“Tiger roll,” she offers. “Crab, shrimp, avocado, and cucumber.” I continue to chew as she goes from plate to plate telling me the different rolls. When she points to the California roll she smiles as if remembering the day in my office when she brought me lunch. “And your favorite,” she says, picking one up and holding it out for me.
“Yeah.” I look at her hand and lick my lower lip before leaning in a little closer, taking the roll from her hand and licking her fingertips as I pull back. I watch her watch me, with her lips parted and her breathing a little heavier than before. “I do love those,” I add with a grin. “They definitely taste good.”
“Are we still talking about California rolls?” she asks and all I do is offer a shrug. I wasn’t but I’ll keep that little secret to myself. After our little makeout session in my car last night I’ve had a difficult time keeping my thoughts clean.
The way she kissed me, while grinding on my lap, it fucked with my head. It would seem sweet quiet Sophie isn’t so innocent after all.
What I have noticed is we’ve taken away the pressure of the game. There is no longer the need to put on a show for anyone, it’s only her and me. And it’s like we’ve magically somehow relieved all the tension and instead we can enjoy the company of each other.
We can feel and act on those feelings without violating some rule we set about doing everything for show. This isn’t a show, not anymore.
The conversation now flows, the flirting it’s enjoyable. The want, it’s thick and continues to grow with each passing second. Seeing Sophie find herself, without the dark cloud of that asshole hanging over us, is incredible. Who gives a shit what he thinks, who cares what anyone thinks, it’s just us.
“Thank you,” she says as I link my fingers with hers once we step outside the restaurant.
“For what?” I ask, confused.
“I know you came here for me, and that you’re not a fan of sushi, so thank you.”
Pausing, I step forward and spin around placing my body in front of hers. “True I did choose this for you, but you sorta brokeme from my fear of parasites.” I chuckle when she rolls her eyes. “This is what a good boyfriend does for his girl.”
She looks up and her eyes widen a bit at the mention of me being her boyfriend.
“I don’t do things I don’t want to do, I never have. It’s how I am and it’s how I’ve always been. But for you Sophie, I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Because I think it’s about time someone puts you first.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Sophie
Hand in handFinn and I walk along the sidewalk toward his SUV parked along the curb. We pause at the passenger door and I look over, just as he leans in to pull on the handle.
“The movie starts in about thirty minutes,” Finn says as he opens the door.
I push past the nervous energy I feel knowing that we’ve come to the point where it can go two ways. We can continue to pretend that neither of us are fighting this pull between us. Where we ignore the desire for each other and continue to go through the motions. The place where we are trapped in the friends who are now dating, but without all the pressure phase.
It’s a nice place to be, but it’s also a place I feel like we can grow entirely too comfortable with and may be the one thing that makes this entire thing slowly crumble and dim out.
Or I can decide for us, and make a move that will shift the future of us in a direction I am desperate to go.
“I think maybe we should skip the movie.” I chance a glance at Finn and he holds my stare.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes.” I give a little nod and completely turn my body to face his.
“What did you have in mind?” he asks, sliding his hand up my arm and goosebumps cover my skin. I allow myself to imagine his hands all over my entire body and I swallow passed the intense feelings those thoughts trigger.
“I’ve never seen your place,” I add.
“No.” He hooks my waist with his other hand, pulling my body tighter into his. “I guess you haven’t.”
“I’m up for a tour if you are.” Before I can finish my thought he leans in pressing his lips to mine.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this step?” Finn asks and again it’s a reminder of the kind of man he truly is. It’s a reminder of all my past wrong choices when it comes to the men I’ve dated.
“I’ve never been more sure, Finn,” I assure him.
Flashing me his handsome smile, he carefully tucks me inside and closes the door, before walking around to the driver’s side.
