Page 65 of Rush

And I’m panting like a dog in heat. Legs trembling. Body in an outcry at his absence.

Shit, does he regret what just happened?

“No, I don’t regret it,” he says like he just read my mind.

“I never said anything,” I counter innocently.

“I could read it all over your face.”

Okay. So, maybe I’m easy to read at times.

“So…why’d you stop?” I ask quietly.

“Because I was about three seconds away from fucking you on my windowsill, and the first time we do this…have sex…I want you to be a hundred percent with me.”

“I am a hundred percent with you.” I think I always have been.

“Glad to hear it. But you’ve had one hell of a day, babe. And, when we do this, the only thing I want you thinking about is me, you, and the way I’m making you feel. And call me old-fashioned, but I’d kinda like to take you out on a date before we get to the sex.”

I can’t contain my smile. He wants to take me out on a date.

“Okay. And when will this date take place?”

“Tomorrow night, if you’re free. The Big Lebowski is showing again. I was thinking I could take you out for dinner and then to the movies.”

A date with Ares Kincaid. Who’d have thought it?

“I’m free.” Even if I weren’t, I’d cancel my plans for him. “But, just so I’m clear on this…it’s just the one date before we get to the fucking?”

He laughs, and it’s deep and throaty; it lights me up inside.

“What do you think?”

I think I’m getting laid tomorrow night.

Ares has seen me soaking wet, wearing only a bra and pants. He’s seen me in just a towel, for God’s sake.

So, why is it taking me forever to decide what to wear for our date? Which he’s picking me up for in fifteen minutes.

Argh!

Because this is different. You’re actually going out on a date. There’s going to be more kissing. And then later, sex.

Holy cannoli!

I honestly still can’t believe this is happening.

That he likes me. That he wants me in this way.

It’s crazy. The best kind of crazy.

I don’t know what changed his mind or when he realized that his feelings for me were more than just friends, but I don’t care. Because he wants me.

Okay, maybe I care a little.

I know how he feels about alcoholics. And I still am one.

But I just need to not focus on that right now. I need to focus on what to wear.