“What thing would that—” Connor’s brow lifts. “—never mind. I already know the answer. Agreed. The only thing you should withhold is your favored appendage.”
“Thanks for the solid advice.”
“Anytime. I highly advise waiting until you at least get past date five,” Connor tacks on.
“Is that how long you and Dred waited?” I hold up my hand when he opens his mouth. “I don’t actually need an answer to that.”
I gather the flowers and dropjes, and Connor and Dred join me in the elevator.
“You’ll be great. You’ve been friends for years. You’re just taking it to the next level now.”
I drive across town to Tally’s apartment and park in the temporary spot in front of her building, which miraculously opens up the second I arrive. I don’t have a chance to go up and get her, because she’s stepping off the elevator as I enter the building.
She’s wearing a stunning ice blue dress, her jacket slung over her arm, hair falling in artful waves over her shoulders. Her eyes light up when she sees me, then cloud with worry as she takes in the bustling, student-filled space.
I close the distance between us and cup her cheek in my palm. “You look concerned, kitten, is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just thought I’d meet you outside so you don’t have to deal with all of this.” She motions to our surroundings.
“I can’t see anything but you.” I brush my lips over hers and barely resist the urge to deepen it. I step back and take her hand, gaze roving over her. “You’re a vision. Is this dress new?”
She shakes her head. “I went shopping in Fee’s closet.”
“Well, I love this on you.” I hold up the flowers. “And it matches these perfectly.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“Holy fuck. I think that’s Flip Madden.”
“Where?”
“The guy in the suit.”
“We should go if you don’t want to get mobbed,” Tally whispers.
“Let me help you with your coat,” I offer as she slides one arm through and I circle her to assist with the other, quickly freeing her hair as she fastens two buttons. I wrap a protective arm around her, and steer her toward the doors, giving the Tilton Hockey guys a chin tip as we pass.
A group of guys check out my ride as I guide Tally to the passenger side and help her in. I use my body to shield her as I adjust her dress to make sure the hem won’t get caught in the door, as I close it, protecting her from prying eyes.
“Dude, that’s Flip Madden.”
“No way. What would he be doing here?” one guy scoffs.
It makes me edgy to think about the questions people might ask once we’re public. But this is a first date. One step at a time.
I take my place behind the wheel, closing myself in with Tally. I quickly buckle my seat belt and pull away from the curb before the guys think to swarm my car. It’s happened before.
“Did those guys recognize you, too?” Tally inspects the bouquet of blue and white blossoms.
“Yeah. I should probably rotate my cars to keep it fresh,” I reply.
“You’re also dressed in a suit, so you kind of stand out among the hoodie and jeans crowd.”
“And you don’t?” I give her a lingering once-over. “Seriously, you’re killing me, already.”
“I didn’t even do anything.”
