Chapter 23 #2
My foot brushes his shin, and I uncross and recross my legs. “Backstage after a performance.”
“Were there other people around?” he asks, eyes lighting up with expectation.
“Other people were performing.” We were the first onstage that night. It had been such an adrenaline rush, and hormones added to the high. “We ducked into a dark corner in the wings.”
“Who’s we?”
“Me and one of the guys from my troupe.”
Flip’s eyes light up with approval. “How’d he make you come?”
I do jazz hands. I hadn’t expected the orgasm, so it had been a real thrill for both of us.
“So the possibility of getting caught turns you on.”
“Are you tucking that away for safekeeping?”
His thumb circles the center of my palm. “One day, I’ll be making you come in the wings while your friends are performing.”
A shiver runs through me.
His answering smile is full of filthy promises.
“What about you?” My voice is hoarse. “What’s the most public place you’ve had sex?”
“You mean other than a night club.”
“How did you get away with that?” It’s always a pulse of bodies, you can’t turn around without bumping into someone.
“Lots of dark corners.”
Heat rushes through me at the idea of Flip tucking me into one of those corners, making me come while everyone around us dances. “What’s more public than that?”
“I fucked my high school girlfriend on a Ferris wheel while we were stuck at the top.”
“Oh my God.” A thrill shoots down my spine. “Everyone around you must have known.”
He grins. “I’m sure they did. But she was afraid of heights. I was doing my due diligence by distracting her.”
I laugh. “So considerate.”
He smirks. “I thought so.”
“Was it a rush?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Maybe you should take me to a carnival sometime.”
“When the weather is nice,” he agrees.
Like he has plans for us. Like this is the first date of many.
We pause the conversation while the server clears our appetizer plates to make room for our meals.
“Tell me about one of your fantasies,” he says when we’re alone again.
“In general, or specific to you?”
His eyes darken. “A me-specific fantasy, please.”
I decide to keep my fanfic-inspired fantasies to myself—for now. I trace the rim of my wineglass. “I was never allowed to have boys in my room growing up.”
“Smart parents.” Flip nods his approval.
“But were they? Teenagers are resourceful, and I did get fingerbanged backstage after a recital,” I remind him.
Flip sucks his teeth, the look on his face sending another shot of heat skittering along my spine.
I run my finger down the stem of my wineglass. This is Flip Madden. He’s done it all, and I’m manifesting my dirty hopes and dreams. “Well, sometime in the future, before or after we’ve taken a ride on the Ferris wheel, I’d like to be fucked in my childhood bedroom. Preferably with the door open.”
He makes a low sound in the back of his throat. “While your parents are home.”
I shift in my seat as sweat breaks on the back of my neck. “Maybe they have to run to the store.”
“Do you really think I would rush when I’m fulfilling one of your fantasies?”
I shake my head and swallow thickly.
He kisses my fingertips. “I would take my time, bring you right to the edge and make sure you didn’t tip over until they came back.”
I shudder and dark satisfaction sparks in his eyes. “What’s your bedroom look like at your parents’ house, kitten?”
“An homage to my teen years. Very dance-themed.”
“Is it pretty and delicate like you?”
“I guess.” I bite my lip and duck my head at the compliment. “I only ever had a single bed.”
His nostrils flare. “Daddy didn’t want you to have a grown-up bed?”
I shake my head. I’m hot all over and I’m sure that’s the point. I’ve spent years fantasizing about the man in front of me, but nothing I dreamed up comes close to the reality.
“What about your bedroom in your apartment? What’s that like?”
I widen my eyes. “You’ll have to see it to find out.”
“Future me looks forward to that day.”
All this talk emboldens me. “Future you has an open invitation to visit my bedroom anytime you like.”
He chuckles.
The server stops to refill our waters, breaking the tension.
We spend the rest of dinner talking mostly about how incredible the food is. Flip ordered the dragon bowl, and I have the portobello steak.
Afterward, we drive back to my apartment and Flip parks in the temporary spot. “This is literally never open, except when you’re here.”
“I manifest it.” He winks.
I want to invite him up, but Fee and Cammie were planning to hang out tonight, and our place is often the favored location.
I unbuckle my seat belt and shift to face him.
“I had the best time tonight. The aquarium was perfect, and dinner was…amazing.” And stimulating.
Me, pillow Flip, and my vibe have a date before bed tonight.
“I had a great time, too. I learned a lot about you.” His eyes caress my face.
“I want to invite you in, but my apartment might be full of my friends,” I explain.
“That’s okay. I’ll still walk you up.” He stretches his arm across the seat. “But I’ll kiss you good night here, just in case.” His fingers slip under my hair, curving gently around my nape. I lean in as he does the same, eyes fluttering closed as his lips meet mine.
He’s so soft with me, tender and sweet as he sucks my bottom lip. And then his tongue brushes mine. I whimper as he angles my head and deepens the kiss, exploring my mouth with heady sureness.
“That fucking sound, kitten.” He drags me across the center console into his lap. His wide palm drifts up my side.
“Please.” I’m ravenous for more of his hands and his mouth and the deep groans that rumble through his chest and across my lips. I moan when he cups my breast and his thumb brushes my nipple.
The touch disappears and he moves to cup my face, separating our lips.
“More, please,” I whisper.
“You’re fiery tonight, aren’t you?”
“You were the one asking me about my fantasies.”
“I have no regrets.” He kisses my chin. “But we should probably avoid an indecent exposure charge if we want to stay on your dad’s good side.”
“You’re the one who put me here.” I wiggle in his lap.
“I did do that, didn’t I?” He moves me back to the passenger seat. “I’m still walking you up.”
He cuts the engine and comes around to the passenger side to help me out of the car.
It’s quiet in the atrium, and the elevator is empty except for us.
Flip wraps his arms around me, and I settle my head on his chest, comforted by the steady thud of his heart.
We reach my floor without running into anyone else.
I pass my key fob over the sensor and crack the door to my apartment. The TV is on, and laughter filters down the hall.
“I’ll say good night here.” Flip moves closer, until our bodies are flush again.
Parsnip meows and swats at my ankle. The door isn’t open enough for him to slip through.
“Thank you for a perfect first date,” he whispers.
I melt as he presses his lips to mine, warm, minty, and full of promise.