up in the rat race and don’t take the time to play or be carefree. I myself am guilty of this too. It’s a constant battle to find the balance between work and play, and the former always seems to win out.
Roxanne showed me her playful side, and she didn’t back down afterward. She even went so far as to sass me by saying she wasn’t a mind reader. Most women I spend time with are too busy trying to impress me. They would never disagree with me or do something that could potentially displease me. I’m not being arrogant saying that, it happens to be a fact. And it’s not that I’m some great catch. I think women want a respectful man, and I happen to fall under that category. While I don’t necessarily want a long-term relationship, even my brief ones end on a good note.
Roxanne’s unrepentant pleasure when she pranked me was so sexy. It was all I could do to keep from crashing my lips to hers, pie and all. But I don’t want an audience for our first kiss, or any distractions. I have a feeling it’ll be the hottest first kiss I’ve ever experienced in my thirty-five years on this earth—twenty-five of which have been spent kissing a wide variety of females. All of varying ages and backgrounds.
Hey, I don’t discriminate. I’m an equal opportunity dater. I like all skin, eye, and hair colors.
Whenever someone asks me what my type is, I explain how there’s no reason to limit myself to one. I’ve always referred to myself as a connoisseur of fine women. I never tire of meeting them and trying them out, but I’ve also never met one that stood out head and shoulders above the others.
Until now.
Roxanne and I climb into the front of my truck with Rex, Danika, and Vi in the back. Poor Vi stuck in the rear seat with the two lovebirds.
“So, what did you think of The Gym?” I ask.
Roxanne giggles. “That might be the best name for a dessert bar ever. It definitely prevents a lot of judgement, I’m sure.”
“Yeah, Chrissy Marie, the owner, had a few other name options but The Gym was too good to pass up.”
“I ate my body weight in apple pie.” Dani groans. “I’m going to need to get to the actual gym. I can feel my ass expanding already.”
“I’ll help you work off the calories,” Rex suggests, and Dani sniggers.
“Everything was so good,” Roxanne chimes in, pretending my brother’s suggestive remarks were never uttered. “Adam, how did you like the key lime pie?” she questions with a teasing lilt.
“It was delicious. I did notice it hit my tastebuds a little harder than usual, though.”
Rocky reaches over, patting my arm briefly, surprising me. “You were a great sport about that. Some guys might’ve gotten pissed off.”
“Nah. What’s a little pie between new friends.”
“Friends?” She sighs. “I guess after what I put you through you may have earned that title.”
“Aww, look at you two getting along,” Dani jumps in.
“I knew I’d win you over,” I say, and Roxanne harrumphs. I sweep my eyes to her and then back to the road, ignoring the stirring down yonder. All it takes is a quick glance at her to affect my body.
Roxanne is unrivaled in beauty. If I could punch in a few buttons and order up the perfect physical specimen, she would be my ultimate choice. Long, thick, dark hair that swirls around her shoulders, full lips, and curves that won’t quit. Oddly enough, I find her dislike for me only draws me in more, and it’s not because she’s a challenge. Okay, it might be a little bit about the challenge. However, more than anything, it’s nice to have a woman not kissing my ass.
Rocky is different. She’s not trying to impress me or get my attention. Hell, I think she’s shot me down more times than one man should have to take. But take it I am.
Christ, for the past two days, I’ve been practically eating up her rejection. I barely recognize my own behavior, but I’m surprisingly okay with how things have gone.
Pulling into our driveway, my headlights illuminate the house Rex and I put so much time and effort into building. The two of us had a hand in every part of this place, from the framing to the finish work. This is my favorite place to be. I only wish I got to spend more time up here.
I park and