“That is a hike up your stairs.”
“Keeps me in shape.”
Before I can lose my nerve, I rise up on my toes and kiss him hello.
He doesn’t pull away from the kiss, either.
The apartment smells delicious. As we make small talk while he looks for a corkscrew, I realize I’m closing the distance between us until I’m hovering directly behind him when he turns.
Ireallywant to kiss him again—a long, hard kiss.
I think Leo’s leaning in to kiss me when he seems to catch himself.
There’s crazy strong chemistry between us. I don’t have to be an expert in sex to recognize that.
Instead, he opens the bottle and pours our wine. When I ask if he needs help cooking, he motions to the breakfast bar. “Nope. Just sit over there and chat with me.”
I take a risk. “Yes, sir.”
From the look on Leo’s face when I say that, I know I’m right. He definitely took it the way I meant it.
“See, you saythat, but how do you know that’s not close to the truth?”
“Maybe it’s closer thanyouknow.” I’m playing a dangerous game, but I can’t stop myself.
At least I have more confirmation he’s maybe into me in the same way I’m into him—meaning in a kinky way. As we talk for the next few minutes, hammering out some of the basic ground-rules that would define whateverthisis, all while he gives away very little about his partner’s identity, I know Leo is definitely the man I want to do this with, even if I end up not staying in DC.
Until a little cold water gets splashed on me.
“Those are the highlights,” he says. “We can negotiate the details. I’m thinking we hold off having sex until after the inauguration. By then, we’ll know if we both really want this.”
Did you hear the record screech? Because I damn sure did. “InJanuary?”
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
Well, fuck.“No. I’ve waited twenty-two years. I guess I can wait a few more weeks.” I struggle with my building disappointment. Maybe I won’t be having sex with Leo after all.
That’s depressing as hell.
He scowls. “What?”
I finish the rest of my wine. “I’m a virgin.”
He stops chopping veggies and takes a sip of his wine. “A virgin?”
I struggle to keep petty, bitter disappointment out of my tone, because nothing screams “mature adult” like pitching a tantrum over not getting laid. “Never been with a guy before. Toys, yes.”
“No kidding?” I can’t read anything in his tone now. It’s like a mask of his own slipped into place at my admission.
Maybe I didn’t pull back enough on the petty bitch side of me trying to pitch a tantrum. I check myself even more and take a deep breath in an attempt to regain my calm center.
There’s no reason to withhold any of this. Especially if there’s still a chance for me to have a relationship with Leo. “Decided to hold off on my sexual debut until I met a guy who checked all my boxes. I know how to jerk off if I’m horny, but I’m very careful who I let close to my heart.”
“I’m nearly twice your age.”
“Have you happened to notice you’re pretty damned hot?” That’s no lie, either. Which is also why I’m feeling so damned petty right now. I know it’s not outright rejection, but tell that to my heart.
Oh, hey, look at that. My cock’s soft now.
