I suck in air through my teeth before biting my lip, feigning disappointment. “Maybe we should cancel now. I really hate intelligent men.” Then after a beat, I add, “But . . . the huge penis might be your saving grace.”
“I knew this monster would do me proud one day,” he says, with pride, looking down at himself. We both laugh as the hostess approaches and Vick lets her know we need a table for two.
Once we’re seated, our waitress approaches and quickly takes our drink orders. The conversation flows easily. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. I quickly learn that Vick is a jokester and has a zest for telling stories that make you laugh.
“So my uncle spends the entire day in these sunglasses and keeps bitching about how bright it is outside. My cousin and I could barely keep ourselves from laughing in front of him, but somehow we managed.”
“So you guys just let him walk around all day wearing sunglasses with no lens? And he never realized it?”
Vick leans back and laughs, and I can’t help but admire his perfectly white teeth. “All damn day. And the funny thing is, no one else said anything either.”
I shake my head as I chuckle. “Your poor uncle. That sounds like something I would do.”
“Eh, he took it well. He’s pretty good about laughing at himself.”
We both smile as a pause of silence falls between us, but when our eyes meet, Vick leans forward, resting both arms on the table as he looks at me.
“I like you, Demi Stevens.”
My cheeks heat as I fight the grin trying to break out across my face. “You’re not so bad yourself Vick.”
“I know . . .” he pauses as if unsure how to word what he wants to say, “I know this is your first time out since your husband passed.” I can’t help but wince a little at his words. “Sorry,” he says, sincerely. “I didn’t mean to bring up a sensitive subject. I just want to say, this is new, and so far I like you. And I’m prepared to go as slow as you’d like.”
Okay, my heart flutters a little. He gets me. He barely knows me, and he gets me. While I feel ready to burst into the dating scene, I’m not naïve enough to believe it’ll all come easy. Blake is the only man that has touched me . . . intimately in the last seven years. While the thought of feeling that rush that comes with falling for someone, that feeling of your body craving another, excites me, there’s a lot of fear there too.
“Thank you, Vick. I appreciate that.”
“Can I see you this weekend?”
My mouth quirks into a smile. “I’m babysitting this weekend. Maybe early next week?”
“Monday?”
“Monday works,” I agree.
After we finish our meal, we have one more drink before he walks me out to the parking lot. He opens my car door for me and we both kind of laugh awkwardly. Do we kiss? I’m sure he’s wondering should he kiss me; is it too bold? Me, I’m torn between wanting him to, and not wanting him to. But Vick takes control; he leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth chastely.
“Goodnight Demi,” he whispers before backing away.
“Night.” I give a little wave and slip inside my car. As I pull out of the parking lot, I touch my mouth where his lips brushed, smiling because, all in all, that was a perfect first date.
As I’m climbing out of my car, heading inside my house, I hear the roar of Connor’s bike. A few seconds later, he pulls in behind me. The motion sensor lights on the side of the house flashed on when I pulled in so I can see him perfectly, and I can see the dainty arms wrapped around his midsection. I shut my door, intending to hustle inside, unsure of why I want to avoid meeting whoever it is he’s brought home, but he turns off the engine and calls, “Hey, Demi. Everything alright?”
Turning, I plaster on a friendly smile. “Oh yeah. Just exhausted. Been a long day.”
He doesn’t respond right away, but motions his head, indicating for his guest to climb off while he holds the bike steady. I stand there, feeling like an idiot because I don’t know if it would be rude to go inside now or not. Should I wait for an introduction? Then, a tall blonde with a perfect body climbs off and smiles at me. I should’ve gone inside.
“Hi.” She waves, giving me a friendly smile. She’s the definition of a sexy biker chick. “I’m Roxy.” Of course she is. She’s gorgeous and has an awesome name.
“Demi,” I respond as I return the wave. “Nice to meet you.”
“I know who you are. I’ve heard so much about you, Demi,” she beams as she rushes in and gives me a strong hug. She has? Has Connor spoken about me? And why is she hugging me? My gaze darts to Connor, who clears his throat as he climbs off his bike and stretches. When Roxy turns back to him, he gives her a look that says, zip it. But I don’t have time to think about it because his gaze moves to me and moves down my body and back up again. I feel myself get hot just from his obvious perusal, and I pray the limited light hides my reaction. His Adams apple bobs as he swallows before he asks, “You been out tonight?”
I don’t know why his question makes me feel nervous, but I look at my feet and push my hair behind my ear, before meeting his gaze again. “Yes. I had a date.”
Now his brows rise, and his eyes widen. “Oh.” Then . . . there’s silence. Was that shock I heard in his voice? I wait for him to say something—anything—but all I get is silence. The sounds of crickets and frogs seem to blare until Roxy moves beside Connor and wraps one arm around his torso.
“Well—”
“We were going to grab something quick to eat and have a drink,” Roxy offers. “Would you like to join us?” Wow, this woman is friendly. And as weird as it sounds, there’s something about her that makes part of me want to get to know her. She looks like the kind of person that has all kinds of interesting tales of adventures to tell. Seeing them side by side, Connor in his rugged glory; tattoos, muscles, and worn jeans and Roxy in her perfectly fitted outfit, and long, lean legs, I can’t help thinking how good they look together. Now, I’m feeling a little off. And I can’t figure out why.
“Oh, I already ate,” I respond quickly. “But thank you. You guys have fun.”
“Your dress looks really good on you, by the way. I bet it was a great first date,” Roxy yells as I reach the steps.
As I climb the stairs to my back porch, I look back. “It was. Thanks,” I smile and head inside.
After I brush my teeth, I open the bathroom window just as Connor’s light in his apartment switches off. I guess Roxy is spending the night. As I climb in bed, I check my cell and find a text from Vick.
Vick:
Thank you for an awesome evening. Hope I didn’t scare you off with all of my intelligence. ;)
Me:
No. Just the talk about your huge penis. I’ve decided I only like small ones.
Vick:
Damn. Maybe I over talked it. It’s not
that
big.
I laugh and text back:
Nite. ;)
Vick:
Sweet dreams, Demi.
As I lay my head on my pillow after turning off my lamp, I inhale deeply. Thoughts of Vick scurry through my mind, followed by thoughts of Blake. But as my eyes close and I drift off to sleep, the last thought I have: Is Connor having sex with Roxy?
Friday rolls around, and I rush out of work and head to the grocery store to buy enough food to feed the army of children staying at my house this weekend. When I pull in the driveway, Connor is under a truck, his legs peeking out as he works. When he hears me pull in, he rolls out on the creeper he’s using to help roll under the truck and sits up.