by Jenny Siegal
“That’s good to know. So, what is your type?” he asks eagerly, bumping my shoulder with his.
“Surely you don’t want to know?” I tease him. Damn right, he wants to know what my type is, but surely he’s worked it out already.
“Trust me, I want to know.” His voice drops, low and sultry.
“Well,” I start and he leans in closer, hanging on my every word. “He has to be tall, over six feet, lean and muscular with nice biceps, ripped abs, and have that sexy V thing with his hips, dark hair and green eyes.” My eyes twinkle as I watch him take this all in. “Oh and tattoos, I especially like ones on his arms or chest, preferably both.” His mouth drops and I can hear his brain click everything into place.
“That sounds like me,” he says in a hoarse voice.
I chew my lip and pretend to think for a minute. “Now that you mention it, it does sound like you. I hadn’t realized. Although, you might not have the sexy V thing going on and that would be a deal breaker.” I didn’t see it clearly the other night, but I'm pretty damn sure he does have that sexy V thing.
“You’re teasing me, and just so you know, I do have the sexy V thing as you put it. You just haven’t seen it,” he grumbles, turning to me, his expression deadly serious. “Is that really your type?” I hear a hint of pleading in his voice
Stretching my arms above my head, my chest pushes out and his eyes zero in on it. When I stand up, I hold out a hand to pull him up, too. Once he's on his feet, he pulls me closer. An arm wraps around my waist and our chests press hard against each other, his heart racing alongside mine. Being so close to him frazzles my brain.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” My voice is low and breathless when I meet his smoldering gaze and I can’t get any more oxygen into my lungs.
“Argh! You drive me crazy! What I wouldn’t give to press you up against this tree and kiss you senseless.” Tingles course through my body at his words and my bikini bottoms dampen. Why do I play these games with him? He always wins, and I end up wanting him even more.
“You’ll just have to content yourself with my company.” I turn and walk back to where Iris is lying.
His gaze sears into me as he watches me walk away, and I swing my hips a bit more to tease him. A look over my shoulder confirms that he is still watching me with a sexy grin on his face. I flash him a smile and sit down with the others.
“When are you going to put him out of his misery?” Iris mumbles sleepily to me. She peers out from under her hat. “He is crazy for you, and I can tell you want him. The sexual tension in the air is unbelievable. What are you waiting for?”
“You’ve changed your tune.” I point out. “You know full well why I won’t sleep with him. I’m not going to be another one of his one-night stands. We’re good as friends.” I am reassuring myself just as much as her. I’ve more or less admitted in a roundabout way that I want him.
“Yeah. Friends, my ass.” She puts the hat back over her face, and I’m off the hook for now.
The afternoon stretches into early evening and the guys come back and sit with their respective girlfriends. It is quite sweet really, but it makes me feel lonely. For the first time, I kind of wish I had someone to sit with, to feel their arms around me and talk quietly to about nothing. It is cooler now that the sun is going down, and I walk to my car to get my hoodie.
Dominic sits on his own, too, now that Pete has gone to sit with Grace. I watch him unobserved for a minute as he stares off into the darkness. Deep in thought and a little lonely, my heart stutters. There is so much more to him than you first see. Sure you see the good looks and the sexy body but he is a good person, a good friend, and I like that he is so protective and possessive over me. It would be nice to have someone looking out for you who would do anything for you. Dominic would be like that, but I wonder what he needs? Not a girl who only wants to be with him because he’s in a band or because he’s gorgeous. Could I ever be what he needs?
Pulling on my hoodie, I walk around to sit on the hood of my car resting my feet on the bumper. Dominic looks over and I smile, beckoning to him with my head. With a lazy smile, he strolls over to my car and climbs up to sit beside me, moving me farther up the hood so we lean against the windshield. His arm is around my shoulders and my body molds to his. The heat from his body seeps through my hoodie warming me up.
“I don’t think this is respecting Daisy, do you?” He smiles at me.
“She doesn’t mind.” I snuggle into him wanting to be closer.
Silence settles over us as we watch our group of friends.
“They all look so happy and couple-like, don’t they?” he asks wistfully. It's the first indication I get that we are thinking the same thing. Could we want the same thing?
“Yeah, I guess they do.” The twinge of envy I experience when I look over at them surprises me.
“Do you wish you had that?” He stares straight up at the sky, not looking at me.
“I never used to but seeing them all together, yeah, I suppose I do. There must be something nice about knowing that there is someone there for you all the time. Someone who you can talk to and who loves you for you, regardless.”
“Lately, I’ve been thinking that it might be quite nice to have someone like that.” Surprise registers on my face when I look at him; he is deadly serious.
“I wouldn’t tell all your women fans that. They’ll be brokenhearted,” I joke, but he doesn’t crack a smile.
“You know I’m not interested in any of them. I could imagine this with you, though.” He trains his eyes on me as he brushes his fingers softly down my cheek. My head fills with thoughts of Dominic and me, and whether we could work. I give my head a shake to clear it; I can’t go down that path.
“What do you think would happen? We would sleep together and then we would be like your friends are? Or would you get bored, and I’d get fed up with all the female attention you get? The sex would be great but is that enough?” The words rush out before I can stop them. He seems surprised that I’ve given it some thought or maybe that I’ve actually said that.
“We've done okay not sleeping with each other so far. I wouldn’t get bored; I don’t want anyone but you. We’d be good together. We are good as friends, and for the record, the sex would be amazing.” He winks at me, and I can't help but laugh at his conviction.
The arm around me tightens and a deep sigh escapes him as he nuzzles my hair. Wordlessly I hold him tighter not wanting to let go even a fraction.
“Let me prove to you that we would be good together, Charlotte. I know we will be. I want you, and I’m pretty sure you want me, too, especially if this morning is any indication.” His low voice rumbles through me.
He sways me—I do want him, and he knows it. I can feel myself being swept up in his certainty that we might work. Everything is changing between us, I have been trying to fight it, but it is stronger than I am. If I'm honest, I’m a little scared. I know I’m falling for him and I don’t want to let him go, but I’m scared what will happen if I don’t.
“I’m not sleeping with you.” I echo what I said on the first night. “You know I like you, and let’s face it, we are more than friends. I just… I just don’t want to be like all the rest.” I pull back to look at him, and his face is glowing with excitement. He looks genuinely happy.
“You won’t be, Charlotte. I will prove to you how good we are.” He pulls me against him again, and I rest my head on his chest. His heart is beating slightly too fast matching the pounding of my heart. But when his hands stroke my hair, I begin to feel calmer. I’m not ready to tell him about my past, but I know I’m going to have to soon, and I’m positive I will get hurt somewhere down the line.
“I’ve still got my prize to cash in,” he reminds me. “Let me take you out on a date tomorrow night?” His lips press down on the top of my head. I feel safe in his arms, and I realize for the first time in a long while, I’m happy. At the end of the day, I have nothing to lose except my heart.
&
nbsp; “I suppose there's a first time for everything.”
“First time…wait, you mean you've never been on a date before?” Wide-eyed, he looks down at me. I turn and hide my face against his chest. Man, he smells good.
“No.” His body muffles my reply.
“What was that? I didn't quite catch that.” There is laughter in his voice, and when I look up, he is wearing a huge grin.
“I've never been on a proper date before.” I spell it out for him and his grin grows wider still.
“This gets better and better. I am definitely taking you out tomorrow.”
Excitement starts to grow in the pit of my stomach at the prospect of going on a date with Dominic.
“Sorry, did you say something?” he asks cheekily when I am silent. He is expecting some smart-ass sarcastic comment, but it dies on my lips when I look at his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I'd like that.” My voice is sincere because I would like nothing more. His expression sobers and he watches me for a minute.
“You won't be like all the rest.” He leans toward me to press a light kiss to my forehead. A small feathery kiss that I feel all the way down to my toes.
My bum has gone numb from lying on the hood of my car for too long. Dominic’s arms are still around me, which is why I’m reluctant to move. I don’t want to break the spell or end such an amazing day.
“Do you want to go?” he asks shifting to look at me. With a nod, I sit up. He slides down the hood and helps me down. The others are still sitting with their arms around each other when we approach.
“We’re going to head out, so we’ll catch you all later,” Dominic says trying to avoid all their knowing looks. I mumble good-bye as I hastily gather up my things.
As if they don’t have enough reason to talk about us, Dominic puts his arm around my shoulders as we walk away. Because I’m feeling naughty, I slip my hand into his back pocket and squeeze his ass. He smiles down at me, knowing full well what I’m doing. I rest my head against his chest for added effect, which is no hardship, but then neither was squeezing his ass.
“Our ears will be burning.” He sniggers.
“Hmm, maybe we should really give them something to talk about.” I look up and his eyes reflect the mischief in mine.
“What did you have in mind?” His voice lowers seductively.
We stop at the car now, still in full view of his friends who are watching us but trying to look like they’re not. I lean against my car and reach out to fist my hand in the neck of his hoody Pulling him to me, I take him by surprise. Dominic stumbles slightly toward me and places a hand on either side of the car, trapping me. His lips descend on mine, softly at first, and I part my lips to allow his tongue to explore my mouth. Heat pools in my lower stomach, clenching, almost painfully.
The desire builds inside me, and my body is on fire as Dominic moves closer and pins me to the car with his hips. His erection presses into me, not quite at the right angle to satisfy but close enough. Roughly, I fist my hand in his hair, holding him to me. What started out as a joke to tease our friends is now backfiring on me, again. I want him, more than ever before. What happened this morning has done nothing to dampen my desire for him. It’s only made it worse. His mouth moves over mine with increased eagerness. His tongue fights with mine, and I return each kiss with as much passion.
“Get a room!” one of his friends shouts. Dominic smiles against my mouth but doesn’t stop kissing me as he flips them off. In his own good time, his kisses soften until he brushes my lips with his and pulls back. He looks as dazed as I feel. Okay, that wasn’t the best idea, especially when I’ve just told him that I won’t sleep with him. Now I feel hornier than before.
“Let’s go before I fuck you against this car and we really give them a show,” he growls.
“Sounds good to me,” I mutter, not intending for him to hear it. But he does. His eyes cloud with desire, and he pulls me back against that beautiful body of his. He dips his head and kisses me deeply, leaving me even more dazed and confused.
“Just say the word, baby, and I will make it happen,” he promises, solemnly. I flush with desire and scramble around to the passenger side, tossing the keys to him.
“You can drive,” I say quickly. With my trembling legs, I’m not in any state to drive.
Dominic rewards me with one of his panty-dropping smiles, not that he needs to smile at me for that to happen.
The drive back is quiet, and Dominic holds my hand the whole way back. I have gotten used to him always wanting to touch me and secretly enjoy it. When he stops outside my dorm, I turn to him.
“You take the car tonight.” No one has ever borrowed Daisy before, but we're talking about Dominic.
“I’ll make all the arrangements and pick you up at seven. We are doing this properly.” He squeezes my hand for emphasis.
“Sounds good.” I am feeling strangely excited about going out with him. I’ve never been on a real date before.
“What will you do now?” I ask, not wanting him to leave, but if he doesn’t then I won’t be responsible for my actions.
“I’m going home for a cold shower.” He laughs, indicating the hard-on he hasn’t managed to get rid of.
“Me, too,” I confess and have to restrain myself from reaching over to touch him and throwing all my good behavior out the window. Instead, I lean over to kiss him on the cheek.
“Think of me,” I whisper and get out the car. He stares at me, and I wink as I run inside for my own cold shower.
Chapter Eight
Tonight is our date night. As much as I keep telling myself it's no big deal, it so is, especially now that he knows this is my first date. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Nerves that I didn't know exist have surfaced, my stomach is churning, my mind is wandering, and I can’t stop pacing the room.
When Dominic bangs on the door, my heart leaps into my throat. Quickly, I wipe my clammy hands down the front of my jeans and take a few seconds to try to get my breathlessness under control. After one last steadying breath, I pull open the door.
“Hi, babe.” Taking a step toward me, he entwines his fingers with mine. Green eyes rake over me, from head to toe, appraising jeans that sit low on my hips and the floaty top that stops just short of the top of my jeans. It shows off most of my daisy chain tattoo that I normally keep hidden.
Dominic doesn’t look so bad either, wearing faded jeans that hang off his slim hips and a fitted blue checked shirt that highlights his broad shoulders and chest. I want to slip my hand underneath to feel his warm skin and trace every muscle that I’ve committed to memory. With a small tug, he draws me into his arms, and I lean up to press a small kiss to his lips. The surprise registers on his face as his eyebrows climb higher and warm hands settle on my waist. His fingers softly graze over my tattoo, and my mind goes blank as I enjoy his touch. A soft chuckle brings me to my senses and I pull him into the room.
Iris glances up from her frantic tidying; Bryan is picking her up and she hates a mess, which is why she made me put away all my clothes instead of leaving them lying on the floor as usual. They are staying at Bryan’s house tonight, and Dominic can’t resist teasing her about the night of passion she has planned. Poor Iris blushes, not used to being teased about her sex life, and I smack Dominic lightly on the back of the head.
“Leave her alone, Hudson. You’re just jealous because she’s going to be having sex tonight and you’re not.” I stick my tongue out at him, and his eyes narrow. I don't see his arm shoot out until he grabs me by the waist to pull me on his lap. With a half-hearted struggle, I try to get up, but it’s impossible to get out of his tight grip. All humor vanishes when his face lowers to mine.
“I could be having sex with you tonight, but I promised you that I’d behave,” he growls and presses his lips to mine. Taken by surprise, my mouth pops opens in shock. His tongue swirls around mine, and I taste his minty toothpaste. I settle comfortably in his arms, enjoying the kiss as the smell of
his subtle aftershave surrounds me and my core tightens. Iris clears her throat and only then does Dominic pull back to look at me, leaving me feeling dizzy, slightly flustered, and suddenly too hot.
“I think I’ll give you two some privacy. Catch you later.” Iris stares at us with wide blue eyes and a slight furrow on her brow as she disappears into the bathroom. We don’t normally behave like that in front of other people, mainly because I am still trying to pass off the whole we’re-just-friends act. Even though nobody is buying it anymore.
“You don’t play fair,” I mutter, still entranced.
He runs his thumb over my bottom lip, “No, babe, I don’t. But I never said I would. Come on, let’s go. You look gorgeous, by the way.”
With a roll of my eyes, I stand up to leave but he holds my wrist and turns me to face him, eyes flashing with mild annoyance.
“I mean it. Why don’t you believe me when I say that?”
Not wanting to get into my low self-esteem just now, I say, “I’m not gorgeous, Dominic. Yeah, I’m not totally ugly, but I’m under no illusions.”
The frustration on his face increases. “You are gorgeous. You just don’t see yourself as I do. Sexy and beautiful, and you drive me crazy because I want you so much,” he rushes out. I don’t think he intended to say all that, and I look up in shock. No one has ever thought that about me.
“Right back at you, Hudson,” I murmur and lean up to give him a kiss, which takes him by surprise again.
“I thought you were taking me out.”
“Let’s go, babe. Your chariot awaits.” He winks, taking my hand, and pulls me along with him.
• • •
Dominic drives us to a Mexican restaurant that is popular with students. Even though it’s busy, we have a reservation—his thoughtfulness is a nice surprise. The waiter leads us to a table near the back where it is quieter.