The server stops by to take our order. The restaurant has gotten busy and they don’t stick around for idle chit chat.
“Should we talk about what’s okay and what isn’t?” We should get this out of the way before we get too far into dinner. I’d like to have actual conversation with him.
“Oh, wow, you don’t waste time.” He chuckles. “Mostly, I need to know what’s okay touching and kissing wise. I don’t want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I mean, I know we’ve seen each other without clothes, but this is different.”
The memory of us tangled up in the sheets of his bed hits me like a freight train. It’s not a night I’ll soon forget. The fact he’s being so considerate about how we’ll operate is proof of how caring he truly is. His brothers and sister don’t give him enough credit.
“Okay.” I let out a breath. “Hand holding, arm around the waist, things like that are totally fine.”
“And kissing?” He winks at me.
Of course that’s what he brings up. Not that I’d mind feeling his lips caressing my body again.
“I think the quick pecks are fine, but if we’re really going to sell it, there will need to be lip on lip action…with tongue.”
Parker’s eyes widen and I know I’ve surprised him with the last addition. It may have been for purely selfish reasons. I want to be kissed by him again. If for no other reason than to make sure I remember that night accurately. To know I didn’t imagine the sparks between us.
“Th—that’s totally doable.” He shakes his head, still in disbelief. “Unexpected, but I can oblige. If it gets to be too much, please rein me in.”
“I think we both know I’ll put you in your place if you overstep.”
His grin lets me know he’s about to say something inappropriate, but I want to know the first thought that popped into his head.
“Is it bad that I’m kind of wondering how exactly that’ll go down? I think I need to put the threat to the test.”
“You’re impossible.” I roll my eyes and grab a chip out of the basket before dipping it into the salsa. “Now that all the business is out of the way. We can have a normal date.”
“What do you do for work? I never thought to task. I know you started a new job.”
“I work in accounting.” He opens his mouth to say something, and I hold up my hand, cutting him off. “Not that kind. There’s no way in hell anyone could get me to look at their taxes.”
“That’s not what I was going to ask.”
I’m about to question him, but my phone rings. I pull it out of my bag and glance at the screen.
“Sorry, it’s my mom. I should probably take this. If I don’t, she’ll keep calling until I answer.”
“Go ahead. I’ll be right here.”
I get up from the table and head outside to the sidewalk. There’s no telling what this conversation will entail, and I don’t want to be overheard.
Thirteen
Parker
I still can't believe she said with tongue. Jasmin never ceases to amaze me. For someone who seems to handle everything, she has an unpredictable side.
Right now, I'm watching her pace outside the window. She doesn't seem upset and looks to be smiling. Whatever her mom is actually calling about, it doesn't appear to be bad news.
She finally gets off the phone and sighs. I don't know her well enough to figure out her facial expressions. She doesn't seem mad, only flustered. I guess the conversation took a turn at the end. Hopefully she's comfortable enough with me to talk about it. The last thing I want is for our date to go downhill. I actually like her, and have to keep reminding myself this isn’t real.
She walks back into the restaurant, and I can tell the second she switches back on. Her smile is big, bright and slightly forced, as she takes her seat at the table. A part of me wonders if this is something she always does.
“Is everything okay?” That's an acceptable question, I think. Not probing, but also gives her the chance to shut down the conversation. I'm leaving the ball in her court. She's leading the information flow. Even though this is fake, I want her to know I can be a friendly ear.
“Yeah.” She shakes her head, sending mixed messages. “She was wondering why I wasn't home yet, and wanted to make sure I didn't get kidnapped.”
“I have a feeling that's a normal conversation for the two of you.” My mom has never asked me or anyone else that question. Maybe it's because we live in a small town. I'm not sure. Either way, I think it would have caught me off guard.
