you.”
“I have a copy of your rent contract and ID.” He gives me a toothy, victorious grin.
“Fine, Wolfie. I’ll stop.”
“If I could hate Grandma for telling you that odious nickname, I would.”
“Well, I’d better go to be—”
“Oh no. You’re not going to sleep yet. Our date is not over.”
I put a hand on my hip. “Is that so? What else do you have planned?”
“If you’ll follow me to the living room, I’ve prepared an evening of excellent entertainment.”
“Oh, are we doing a Lord of the Rings marathon?”
“No. We can do that when you invite me on a date.”
I tilt my head with a pitying frown. “Aww, and you were doing so well.”
I sit down on the couch, pulling the blanket to me so I can