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I’m about to go off like a firework. I lean into him further, pressing my body up against his, earning me a growl from deep in his chest. His hand slides into my hair and he angles my head as he kisses me deeper. My hands grip the lapels of his blazer, pulling him into me. My hips grind into his and he pulls away with a groan, panting. He presses his forehead to mine as he tries to get his breathing under control.

“God, you’re killin’ me,” he groans and I fight back a giggle.

“I’m sorry.”

He leans back and smirks at me. “No, you’re not. Come on, let’s go back to the table. Our food is probably almost done.” He reaches for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine, and we head to the table where the waitress is dropping off our plates. We slide into our chairs and thank the waitress before digging into our food.

“All right, Officer Wheeler, your turn. Tell me something about you?”

“Well, I’m classically handsome, obviously—”

I giggle and bump him under the table with my foot. “Be serious!”

“Okay, let’s see, I like football.”

“Duh.”

“How am I ever supposed to do this if you keep interrupting me?” he asks, teasing.

“Sorry, I’ll stop.” I pretend to lock my lips and throw away the key.

“You’re so cute.”

I wrinkle up my nose at him and shake my head. He laughs loudly.

“All right, back to me. I like football,” he says, giving me a pointed stare to keep my mouth shut. “And I like playing pool with my friends; I’m an excellent gardener, thanks to my mom, and I can cook like, two things, well.”

“What two things can you cook?”

“Pancakes and steaks.”

A laugh bursts out of my mouth. “Diet of champions.”

“You know it.”

We spend the rest of dinner, talking about nothing in particular and laughing more than I have in a while. He’s so easy to talk to and even though I’m nervous, the conversation flows easily between us. Ryan was right about the food, too. It’s absolutely delicious and I can see this restaurant quickly becoming one of my favorites. When I’m finished, I lean back in my chair with a groan.

“Full?” Ryan asks with a laugh and I nod.

“Oh my god, yes! I ate so much.”

He laughs again, nodding as he glances down at his own plate. “Yeah, I’m going to have to spend more time at the gym this week. You ready to go?”

“Absolutely.”

Ryan tosses a couple bills on the table before taking my hand and leading me outside to the car where he opens my door for me again. When he slides behind the wheel, he reaches over and grabs my hand again, holding it in his lap as he pulls out of the parking lot. The ride back to my apartment is quiet but comfortable and I’m already thinking about when I can see him again. He pulls up in front of my building and turns the car off.

“Let me walk you up.”

I nod. “Okay.”

He wraps his arm around my waist as we walk up the steps to my apartment and I can’t help but wonder how far he’ll let things go tonight. I know he said that he wanted to show me this was about more than sex but I also wouldn’t object to letting him in for a nightcap. We reach my door and Ryan spins me to face him, his arms wrapping around my hips and pulling me close.

“Would you like to come inside?” I ask, my nerves flaring up again and he smiles.

“I would love to but I was serious earlier. This is more than just sex for me, Emma, and I want to wait.”

I nod, loving and hating his conviction on the matter. “Goodnight, then.”

“Goodnight, Emma. I had a great time tonight.”

Before I can say anything, he leans in and seals his lips over mine, stealing my breath. My arms wrap around his neck and I hum. I’m quickly becoming addicted to the way he kisses. After a moment, he pulls away and meets my eyes, his breathing labored. Ryan stares down at me, brushing his thumb over my cheek before leaning in and planting another quick kiss against my lips. He pulls away quickly, backing up as he smiles at me.

“I’ll talk to you soon, baby.”