Chapter 27 #2
The evening goes by in a flash, and before I know it, the Uber driver is dropping us off in front of the house.
I was a little apprehensive about going out with Troy, but in the end, my worries were unjustified.
Dinner was lovely. Troy was attentive, funny, and uber sexy—a dangerous combination to me.
A cynic would think that was his master plan—to be charming and irresistible so he could win the bet.
But he was too nervous in the beginning for that to be true.
Poor thing even forgot to give me the flowers he’d bought.
As we walk side by side toward the front door, my stomach is suddenly tied in knots, as if this were indeed a first date and I didn’t know what was going to happen. Is he going to kiss me? Should I invite him in for a nightcap?
Those thoughts are ridiculous, of course. We’ve already fucked like bunnies, and we live together.
Instead of unlocking the door, Troy turns to me and links his hand with mine. “So, here we are.” He smiles at me, revealing the twinkle in his eyes that I’ve quickly come to love.
“Here we are.” I smile back.
“I had a wonderful evening.”
“Me too.”
He doesn’t say another word, just stares at me.
Blush is slowly spreading through my cheeks.
The intensity in his gaze is making me a little uncomfortable.
I don’t know what to say or do. The sexual tension between us is palpable.
There seems to be a magnetic field pulling me to him.
I have to fight the urge to jump into his arms and have my way with him right here on our front porch.
“Well, would you like to come in?” I ask to break the silence.
He chuckles. “I thought you’d never ask.”
It seems we’re keeping up with the charade that this is really a first date. If that’s the case, who’s going to make the first move? My hand is shaking a bit as I try to find the keyhole.
Gee, Charlie. Take it easy.
“Need some help there?” Troy asks, clearly amused.
Finally, I manage to unlock the door. “No. I got it.”
I let Troy walk in first, and then I close the door behind me.
My idea is to head to the kitchen to grab a drink, but he turns around fast and pins me against the wall, covering my body with his.
His lips find mine, branding me with an urgent kiss.
I melt against him, drowning in his scent, his presence.
I clutch his arms, pulling him closer to me, needing to feel every inch of his frame pressed against mine.
I’ve never felt this need, this ice-cold fever for anyone before.
It gives me chills and burns me up at the same time.
When I think he’s going to take things further, he stops, stepping back and leaving me feeling bereft.
“What?” I ask, a little dazed.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I’ve been dying to kiss you like that all night long.”
“Why did you stop?” I pout.
He shakes his head. “Because I haven’t crossed the point of no return yet. Why? Do you want me to continue, babe? Are you waving your white flag?” he says with a smirk.
“No.” I walk around him—almost running really—to the kitchen. I need something cold to soothe the ache in my loins.
Loins? Oh God. Who am I? Amy Farrah Fowler?
I don’t want to drink more alcohol because I think I’ve had plenty.
If I’m to survive the rest of the evening without succumbing to Troy’s charm, I have to be clearheaded.
The only thing I see in the fridge is a can of Coke and Troy’s sparkling water.
If I drink soda now, I won’t be able to sleep, so water it is.
I press the cool bottle against my forehead.
“Poor babe. Are you hurting that bad?” He chuckles.
I whirl around, mortified to be caught in the act. “Shut up. I bet you need an ice pack to place over your groin.”
His eyes take on a dangerous glint as they narrow. “Woman, do not remind me of the worst case of blue balls I’ve ever had.”
“If it’s that bad, why don’t you use your hand?” I quirk an eyebrow.
He points at me. “You’d better stop that right now. I’m onto you, Charlie Alice Fontaine.”
“Wait. How do you know my middle name? I never told you.”
“I have a copy of your rent contract and ID.” He gives me a toothy, victorious grin.
“Fine, Wolfie . I’ll stop.”
“If I could hate Grandma for telling you that odious nickname, I would.”
“Well, I’d better go to be—”
“Oh no. You’re not going to sleep yet. Our date is not over.”
I put a hand on my hip. “Is that so? What else do you have planned?”
“If you’ll follow me to the living room, I’ve prepared an evening of excellent entertainment.”
“Oh, are we doing a Lord of the Rings marathon?”
“No. We can do that when you invite me on a date.”
I tilt my head with a pitying frown. “Aww, and you were doing so well.”
I sit down on the couch, pulling the blanket to me so I can create a barrier against Troy. It’s a pathetic effort, but valid. “What are we watching?”
“One of my favorite TV shows of all times. You’re probably a fan, actually.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“ Supernatural .”
“What? Are you crazy? I’m not watching that.”
Troy’s expression falls. “Why not?”
“Because it’s fucking scary. I told you I don’t do horror.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Do you think this is the face of someone who’s joking?” I draw a circle in the air to emphasize my point.
“Charlie, Supernatural is not a horror series. Where did you get that idea?”
“From watching the first episode. I was freaked out.”
“Okay, fine. I concede that the first season is a little spooky, but it gets better after that. Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“I don’t know.” I nibble on my lower lip.
Everyone I know has been bugging me to watch the damn series for years. Maybe I should try again. Besides, if it gets too scary, I can always jump in Troy’s arms and hide my face against his chest. Maybe that’s what he’s banking on. But I can’t refuse him when he’s giving me those puppy eyes.
“Fine. But if I have nightmares, it’s on you.”
“If you have nightmares, you’re more than welcome to sleep with me.” He laughs.
“Oh, I bet that’s exactly what you want.”
“Charlie, you really have the worst ideas about me.”
“Yeah, yeah. Put it on already before I change my mind.”
He chuckles. “That’s what she said.”
“I said put it on, not in.”
“Sure, sure.”