Lucas: Very smart. I like your panties, but I wanted to see where they were before you placed them on the bed for this photo.
Gemma: Here you go.
Lucas: I’m laughing here. Is that a photo of your washing machine?
Gemma: Yes, sir.
Lucas: I was about to say. That’s a big hole.
Gemma: :-0
Lucas: Too much?
Gemma: If you have to ask.....
Connor: I’m thinking of you all tan and sweaty....
Gemma: Are you thinking of taking me to the beach?
Connor: Ha, that wasn’t what was on my mind, no.
Gemma: I’d love to hit up the Caribbean.
Connor: I wouldn’t say no myself. Especially if that meant I got to see you in a bikini.
Gemma: I’m not a bikini girl.
Connor: Oh?
Gemma: There’s something about cool water next to your naked body! :)
Gemma: I just love the feel of the water next to my skin.
Lucas: Oh yeah? Where did that come from?
Gemma: Oh shit, shit shit!
Sarah: What happened?
Gemma: I just sent a text to the wrong guy.
Sarah: Oh no, hahaha! Oops.
Gemma: Man, I suck at this.
Sarah: But it sounds like you’re having fun.
Gemma: I can’t lie. Having two hot ass guys texting me and wanting me has validated me more than anything else has in the last couple of years. I know that sounds sad, but I can’t lie.
Sarah: Don’t let men validate your self-worth, but have fun with it!! <3
Gemma: I’m going to bed now. See you this weekend!
Lucas: Good night, sweet pea.
Gemma: I’m going to bed now. See you this weekend!
Connor: Wish I was there with you right now. Snuggling up to your naked body. Night sexy.
Chapter 10
There’s something about a mutual attraction that makes you feel like you’re flying high. The beginning of a relationship is always magical and the fact that I had promising starts with two great guys made me feel like I’d won the lottery. I was really looking forward to my second date with Connor. I’d never been to a restaurant where you ate in the dark before, and I thought it would be the perfect way for us to get to know each other better. Our first date at the jazz club had been amazing, and I’d been really surprised by how deep his questions had been. Connor had a depth to him that was unusual for the men that I’d met. Even though he was a musician and super playful, he was clearly also an intelligent, articulate, and thought-provoking man.
His questions had been a little deeper than I expected for a first date, but I was happy that he was asking questions that most people didn’t ask even when they were in a serious relationship. I figured my proposed date of us eating in the dark would allow us to delve even deeper, while still flirting. We could explore each other’s personalities a little bit more, and perhaps have a little fun with it.
I pulled up in the Uber about five minutes before the date was supposed to start and got out. I was surprised to see that Connor was already standing there as I walked up to the restaurant.
“Hi there, beautiful.” He stepped forward and gave me a huge hug.
“Hey,” I said with a wide smile and looked at him.
He looked really smart. He had on a black silk shirt and black slacks that seemed to be molded to his body. His black leather jacket still looked really cool and I wondered if his air of calmness was an act or real. His hair looked like it had been neatly trimmed recently, and I was surprised at how disappointed I felt. I’d liked his slightly too long hair. I’d wanted to run my fingers through his longer blond tresses and feel how silky they were.
“You cut your hair?” I asked him. “Why?”
“Well, it was getting a little long, and with winter coming up,” he shrugged, “I figured I could do with a change. You don’t like it?”
“No, you still look very handsome,” I said quickly, in case he thought I was trying to say I no longer found him attractive.
“Well, thanks. I’m glad to hear that you think I’m handsome.”
“I’m sure plenty of women think you’re handsome. You’re a very attractive guy.”
“I don’t know if I’d say very attractive,” he laughed. “Okay, maybe I would.”
“Well, I can see you’re modest as well, Connor.”
“Well, you know, I have a lot to be modest about.” He laughed. “So, have you been here before?” He nodded toward the restaurant.