He must sense my thoughts because he answers my unasked question, “I want to do wicked things with that mouth of yours,” he looks me up and down, slowly, “and the rest of you, for that matter, but,” Sam sighs, “we have a party to get to, and what I have in mind will take more than just a few minutes and would ruin that hair and makeup you just paid for.” He reaches his hand out to me. “Shall we?”
I’ve lost the ability to speak with his words, so I opt for nodding and taking his hand. We stop by the front door, where I left my high heels, and I put them on. I’m still several inches shorter than he is, even with the height from my shoes.
“Turn for me so I can get the full effect.” He motions the action with his finger. A grin spreads across my face, and I oblige.
He stops me with gentle hands on my shoulders when my back is towards him. He moves in, and I feel his warm breath at the nape of my neck. He trails soft kisses down my spine, and I shiver at the touch.
“I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off of you all night,” he groans into my back as he trails kisses back up to my neck.
“Then don’t.” My voice is a challenge, and he groans in response.
“I think both of our dads would be very disappointed if I’m groping you all night in front of their clients and friends.” He gently turns me so I’m facing him and once again holds out his hand for me, which I take in mine. He wraps his hand around mine, places my arm in his, and we walk outside.
When we get to his SUV, he opens my door with a little bow. “My lady.”
“Ever the gentleman.” I smile at him. He helps me in and kisses my hand before walking to the other side and getting into the driver's seat.
As soon as his seatbelt is fastened and he’s started the vehicle, Sam places a hand on my leg and gives it a gentle squeeze. My brain short-circuits as his thumb draws slow circles on my thigh.
By the time we make it to the event location, my body is tingling from his touch, and it takes everything in me to refrain from demanding he take me back home. I remain sitting as he gets out, walks over to my door, and helps me out. He wraps my arm around his, leans over, and kisses the top of my head before leading us the rest of the way to the outdoor event.
I’m in awe at the size of this party. Around 30 large round tables line the vast dance floor, while several large white canopies are scattered around the perimeter of the event space. Long tables with appetizers and desserts, and makeshift bars are under each of the canopies.
String lights hang over the entire space, and I can’t wait to see everything once the sun goes down. It’s gorgeous, and if I didn’t know any better, I would think we were attending a large wedding.
Sam’s voice interrupts my thoughts as he leans down and quietly speaks, “They didn’t hold back, did they?”
“I guess not. I can’t imagine how much this costs, but,” I look up at Sam, “it's beautiful.”
He looks down at me, his smile lights up his eyes. “Yes, you are.”
“Such a charmer,” I tease. I look away and see Mom and Dad chatting with some people I don’t recognize. I nod in their direction, “Well, should we go say hi?”
“Sure. You gotta make sure they see you’re here.” He winks at me, and we make our way over to them.
Mom sees me first; her face morphs into a huge smile as she puts her hand over her heart. “You look incredible, pretty girl.” She shifts her attention to Sam, “Wow, you clean up nice!” She hugs him first. When she hugs me, Mom whispers, “Look at you two.”
When she pulls away, I give her a look that I hope conveys "don’t start." She just smiles in response.
Once Dad finishes his conversation, he turns his attention to us. “You both look great.” He pulls me into a quick hug, “I’m glad you’re here, Kat. Sam,” Dad looks down at our interlaced fingers, “it’s great to have you here with her.”
What is going on with these two?
He gives Sam one of those bro hugs where they clasp hands and pat each other on the back with the other.
Dan walks up and gives Sam a knowing look. “Son, glad to see you. Kat, wow.”
“Thanks. Now,” I look at the glasses in our parents’ hands, “I think I need a drink to make it through this.” I grimace a little and look towards one of the bars. “Shall we?” I look up at Sam, who nods in agreement.
“Everything ok with your parents?” Sam says quietly as we walk away.
“You noticed that, too?” My eyes are big when I look up at him.
“Yeah. Are they freaked out by us dating?”
“They haven’t said anything, but,” based on what Mom whispered to me, “I think they’re happy for us.”
Sam gently lifts my hand and brings it to his lips.
