I could go months without hearing from Susan, but the closer I get to a deadline, the more and more she texts, emails, and calls.
“Bye, Bianca.”
“Later, Susan,” I say quickly before tossing my phone onto the bed, needing to get ready.
The red dress is the only thing in my closet that’s classy and sexy but not trashy.The rest of my wardrobe is filled with comfy clothes or workout gear, none of which would be appropriate tonight.I pull the dress up over my hips and reach my hand behind my back, unable to find the zipper.I groan, hating these moments where I don’t have an extra set of hands to zip me up.
My hair is spot-on in an updo with some crystal-studded bobby pins to add a little sparkle to my brown locks.I’m wearing more makeup than I have since my cousin Vivian was married last year.The smoky eye took me two tries and watching a YouTube video to nail completely.
I step back, staring at myself in the mirror and wondering if it’s the right look for the party.I never asked what he did, and maybe I’ve gone a little too sexy if he’s something boring like an accountant or a teacher.
When there’s a knock on the door, my heart rate doubles and nerves set in.There’s no time to second-guess or change.“You’ve got this,” I tell myself as I smooth down the front of my dress.“You look good.”
Matt, my last boyfriend, was hell on my ego.The man spent more time nitpicking things he felt were my flaws than complimenting me.Any extra ounce of fat on my body and he’d take every opportunity to grab on to it, reminding me I needed to work out more.He was obsessed with looks, and mine never seemed to be good enough for him.
He’s the reason I swore off men, deciding to focus more on my work than his unrealistic expectations of beauty.
“Coming!”I yell when there’s a second knock.I take a deep breath and remind myself this is only a favor, nothing more.
It’s easier not to have any expectations.If I don’t expect anything from tonight, there’s no way I can be let down.
As soon as I open the door, my tongue nearly lodges itself in my throat.My neighbor looked hot as fuck half naked when he stood at my door the other day.But damn it, the way the man wears a dress shirt and pants is nothing short of spectacular.
“Wow,” he says as his eyes sweep down my body.“You look amazing.”
My belly flips at the compliment.“You clean up nice,” I tell him, trying to play it cool when my body is damn near close to overheating.
The way he has the sleeves rolled up his forearms makes my toes curl.I’m a sucker for muscles, and this guy has them everywhere.
“Can you zip me up?”I ask, turning around because I need a moment to freak out without him seeing my face.
I can feel his body heat as he steps closer.When his hand touches the zipper and his other hand rests on my hip, my knees nearly give out.I’m way too horny, and I realize going without dick for six months probably wasn’t my smartest idea.Never have I been so turned on by such a simple touch.
His fingers dig into the skin on my hip, and I can feel the power in his grip.“Cute tattoo,” he says with his mouth so close to my ear, I shiver.
“I lost a bet.”I manage to get the words out, but barely.“I had to get it.I figured at least I couldn’t see it on my lower back.”
“But I can,” he says, his voice deep and husky.“It’s hot.”His fingertips graze my spine as he pulls the zipper upward at an agonizingly slow pace.
“What about your ink?”I’d admired it the other day as he stood half naked in my doorway, and I wasn’t about to ask then.
“The eagle, flag, and ND are for my country and my alma mater.The dream catcher to remind me of my goals and making them a reality.There’s no real hidden meaning in them.”
“They look good on you.”
The zipper’s all the way up, but his hand still lingers on my waist.I concentrate on my breathing and not the dull ache that’s already starting between my legs because this hot-as-fuck guy is standing so near with his hands on me.
“Bianca,” he whispers as he moves a little closer.
I hold my breath and stay silent.
He takes a step forward, almost pressing his body against mine.“I haven’t been completely honest with you.”
I try to turn around, but he tightens his grip on my waist and stops me.“About?”My skin breaks out in goose bumps.
“Don’t get mad, but…” he starts, and my belly flutters again, “I may have told everyone you’re my girlfriend.To make it believable, I’m probably going to have to touch you tonight.I don’t want you to deck me if I try to hold your hand or put my arm around your waist.”
“Oh.”
