When he isn’t looking, I read them anyway.
I know he got a newX-Menone, and I can’t wait to see if it has Rogue in it. She’s my favoriteX-Men. Something about her long auburn hair with the white in front. And her ability to absorb the powers, memories, and energy of those she touches? So cool!
The third floor is split, with my room on the left of the stairs and Ethan’s on the right. Between the bedrooms is a full bathroom and an open space loft where the TV and a couch are, so we could play video games or watch movies with our friends.
I walk past the loft where Ethan and Sam are and try to act like I’m going into the bathroom. Once I’m past them, I continue and sneak into his room. Thankfully, his door is open.
I hurry to Ethan’s bookshelf, where he keeps his comic books stacked in neat piles, and grab theX-Menone on top. Flipping through it, I see Rogue isn’t in this one, so I put it back and hurry back out of hisroom before I’m caught.
***
Present Day
“When did you start swearing so much?” We’re sitting at the restaurant Sam chose, a casual taco joint. We’ve finished eating and are now sitting in the cool air outside, chatting and enjoying our margaritas.
“Um, always?” I exaggerate the words. “I always swear, Sam, but maybe it's gotten worse since working with my dad. Everyone there swears like it's going out of style. I don’t think I’ve heard my dad say fuck so many times in my entire life. Did I tell you about the first time I heard him say fuck at the office?”
“No, but tell me more.” Sam leans forward and places his elbows on the table in front of him. I lean in, too.
“I was walking by his office, and his door was open. He was talking to another associate; I think something went wrong on a big case. He shouted the word, and I immediately turned to look at him.” I’m laughing as I tell the story. “He wasn’t yelling at the associate; he just yelled the word. Anyway, he saw me and went stark white. He looked like he had seen a ghost, then all of a sudden, his cheeks were blazing! He later begged me not to tell my mom.”
“He did not.” Sam’s eyes crinkle with his laughter.
“He did.” We’re both laughing now. I love how easy our conversations are. Even the silence feels comfortable.
His voice turns serious, “Listen, I was thinking. When I get back to Charleston, can I take you on a proper date?”
“Is this not aproperdate?”
“No, Kitty Kat. Picking you up from the airport and getting dinner after isnota proper date,” he scoffs and leans back into his chair.
“So, what is a proper date then?” I pick up my margarita and take a small sip.
“One where we both dress nicely. I'll pick you up for dinner and something fun. Or maybe I pick you up on my bike, and we go for a long ride and have a quiet picnic somewhere. Then at the end, I walk you back to your door and kiss you goodnight.”
My stomach is doing somersaults at the thought of being on the back of his motorcycle, my legs hugging his muscular thighs, my arms around his waist. The vision both terrifies and excites me. My voice is husky and thick when I finally respond, “I’d like that a lot.”
“Good, cause I don’t know what I would have done if you said no.”
“Probably groveled.” I smile at him.
He half laughs and half groans. “Is that what you want, Kitty Kat? For me to grovel on my knees at your feet?” His voice is almost a purr, and my lady bits are screaming at me for attention.Hisattention.
I’m feeling bold. “Sammy, there are many things that cross my mind that would be much better than groveling if you’re on your knees at my feet.” I’m trying to use my most seductive voice.
“I can think of several things I’d like to do when I’m on my knees in front of you, too.”
When. Oh fuck.
Sam’s gaze shifts to something behind me. I’m about to turn and look at what’s caught his attention when I hear a female voice purr, “Sam, is that you?”
She stops at our table, her back to me, so I can’t see her face. She’s clearly dismissing my presence with this simple act. It infuriates me.
She’s slim, taller than me, with black hair cut in a short bob.
“Hey, Tiffany, what—”
“Sam, you look amazing. It’s so good to see you.” Her voice is too breathy, like she’s trying too hard to be seductive.
