Earlier, I’d dropped off a card and a few photos from Sophia’s birthday to Eva as a thank-you. I’d stayed longer than planned, enjoying her company and the maternal nurturing I crave.
As the afternoon sun waned, I had to get going. Eva and Bitsy walked with me over to The Ship Mate, where Val was kind enough to arrange for the lobster rolls to be delivered at 6:45 so they’d be fresh.
I just want tonight to go well. Our first at-home date. It feels significant. Then again, everything with Chaz does. Even the smallest details are meaningful.
When the doorbell rings, I nearly jump out of my skin. For a moment, I just stand there, tapping my fingers, unsure what to do with myself.Don’t get in your head. Nothing’s going to go wrong.
Lemons float, but limes sink.It has to do with their densities, I recall, attempting to calm my nerves on the way to the door.I takea deep breath, and pull it open. There he is, afro and coat dusted with snow, smiling as though he’s been waiting all day to see me. And just like that, my worries scatter.
“Hi, Blue.”
“Hi.” I smile back. “Come on in.”
“For you.” He hands me a gift bag.
“What happened to coming empty-handed?”
“Technically, I stuck to the rules. You said you’d take care of dinner and wine, and this is neither.”
“Well then, thank you.”
“Aren’t you going to open it?” he asks, shrugging off his jacket to reveal charcoal joggers and a black crew neck. My gaze drifts over the strong column of his throat, wondering if he likes to be kissed there. My eyes fall lower, tracing the broad width of his chest, imagining the body beneath his clothes—imagining him last night, when he was touching himself and breathing heated sex words into the phone as he unraveled me.
“Lex?” His voice pulls my mind back to the present.
“Sorry. I got distracted. I’ll open your gift while you pour the wine.”
“Sounds good.” He unlaces his boots and thoughtfully lines them up by the door the way mine are. Then he follows me to the kitchen.
“Glasses are in the freezer; wine’s in the fridge.”
“Got it. But first things, first.” He reaches for me, gently tugging me to him. His gaze moves over my face. “I missed you.”
“It’s been less than eight hours.”
“Eight hours too long.”
“You should probably kiss me then.”
“I probably should.” His lips capture my smile. He tilts his head, moving his mouth over mine—slowly—his hands cruising along my sides, adding a seductive punch of heat.
My stomach flutters, and when I feel the strength of his broad chest and rounded middle pressed against me, I realize I’d been the one to move in closer. Hot sparks of desire kindle deep inside me. I shove my hands into his thick, damp curls as his palms press against my lower back. I feel him hard and ready—a reminder of what could be if I want it. And I do. But we have the whole night ahead of us.
I break the kiss first, although I pause before stepping back. Our eyes meet, our mouths mere inches apart, breathing each other’s breaths.
“Y-you should get that um…the um?—”
“Wine,” he supplies on a soft chuckle, clearly aware of his effect on me.
I’m not mad about it, knowing my effect on him too.
Chaz presses his lips to my forehead and drops his hands from my waist.
While he retrieves the glasses, I pull out the tissue paper from the gift bag to find a high-quality polarizing kit. The filters are designed to bring out richer colors, manage reflections, and create smooth, dreamy effects. I’ve been given diamonds andhaute couture, but this is the most romantic and insightful gift I’ve ever received. It validates me in a way nothing else has.
“I love it, Chaz! I can’t wait to try out these cool lenses. They will add so much more depth and clarity to my photos. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He hands me a goblet and clinks his against mine. “To finding inspiration.”
