Chapter 22 #2
But we’ve waited this long, so we soap up and wash our hair, then I make her come so hard that Barry calls up to make sure she’s okay.
That’s a lie, but it sounds more impressive than she practically collapsed in my arms from losing control of all the tension she’d been carrying.
Hrm . . . maybe that does sound pretty damn good and since it’s the truth, that’s the story I’m sticking with.
By eleven, I have her waiting on the bed with the lights out. I light the candle and walk into the bedroom singing Happy Birthday really fucking loudly. I sound terrible, so I have a theory that if you sing at the top of your lungs people give you a pass on the sound of your voice.
Sitting on the end of the bed, I hold the cupcake forward, and say, “Make a wish, Virginia.”
She blows out the candle. “You’re here. I don’t need anything else.”
Leaning forward, I kiss her. Her hands cup my face, she kisses me again, and then says, “Actually, I do have one wish.”
“What’s that?”
Her request is my specialty. We’ve moved into the main part of the apartment and she’s sitting on the other side of her bar—topless because that was my end of the deal.
It was only fair since I’m shirtless and pantless.
Since we’re dealing with fire, she let me wear my boxer briefs.
I toss the bottle into the air and catch it behind my back, whip it around and turn the cap, filling the glasses quickly.
One twist. Two. When the orange garnishes are added to the whiskey, I get the lighter. “You ready?”
She nods excitedly, her eyes wide as she lifts up to get a good view. “It’s so sexy how you handle those bottles.”
“Wait until I handle you.”
“I’ve waited my whole life for it.”
“You know I’m a sure thing, right?” I ask, reminding her again.
Lowering the lighter to the drinks, the fruit oil lights just how it’s supposed to.
Virginia squeals in delight, and I pop my imaginary collar.
Two quick puffs and the flames are out and I hand her drink to her.
“Taste the smokiness. It magnifies the liquor, which is why you should always drink the good stuff.”
With her eyes closed, she savors the cocktail. I used to think cocktails were aphrodisiacs. They’re not. She is. Fuck, I’m hard. I think I’ll savor her all night long.
Dean Martin begins crooning “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” I hold my hand out to her. “Dance with me.”
She takes it and I walk around, joining her in the living room.
Pulling her close, I try to get as much of her body against mine.
Snow is still falling outside, but inside—it’s warm and cozy.
Leading with one hand, and the other on her lower back, we begin swaying to the music.
She asks, “Will you go with me to the holiday party? We can party hardy.”
“Did you just make a punny?”
“I did,” she replies proudly.
“Well how can I possibly say no to that?”
“You can’t. Can you get a tux on such short notice?”
“I own one, so I’m good.”
Looking up at me, she says, “Why do I feel like there’s so much more to learn about you?”
“Good thing we have a lifetime ahead of us.”
“Be careful, Mr. Richard. I’m starting to see hearts in your eyes.’’
“I don’t want to be careful anymore. Careful lost us time. I don’t want to lose anymore with you.”
Her forehead drops to my chest and she sniffles, so I ask, “What’s wrong, V?”
She sniffles again, and then says, “You. This. It’s all so perfect.” Looking into my eyes, she grimaces. “I left tonight to spite you.” I don’t say anything. I can tell she needs to get this off her chest. “I was going to meet him to hurt you.”
“What happened?”
“I got two blocks away and realized I didn’t want to see him.
I wanted to see you. So I was going to walk to Brooklyn, but I got caught in this gusty area and lost my hat.
And I didn’t have gloves because I had thrown them at you.
I found a diner open and sat there warming up.
I think I had three cups of coffee, but really I was thinking about what was happening between us. ”
We part and she takes a blanket and wraps it around her.
Sitting on the couch, I lift my arm. She curls into my side, and continues, “Katie O’Dowd told me you were a lost cause, that many had tried to hook, line, and sinker you, but you were going to remain a forever bachelor.
You were so determined to stick to the lesson plan that I thought if I told you I was falling for you that you’d end the lessons and wouldn’t want to see me anymore. ”
“I was only doing those damn lessons to spend more time with you.” She sighs, and I sigh with her. “We’re quite a pair.” I rub her arm, and ask, “Would you have gone through with the plan on New Year’s if we hadn’t had that fight?”
“I felt some pressure like I’d let you down if I didn’t, but I wouldn’t have. Until Isabella told me I had interrupted your time with her. Then I was determined to get rid of my virginity come hell or high water with Lowry.”
“I’m sorry about Isabella, that she said those things to you. It’s not true. I had comforted her because she’s going through a divorce. I should have known better.”
Angling up to face me, she smiles. “I know someone we can set her up with.”
“A match made in asshole hell?”
“Something like that.” Her hand snakes over my abs and starts going lower. “By the way, did you say yes or no to New Year’s Eve?”
Covering her hand, the pressure feels too good. My breath comes harsher through my nose, and I say, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“So can we say I love you anytime we want now that it’s out there in the universe?”
“I’m counting on it.” Lifting her up and onto my lap, I kiss her. When she opens her eyes, I say, “I love you.”
“I love you, too, but I have another question.”
“Ask away.”
“Do I still get lesson four, the final lesson?”
Flipping her down on the couch beneath me, I say, “I’ll be giving you the final lesson all right and then I’m going to test you over and over and over again.” My hips move between her legs.
Her giggles, punctuating the point I’m trying to make, and by point I mean we grind together until giggles turn to moans and I’ve given her the second gift of the night.
What can I say? I tried to be humble but I’m an arrogant bastard, the king of orgasms, and as of tonight, Virginia Ryan’s boyfriend—my most distinguished title to date.