Holy guacamole, a shiver darted through me and atingling sensation began in my core. It was a feeling I found myself embracing instead of being repulsed by. Before I could contemplate that further, he leaned back and glanced down between us, my orbs following to where I saw our hands hanging so close together but not touching. I knew what he wanted, the guy was nothing but respectful and careful when it came to touching me.
I understood why, but a piece of me wanted to feel normal. To know that I wouldn’t freak if he reached out and grabbed my hand. It would be up to me to tell him that, but right then I just wanted to feel him, so I slipped my hand into his.
We both sucked in a breath and our eyes snapped to one another. Did he feel it too? It was like as soon as we touched, a jolt of electricity snaked up my arm. There was chemistry in play between us and it freaked me the hell out.
Movement behind me caught my attention and I suddenly remembered we had an audience. I scanned the room in front of me, taking in my sister, son, and daughter, who all wore amused expressions. They obviously found it entertaining to see me acting like a teenage girl getting ready for her first date.
Truth was, it was my first.
I glanced over my shoulder and the ladies behind me all smiled sweetly, nodding their heads in encouragement. Turning my head back to my date, I pulled in my bottom lip nervously, and bit down. It was a bad habit but one I couldn’t seem to break. Especially when I was in freak out mode.
Huntley gave my hand a little squeeze. “You ready to go?” “
After releasing my lower lip, I ran my tongue over it to soothe the sting and heard Huntley groan. His eyes dilated with desire and he leaned in close so only I could hear him. “You don’t know how bad I want to be the one doing that right now.”
“Are you flirting with me?” I blurted out, causing him and everyone to laugh even if they didn’t hear a word he’d just said.
I am such a dork.
“Yes, my little warrior, I’m flirting with you.” He winked and then gave my hand a slight tug, pulling me with him toward the door as he teased me. “There will be more throughout the date, stay tuned.”
Frantically looking over my shoulder again, I motioned for everyone to follow. Luckily the ladies that would be in attendance for the evening had gotten ready before helping me so they would follow us.
“I’ll drop off Bre and Lennon at my place to watch Stormi, then Bronson and I will be right behind you,” my sister said.
We all stepped out of the house and I noticed cars waiting with the ladies' men inside, ready to take them out as well. Summer was headed home after graciously coming to help me, but Capri, Gemma, and Ruby, along with my sister, were all going out.
I felt myself wishing everyone could go but knew that wasn’t happening. London was tired as she moved through her pregnancy and chose to stay home. Summer, Gyth, Jurnee and Braxton, were all watching kids while the rest of us went out. And it sounded like Patience opted to stay in with her son and Pops, along with Ruby and Lyric’s kids.
We’d still be a force of a group once we all gathered at the bar and grill we were going to. I’d heard from everyone that there was great food, live music, and dancing.
One issue…I don’t dance.
The ladies called out, letting me know they’d see us there, and car doors echoed in the early evening breeze that surrounded us.
Huntley pulled open the passenger door for me and dropped my hand so I could get inside. Just before I climbed in, Bre rushed up to me and gave me a big hug. I let it soak in. It wasn’t that she didn’t ever hug, it was just that she didn’t do it that often.
She and I were so much alike.
“Have fun,” she whispered in my ear before releasing me and darting to her aunt’s car where Bronson waited.
Bre was stoked about babysitting her niece, even if Lennon was tagging along to make sure they were okay. It was her first paying babysitting job; one she jumped at the chance to claim when Lake had asked her.
“See you later,” I called out to the kids.
Once I was in the passenger seat, Huntley grabbed my seat belt and pulled it across my chest, snapping it closed.
“I know how to buckle up,” I said in a humorous tone.
He smirked. “I know, but I like to do things for you, and besides, it lets me be close to you.”
Butterflies danced in my belly. “Oh.”
“You okay with that?” he asked me.
I nodded.
“Good,” he said softly. “Gonna kiss you now because I can’t wait. Is that okay?”
