“No problem.”
That’s when she notices. “Oh, my god. You shaved?”
“I did.” I touch my own smooth face. “I haven’t been without a beard in…” I’ve got to think. “Shit, fifteen years.” I’d trimmed it short at times, but I’ve had my face covered forever. It feels weird as shit especially on my bike. I went to the barber at lunch to do it. Got a trim too, but when I went back to the shop, nobody recognized me. Plus, I got a lot of shit since most of ‘em knew about Prudence and her face. Brett was the worst offender, calling me “pussy-whipped after one date.” I shrugged it off. I wouldn’t call myself pussy-whipped since I haven’t had a taste of that yet, but I admit I’m interested in more with Prudence. Enough to do something as easy as shaving.
“Wh-why did you shave?”
I’m in front of the counter now. We’re twenty-four inches apart. “‘Cause I want to kiss you again.”
She flushes pink. Hot pink. “You do?”
“Hell yes, woman. That’s not the only thing I want to do, but you’ve got a wicked mouth on you, sweetheart.”
“Really?”
What the hell did that guy tell her? I have a feeling he was one of those insecure assholes who had to make her feel bad so he’d feel good. I hate that guy. “Fuck, yeah. You can really kiss, Prudence.” I can hardly wait to see what she’s like in bed.
I don’t know when it started but, tears are running down her cheeks.
“You shaved? For me?”
Yeah, that fuckwit did a number on her. God, I hope he comes back so I can beat the shit out of him. Stepping around the counter, I wrap her up in my arms. “Yeah. You’ve got sensitive skin. Can’t have you looking like you’ve been in fight with a wolverine.” I chuckle. “I kinda like people knowing you’re spoken for but not that way.”
Her sniffling slows. “That was sweet of you. Thank you. I needed that.”
“No problem.” I pull back a little and look down at her. Even with her having a shit day, she’s still beautiful. “It’s still pretty pink but better.”
“It doesn’t hurt as much.”
I hate that I hurt her. “Good.” I give her another squeeze and step back. “You hungry? You want to get something to eat?”
She shakes her head. “I’m going over to Laura’s. She’s got a bottle of wine ready to go.”
I know how that works. She should tell her friend about the ex. I’ve been married, plus I’ve got Zoe. Women have got each other for shit like this. “You call me if you want a ride home?”
Her face scrunches up. It’s a combination of confusion and apprehension. “What are we doing, Nate?”
It’s a valid question. One I don’t have an answer for. So, I shrug. “I don’t know.” I run my hand over my naked face. “I just don’t want you drinkin’ and drivin’.”
“I’ll probably sleep on her couch. That’s how we usually do it.”
“Ah.” I nod. “Okay.”
We’re quiet for a bit. “You look very handsome without the beard.”
“Yeah?”
“About ten years younger.”
The guys commented on that too. “Well, that’s a bonus. I look younger without the beard, plus I get to kiss you more often.” I arch a brow. “Wouldn’t you agree?” I might as well feel her out.
“Maybe.” She smiles, but it’s a small one.
I step closer and place my hand on her cheek. Leaning down, I press my lips against hers. It turns into a slow, sensual kiss in no time. When it’s over, I gaze into her eyes. “You fuckin’ turn me on, honey.” Oops. I said honey.
“I do?”
“Got a hard-on the size of Texas now.”
