Third Date

by Kylie Keene

  “With tax, it’s $10.59.”

  “For three condoms?”

  She shrugs. “The hotel jacks up the price. When people are desperate, they’ll pay anything.”

  I search my wallet, which is full of ones for some reason. She notices and looks away. Great. Now she probably thinks I work at a strip club.

  People from the conference are starting to linger and talk outside the gift shop. I count my money and find that I only have nine ones. That’s it. I hand her my credit card but she doesn’t take it.

  “Sorry, but our machine is down. It’s cash only or I can charge it to your room.”

  “I only have $9. I have to run to the ATM. I’ll be right back.” As I’m closing my wallet, my change spills out and goes all over the floor. I bend down to pick up the scattered pennies, nickels, and dimes.

  “Let me help you with that.” I look up and see Brad picking up the change.

  Shit! What is he doing here? Where did he come from?

  “Thanks, but you don’t need to help,” I say, urging him to leave.

  He picks up the last penny. “I think we got it all.”

  We both stand up and he gives me the change.

  “Are we still meeting for drinks tonight?” he asks.

  Cashier girl is observing the scene and I feel her staring. I glance over and see her checking Brad out. I’m sure she can tell from my blushing face that he’s the reason I need the condoms. She smiles at me, as if reassuring me that Brad is worth the ridiculous price they charge for them.

  “Yeah. I’ll see you then. I’ve gotta go.” I race out of the gift shop.

  As I’m leaving, cashier girl calls after me. “What about your stuff? Are you coming back with your money?’

  I ignore her and hurry back to my room. The whole scene was fate telling me not to do this. I’m not ready. Or Brad’s the wrong guy. Something’s wrong. Buying condoms should not be that hard!

  About a minute later I hear a knock on the door. I assume it’s the cleaning lady because nobody’s been by yet and it’s already afternoon.

  I get up and open the door. It’s not the cleaning lady. It’s Brad.

  “You raced out of there so fast you forgot your stuff.” He hands me a small bag with the hotel logo on it.

  This is so embarrassing. He had to have looked inside. He probably thinks I’m hooking up with some random guy I met at the conference. Why else would I buy condoms at a hotel?

  “That’s not mine.” I shove the bag back at him. “I didn’t buy anything there.”

  “That woman said you ran out of money. So I paid for it. I figured if you were buying it at the gift shop, you must really need whatever it is. They charge a fortune for stuff.”

  I guess he didn’t look in the bag. But how could he not? I snatch the bag from him. “I’ll pay you back tonight. I just need to go to the ATM.”

  “It’s 10 bucks, Morgan. Don’t worry about it. You don’t have to pay me back.” He smiles, and once again, I feel myself smiling back. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  I watch him walk away. He looks as good from the back as he does from the front. Cashier girl is right. He is worth the $10 condoms.

  I open the bag to find the ‘For Her Pleasure’ condoms. I rip apart the box and toss out the illustrated guide for using them. Do people really need that? Even I know how to use them.

  I stash the condoms in the nightstand. Then I take them back out. If they’re in the nightstand, Brad will think I planned the whole thing. But just having condoms at all might make him think that. This is so complicated.

  I spend the rest of the afternoon at a session about trends in cereal flavors, but I can’t concentrate. In my head, I’m playing out all the possible scenarios of what might happen tonight, which only makes me more nervous.

  For dinner, I order room service, then get out my laptop and try to get some work done. There’s nothing like food science to take your mind off sex.

  By 8:30, I start to wonder if Brad changed his mind. His interview and dinner was at 6. How long could it possibly last? Or maybe it’s done and he changed his mind or decided he was too tired to have drinks.

  Another hour goes by and I’m sure he’s not calling. I’m disappointed I won’t see him but relieved that the sex plan is off. I’m not sure I could’ve gone through with it.

  Then at 9:45, the phone in my room rings. When I answer it, I hear his voice.

  “Morgan, I’m sorry it’s so late but I’d love to still have a drink if you’re up for it.”

  “Sure. Should I meet you downstairs?”

  “I’m in my room. I’ll just stop by and get you in a few minutes.”

  We hang up and I race to the bathroom for a quick freshening up. I hear him knocking at the door and go to answer it.

  He’s smiling from ear to ear. His positive energy practically fills the room.

  “I got the job!” He’s so excited he comes in and hugs me, his big muscular arms enveloping me. I breathe in his best-I’ve-ever-smelled cologne.

  “That’s great, Brad! Congratulations! Did you just find out?”

  He lets me go, still smiling. “Yeah. You’re the first person I’ve told. Let’s go celebrate.”

  He takes my hand and leads me out the door. He’s being very affectionate tonight. I’m starting to think this sex thing might actually happen.

  We go to the hotel bar and find a small table off to the side where it’s not so noisy. The bar is full of conference attendees and a lot of them are drunk and laughing really loud.

  I take a seat but Brad remains standing.

  He puts his hand on the back of my chair and leans down to talk by my ear. “What would you like to drink? I’ll go get us something.”

  His warm breath by my ear causes a shiver to go through me.

  “Morgan?” He massages my shoulder a little to wake me up, and wow, that feels good.

  “Yeah. What were you saying?”

  “What would you like to drink? It’s on me.”

  “Just a glass of wine. Red, please. Any kind.”

  He heads to the bar and I check him out. He still has his suit on from the interview. It’s different than the one he wore the other day. It’s dark gray and looks more expensive. And it fits him perfectly. He looks really hot in that suit. Really, really hot.

  I notice a table full of women next to the bar staring at him. They huddle together like they’re making some kind of plan. Then one of them, a young woman with long dark hair wearing an extremely tight, low-cut navy dress, gets up from the table and makes her way to the bar. She stands right next to Brad, getting as close as possible, and whispers something in his ear. She laughs and tosses her hair back.

  For a moment, I consider going up to the bar and interrupting this little flirt-fest, but doing so would make me look crazy. Brad and I aren’t dating. If he wanted to, he could take her back to his room and have his way with her.

  Brad nods in my direction, holding two drinks in his hand. The woman glares at me, like I’m her competition. I glance away.

  Brad comes over with the drinks. “Merlot for you. Gin and tonic for me.”

  “Did you meet a new friend at the bar?”

  “I met her at the booth today. She was asking if I wanted to go to a club with her later.”

  “Are you going?”

  He laughs. “No. I’m here with you. You think I’d just ditch you for some other woman? I’m offended.”

  “It’s not like we’re on a date. If you want to go, it’s okay.”

  He swirls his drink in his glass. “Who says we’re not on a date?”

  “Oh. I didn’t think we were.” I feel myself blushing.

  He smiles. “Do you want this to be a date?”

  “Sure. It can be a date.” I sip my wine, trying to act cool.

  “Then it’s official. You’re my date for this evening.” He takes a drink of his gin and tonic.

  After that unexpected announcement, he proceeds to tell me all about his inte
rview and his new job.

  I really like listening to him talk. He has a good energy. And I like his voice. It’s strong and deep and he has a really great laugh. And then there’s that smile. Damn, that smile. He should do toothpaste commercials.

  “So are you excited about living in Portland?” I ask him. “I guess you are or you wouldn’t have applied for a job there.”

  “I have mixed feelings about it. It’s a great city and I think I’ll like living there, but it’s so far from home. Living in Chicago I’m able to drive back to Minnesota for a weekend. Now I won’t be able to get back as much. My mom needs more help now that Dad’s gone. She kind of relies on me to fix stuff around the house.”

  “I could help her. I mean, I can’t fix things but I could do other stuff.”

  He looks surprised. “Really? You don’t even know her.”

  “I’m sure I’ve met her before at school events.”

  “You might’ve met her after your mom died. She brought you guys some casseroles. She’s funny that way. When bad things happen, she cooks for people. Well, she does that when good things happen, too.” He laughs. “I guess she just likes to cook.”

  “Your mom brought us food? Did she know my parents or something?”

  “Our dads worked for the same company, but that place has a couple thousand employees so I’m not sure how well they knew each other. But when my mom heard what happened, she wanted to help out.”

  “I remember someone bringing food over but I didn’t realize it was your mom. If she needs anything, just let me know. I’m happy to help.”

  He reaches over and holds my hand. “That’s nice of you, Morgan. Thanks.”

  “Sure.” I smile, hoping he won’t let go of my hand and luckily, he doesn’t.

  We talk until midnight but it doesn’t seem that long. The only reason I knew it was that late is because the bar is closing.

  It’s time to invite Brad up to my room. The night has been so perfect that I’m confident he’ll say yes. But then what?

  As we ride up the elevator I get nervous and take some deep breaths, trying to relax. I need to take this one step at a time. Just invite him in and go from there.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  13

  “Do you want to come in?” I say it casually, not flirtatiously, as we stand in front of the door to my room.

  “I would, but you probably have to get up early for your flight.”

  “It’s not until 10. Come on in.”

  Brad takes off his suit jacket and loosens his tie and goes over to the small sofa that faces the TV. He sits down on it, putting his arm up over the back. I take a seat next to him.

  “I had a good time this week,” he says. “I’m glad I ran into you.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” I angle myself toward him, giving him an open invitation to make a move.

  He hesitates, but then takes the bait. He reaches behind my head and draws me closer and as soon as his lips touch mine, I get that feeling inside me again. That warm, fluttery feeling that makes my heart beat really fast.

  It starts as just an innocent kiss, like we had last night, but then he parts my lips with his tongue and slips it in my mouth and his innocent kiss turns fiery hot. He does these amazing things with his tongue I’ve never had anyone do during a kiss. Then again, I haven’t kissed that many guys. And most of the ones I did kiss were really bad at it.

  Brad is an expert at it. His lips and tongue work together seamlessly, melting my insides and causing my body to relax into him. He leans forward, his hand still behind my head and eases me back on the sofa. His kisses get slower and deeper, arousing even more sensations inside me. After a few minutes, I feel his hand move over my breast. I inhale sharply, startling him.

  “You okay?” He looks at me, concerned. “I can stop.”

  “No.” I smile at him. “Don’t stop.”

  He smiles back, then kisses me again as his hand slips under the hem of my sweater, his fingers brushing against my waist. I tense up a little, then relax and savor the feel of his hand on my skin as it slowly makes its way up my chest.

  Shit! My bra! He’s going to feel that stupid bra. Or what if he sees it? Kayla’s right. It’s hideous! I can’t let him see it.

  I stop kissing him. “Let me take it off.”

  His hand is now touching the flimsy, polyester-blend fabric. “Let me help you with it.”

  Before I can stop him, he reaches under me and unhooks it. He starts to lift my sweater but I bolt up and say, “Wait. I’ll do it.”

  He leans back, giving me a strange look as he watches me pull the bra through my sleeves like some kind of magic trick. I fling it behind the couch, hoping it lands somewhere he’ll never see it.

  “Okay, we’re good.” I pull him over me again and kiss him, trying to make him forget what he just saw. I still have my sweater on. I should’ve taken it off. Why didn’t I take it off?

  He must think I want it on because he doesn’t attempt to take it off again. Instead, he slides his hand up it, cupping my breast and teasing the center of it with his thumb as we kiss. He’s so good at this. Better than good. My body is exploding with all kinds of sensations, ones I can’t even create myself.

  I’m sure this is going to lead to sex. Technically, we’ve been on three dates so according to Kayla and Paige, the timing is right. And I’m so turned on by him and what he’s doing to me that I’m actually looking forward to it.

  After a while, I pull away and motion to the bed. “Do you want continue this over there?”

  He leaves kisses down my neck. “I want to continue this, but right here is fine.”

  “But don’t you want to, you know?” I glance at the bed again.

  He stops and looks at me. “We’re just starting to get to know each other.”

  “I know, but we’ve been out like three times.”

  He shakes his head. “Yeah, I don’t buy into that third-date rule. I think people should go at their own pace.”

  “And you’re not ready yet? Or you’re just not into me that way?”

  “I think I’ve made it pretty clear I’m into you that way. That’s the problem. If we go to the bed, things will happen.”

  “Why is that a problem?”

  “Because you’re a nice girl. I don’t feel right about it. It’s too soon.”

  “But you’re a guy. It’s never too soon. Don’t guys take it whenever they can get it?”

  “When they’re 18. Or acting like they’re 18. I’ve already been through that stage and it wasn’t that great. And as much as I would love to take you over to that bed right now, I think it’s best if we don’t.”

  I must look disappointed because he rushes to explain. “I’m not rejecting you, Morgan. I’m just trying to be a gentleman.” He lifts my chin up to look at him. “You’re gorgeous and you feel amazing, so believe me, I would love to take this farther. But I don’t think we should.”

  He’s right. It’s too soon. As much as I want to do this, part of me doesn’t feel ready. But will I ever feel ready? I don’t think I will, which is why I just want to do it and stop making such a big deal out of it.

  I turn my head to the side, staring at the wall. “Do you want to just go?”

  He laughs. “You’re kicking me out because I won’t have sex with you?”

  “No! Not at all.” I turn back to him. “Sorry, I was just—never mind. You can stay.”

  He’s still hovered over me, propped up on his hands. I’m sure he’s not interested in doing anything more with me after that awkward conversation I just forced us to have.

  I pick up the remote on the table in front of us. “We can just watch a movie.”

  He takes the remote from my hand and sets it back on the table. “How about we do this some more, then watch a movie?” He kisses me, his tongue gliding over mine, and it gets me going again.

  I like this. Just kissing with no pressure to go all the way. Although I wouldn’t mind doing a little more. After a few more
minutes of kissing, I reach down between us and undo his belt. I hear his breathing get heavier as I unbutton his dress pants. When I tug at his zipper, he slowly pulls away.

  “Maybe we should watch that movie now.” He gets off me and stands up.

  Wow, he’s really determined not to have sex with me tonight. It’s good. I’m just surprised. But like he said, he’s being a gentleman and I appreciate that.

  He zips his pants up and fixes his belt. “I can go if you want to get some sleep.”

  “Actually, I’m wide awake.” It’s a lie. It’s the middle of the night and I’m really tired but I don’t want him to leave yet. But maybe he wants to leave. I don’t want to force him to sit around watching movies with me all night, so I ask him, “Do you want to stay?”

  I must’ve said it like I was afraid he’d say no, because he smiles and says, “Yeah. I do. Just let me go change into some other clothes. I’ll be right back.”

  While he goes to his room, I try to figure out what I’m doing. I’ll never see this guy again after tonight, so what is this? Just two friends watching movies after a really intense make-out session? Why aren’t I sleeping? I need to sleep, not watch movies with Brad. I have to get on a plane in a few hours. And I have tons of work to get done when I get back tomorrow and I can’t do it if I’ve had no sleep. But for whatever reason, I’m not ready to say goodbye to Brad.

  To hell with sleep. I can sleep later.

  While Brad’s gone, I search through the channels for something to watch. He comes back wearing jeans and a fitted white t-shirt that shows off his back-from-vacation tan. He looks so hot that I’m wishing we could continue where we left off but it would just lead to places we’ve decided we’re not going to go.

  “I brought some food over in case you’re hungry.” He sets a couple bottles of Coke, a bag of potato chips, and a package of Oreo cookies on the table in front of us.

  We snuggle on the sofa and eat cookies and watch an old comedy from the 80s. Occasionally he leans down and kisses me, but he keeps it quick. But even his quick kisses give me that warm, tingly feeling inside.

  Around 4 in the morning, we can’t keep our eyes open and we make our way over to the bed because the sofa is way too small to sleep on. We lie down next to each other and I fall asleep in his arms.