Chapter Three
CHAPTER THREE
COHN
After work, I stopped at home to grab a shower before driving to Harley’s. I didn’t think she wanted construction site dust all through her place, but I needed to talk to her, face to face, and right now. I couldn’t get Meghan off of my mind and without thinking I had invited her to dinner . . . tonight. I never gave much thought to the women I’d met or fucked. But hell, if she hadn’t paraded around in my brain nonstop since meeting her last night. And not naked images. Okay, there were a few; I was a hot blooded living and breathing male after all, but mostly I was trying to figure out how I could be what she wanted and needed. And when the hell had that ever mattered? The women I went home with wanted a good fuck and that was it. And I was more than happy to oblige.
Pulling my truck up to the curb in front of Harley and Shade’s home, I turned off the ignition. For the first time in my life, I needed advice. On dating. I cringed.
At their entrance, I knocked and then cracked my knuckles. Who would have ever thought there would be a day a chick would make me nervous?
Harley pulled open the door and her eyes widened as she smiled. “Hey, this is a nice surprise. Come on in.” She stepped to the side so I could enter. I followed her and took a seat beside her on one of the couches in her living room. Her house was laid out with a huge open area that was a living room, dining room, and kitchen combo. The living room large enough for two couches and multiple other pieces of furniture. She and Shade shared the home with our friends Mel and Toby. A hallway sat on each side of the living space and each one led to two bedrooms and a bathroom, so it was like the two couples had their own private little apartments along with a shared cozy space.
“Is Shade here?” I met her curious stare.
“No. I’m sorry. He doesn’t get off of work for another half an hour. But you’re more than welcome to hang out here until he gets home. I expect Amelia to be up soon. You can entertain her for a bit while you wait since she’s the most adorable precious one you know.” She shot me a teasing grin. “Did you need Shade for something?”
“Uh no. Actually, I’m glad he’s not here.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “I need some advice on what to do about Meghan and I would be embarrassed for him to be around to hear me asking for it.”
“Well, he wouldn’t think anything of it. He went to Toby countless times when we started seeing each other. He wanted to make sure he did everything right. And the fact that you are considering more than just a casual fling is promising. You are thinking about something more serious, right?”
Leaning back against the cushion, I dropped my head back and sighed. “Yes. But I don’t know where to begin with that.” I dove into what Meghan had revealed to me last night. “What the hell am I supposed to do with a virgin?”
Harley snickered.
Twisting my head, I scowled at her. “It’s not funny. I know how to fuck. That’s what I do and I’m exceptionally skilled. But this calls for something different, delicate maybe. Something I’m not sure I can deliver.”
“And you don’t want her as just a fuck.”
It was my turn to chuckle. “I still can’t get used to hearing vulgar words come out of your sweet mouth. Now Mel on the other hand. She’s been a bad influence on you. But in answer to your question; no. I want to try something more, but hell if I know how to go about doing that.”
“From what I observed last night, you’re off to a good start. You were honest with her, but you let some of your sweet show.” Eyes widening in exaggeration, she slapped her hand to her chest in mock surprise. “I think we’ve all known for a while you had that deep down, Cohn. It just took the right girl to drag it out of you. Did you guys talk while you drove her home? Did you have her ‘tuck and roll’ when you got to her place? Or did you walk her to her door even though you knew you weren’t going to be invited inside?”
“I walked her to her door. And she did ask me to come inside.” I raised an eyebrow at her.
Harley’s mouth gaped open.
“But I knew she didn’t want that, so I suggested we sit out on her porch and hang out.”
Closing her mouth, Harley shot me a knowing grin. “And that’s how I know you are going to be fine.” She reached over and patted my knee. “See, you know how to treat a girl without being all over her.”
It was my turn to smirk. “Our kiss goodbye was more than a little peck.”
Harley rolled her eyes at me. “Well, I guess we couldn’t expect you to keep your animal completely leashed. Okay, not that I mind, but what made you rush over here today?”
“I asked her out to dinner, tonight. And she said yes, but I wasn’t concerned about that.” I shot her a smug smile.
And she punched me in the arm.
Then my expression grew serious. “But what do I do about after dinner? I don’t even take girls to dinner. I go to their place and eat them.”
Glaring, she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Sorry, well not really.” I shrugged, shamelessly.
“You might want to tame it down just a smidge on your date. You can still be yourself, only a little less intense. Until she really gets to know you.”
It never concerned me that I didn’t have a filter. And even without one, the text I sent her was courteous. “I told her to dress comfortably because I didn’t want her to think she had to dress like a slut to get my attention. Should I have not said that? Do you think I offended her?” I dragged my hand down my face, again.
“I’m not sure how many dates she’s been on, but I’m sure there had to be at least a few who used the usual ‘wear something sexy’ line. The fact that you know her well enough to know she would be uncomfortable having that expectation once again shows your sweet side.”
“Fine, we can surmise she is comfortable around me. But how do I know when she is ready for the next step without scaring her off? Last night she said she wanted a kiss and I devoured her. She didn’t run screaming from me. Granted it was only a kiss, but like I had said, it wasn’t a chaste one.”
“She’ll let you know. You follow her lead. She’ll make the first move to let you know she’s ready.”
“She’s not going to crawl into my lap and grind on my dick, Harley.”
“Maybe not. She might just start off being a little more daring with her touches. But you’d be amazed at what a girl will do when she’s comfortable with a man.”
Harley would know after what she had been through. And to now be healed enough to be married and have a baby. I had met her through my friendship with Shade and even though they had met through hilarious means, their entire story tugged at your heart.
“And with you being the one with way more experience, you need to gently guide her along. When she’s being tentative as to what to do, either with her hands or her mouth, you need to reign in your beast. However, that doesn’t mean when it’s your turn you don’t give her what you give to other girls. She deserves toe curling orgasms too. Don’t make her feel inept.”
Eyebrow raised; my lips twitched before curling into an amused smile. “Mel has definitely rubbed off on you. Your face didn’t even blush when you said that.”
“Between you and Mel, I think I’ve finally become immune to the lewdness.”
A quiet cry came through the monitor setting on the coffee table.
“I was wondering when she was going to wake up.” Swiping the monitor from the table, she rose from the couch. “You don’t have to rush off. Shade should be home soon.”
“Not that I don’t want to see your adorable daughter, but I have a date to get ready for.” I walked toward the door. “Lock this behind me.”
Giving me a warm smile, she waved. “Have a great time on your date. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Her laugh followed me outside.
I hopped into my truck and drove home.
At five thirty, dressed in a pair of tan dress pants and a light blue short sleeved shirt, I hopped into my truck and headed in the direction of Meghan’s. After pulling in front of her place, I climbed the stairs to her front door and knocked.
A couple minutes later, the door swung open to reveal her wearing a peach sundress that hugged the curves of her breasts and hips and fell to about mid-thigh. Her hair hung in loose waves and a little bit of make-up highlighted her beautiful face. “Wow. You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. You look handsome yourself. You’re a little early.”
“I can sit out on the porch and wait for you.” I teased.
Her mouth curved into a soft smile. “I know I’d be safe if you came inside.” As soon as the words left her lips, her eyes widened and she slapped a hand to her mouth. “I did not mean it that way.”
I stepped through her doorway and tugged her into a hug before kissing the top of her head. Then I cupped her face. “I know you didn’t. But it’s not your fault my mind went right there. Although you don’t ever have to worry about offending me. It will never happen. Besides, I get off on hearing those double entendres, especially out of your sweet mouth.”
An adorable blush rose to her cheeks as she giggled. “And I know I don’t have to worry about you . . . ” She abruptly stopped laughing and trailed off, staring up at me.
“You never have to worry about that with me. And I don’t want you to hold back since you know you are safe with me. Do what comes natural. I’m going to.” I shot her a wink.
“Let me grab my purse and shoes and I’ll be ready.” She slipped out of my hold and padded down the hallway.
My eyes tracked the slight – but sexy as fuck – sway to her hips until she disappeared into a room. While I waited for her, I glanced around her homey place. Her kitchen and living room space was an open concept with a butcher block top bar splitting the area. Blue gray paint colored the walls and the kitchen appliances and cupboards were dark as was the furniture in her living room.
When she reemerged with her purse slung over her shoulder, wearing high heeled sandals, I whistled. “Now that completes the outfit.” My eyes ate up how the heels accentuated her legs. “You’re a petite thing, but I like it and you have stunning legs.”
“Thank you. And you look just as sexy in dress pants as you did in jeans, but no matter what kind of shoes you wear I think you’ll always be huge.” Her cheeks bloomed an adorable blush.
“No worries there. My shoes have no influence on my enormous size.”
When she stopped in front of me, I kissed her warm cheek before taking her hand in mine and led her out to my truck. Since she was in a dress, I placed my hands on her hips and lifted her into the passenger side. Her breath caught, but her body quickly relaxed into my hold. Once she was situated, I walked around to hop in on the other side.
The drive to the restaurant was filled with easy conversation. And about twenty minutes later, when I pulled into the parking lot at Bella Amato and helped her down from her seat, she released a breathy sigh and her body never tensed.
Placing my hand at the small of her back, I led her to the entrance. Inside, the hostess ushered us to a table near the back. Chandelier type lighting with mason jars filled with string lights lit the area above the wooden tables and along the perimeter recessed lighting provided illumination for the guests seated at the booths. I held her chair out for her and after she sat down, I took my seat across from her.
Once we were seated, the hostess handed us menus. “Your waitress will be right with you. Our specials for this evening are on the slip of paper just inside. Enjoy your meals.”
“So, what are you in the mood for tonight?” I waggled my eyebrows at her.
Her lips curled into a playful smile. “I think my usual. Not sure if I want to try anything crazy tonight.”
“Well played.” A laugh shot out of me at her emerging confidence. “I really like you; spending time with you; knowing I can joke with you without worrying I’ll make you uneasy.”
Her eyes – even though maintained traces of timidity – held my stare. “And it’s nice that I can be myself without feeling as if you are going to make fun of how I feel about things and that if the mood strikes I can play along without worrying you’re going to take my suggestive comment as an invitation or try to work it to your advantage.” She released a sigh. “If I would try to make a risqué comment before, the guy would either take it as me offering up myself and try to paw all over me or pester me to try something. Don’t laugh at me, but I feel safe and comfortable with you.”
The fact that previous guys put pressure on her to give in or hurt her feelings by mocking her views heated my blood to a boil. “I wouldn’t. I like that you know you are safe with me and comfortable enough to be yourself, but to also move out of your comfort zone a bit. And trust me; I’ll be the one who is laughed at. I’ve never wanted to change for a girl before. But I want to be what you need me to be. Now, I won’t be able to censor what comes out of my mouth. But as for the part that never wanted anything other than a one night stand before, I don’t want that anymore. I want something more with you.”
A blush crawled up her cheeks and her smile turned shy. “I want that too.”
When our waitress appeared, she placed a basket of rolls on the table.
Then I ordered dinner for the two of us – lasagna along with a glass of Merlot.
“So, you know I’m a graphic designer. What do you do?” Meghan snatched a roll and spread some butter onto it.
“I work for a construction company, Construction by Design. I moved here about three months ago when the company decided to relocate. About the same time as Katie’s party.” Grinning, I grabbed my own roll and slathered it in butter.
She giggled. “You really haven’t been in town long. Where did you meet that couple, Harley and Shade then?” Pulling her roll apart, she popped a piece into her mouth.
“I actually met them in college. I had earned a business management degree. I hope to run my own construction company someday. But for now, I’m happy working for one. I’m learning other things on the job and asking a lot of questions. The owner is a friend of the family. Makes it easy to pick his brain and learn all I can to then be able to use when I have my own. Besides, I like using my hands.” Winking at her, I took a bite of my roll.
She shot me an exaggerated wink, head tilted with her mouth gaped and everything. “Well, maybe sometime soon I’ll have to check out your handiness.” Her play turned her cheeks crimson.
“Fuck, I love it when you say stuff like that, especially when you then blush. I’m so glad I walked up to the bar for a beer when I did last night.” I shook my head. “Last night didn’t turn out at all like I had expected, but I couldn’t be happier.”
After the waitress brought us our meals, we engaged in friendly conversation with a few more innuendos thrown in while we ate.
When we were finished, we declined dessert and I paid the bill. I didn’t want her to feel pressured to invite me to her place or have to end the date, so when we got to my truck, I wrapped her in my arms and kissed the top of her head. “Since it’s a nice evening, do you want to go walk around Mead Botanical Garden?” It didn’t sound like fun to me, but maybe it was something a girl would enjoy. And I wanted this to be a date, not a means to an end for later having sex.
Leaning back, her eyes met mine and her expression was so serene and content; it warmed my heart – along with my groin.
“I’ve never been there. I think it will be fun. Well, maybe not for you. Although you’ll see some animals too I’m sure, not just plants and flowers.”
“I’ll have a good time because I’m spending time with you.” I lifted her into my truck before circling around to my side.
Thankfully, the garden wasn’t overly crowded. The area was beautiful and I did catch glimpses of some small critters – which Meghan was sure to point out with a tease to her words – but nothing exotic. Her hand in mine, our fingers entwined, we walked around for almost an hour. She wasn’t wearing appropriate shoes for a long stroll through a garden. When she started to slow down, I knew her feet were probably starting to bother her. On the way back to her place, our easy conversation flowed, but I detected a bit of unease in her voice. And her laugh held a nervous edge that hadn’t been there earlier in the evening.
When I pulled in front of her house, I turned to her. “I can just walk you up to your door and – ”
She blurted at the same time, “I want to invite you inside.”
Leaning over the console, I stretched out my arm and cupped her face in my hand. “It’s okay. For this being my first date, I had no idea what to expect, but I had a lot of fun.”
“I think I want to do this.” She shook her head. “No, I know I want to do this.”
I pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll text you and we can plan another date. We can do dinner and a movie or something later this week.”
“We can also continue this date. We can curl up on my couch and find a movie to watch. Of course, I’m a little nervous because this is a first. But I want you to come inside.”
I didn’t want us taking a step back. But I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable either. We had had a great time at dinner and then at the garden. But I couldn’t quite figure out what she really wanted me to do here. We were in the getting to know one another phase, so I was still learning how to do that and working on how to read her. And this was an instance where I didn’t want to make a grave mistake. This was why going home with a girl from the bar for a one time bang was so much easier than dating. But I didn’t want that anymore. And that left me in unfamiliar territory and I didn’t want to fuck this up.