Chapter 24
24
“ Y ou’re not going to touch a utensil,” Patrick says, taking the Chinese food out of the plastic bags and arranging it on the coffee table.
“You want to feed me?”
“Yes. I’m not done spoiling you.”
“I could get used to this.”
“I want you to.”
“I can’t believe …” I trail off, thinking about him eating me out while I was ordering. So hot. We’re staring at each other, and I know he’s waiting for me to continue, but now I’m lost, captivated by his green eyes through his glasses. They’re so green. Not hazel at all. They are pure green. “Your eyes are incredible.”
“So are yours.” He grabs the chopsticks, lifting a piece of broccoli and extending it toward me. “What can’t you believe?” I lean forward, teasingly sticking out my tongue before taking the bite. The saltiness of the soy sauce hits my tastebuds, making me smile. There’s something so intimate about him feeding me.
“How you were going at me when I was on the phone.”
He smirks, then looks down and takes a couple of bites.
“Don’t pretend to be shy now.”
He shakes his head, smiling, and extends the chopsticks to my mouth.
“After we’re done eating …” I cover my mouth, chewing. “I owe you.”
“We don’t have to be, like, even on that stuff.”
“Well, I want to suck your dick.”
Patrick’s mouth opens like he’s going to say something, but then he blushes a little before taking another bite of food.
“Why are you being shy?”
“I’m just really happy.”
“Me too. So, what are you most looking forward to about Japan?”
“The food. I plan on eating my body weight in sushi.” I giggle, and he playfully pushes my shoulder. “I also want to visit some temples and gardens.” He lifts a piece of beef with the chopsticks and offers it to me.
“Are you seriously going to feed me the whole time?” I ask with a laugh.
“It makes me happy to take care of you.”
I nudge my shoulder into him, enjoying the way he looks at me. Picking up a crab rangoon with my fingers, I press it to his lips. “I want to feed you too.” He bites down, holding eye contact with me.
“Whatever you want,” he says, chewing with a little smirk.
“I like that phrase.”
He’s not just saying it to say it. No one’s ever made me feel this cared for, not like this.
“If we go to Japan, I’m paying for everything,” he says casually after another bite.
“No way!” My heart skips, surprised by how serious he sounds.
“I have over a million credit card points.” He shrugs like it’s nothing.
“Like figuratively or literally?” I squint at him.
“Credit card points are a fun game. I have, like, thirty credit cards and read so many Reddit forums about how to maximize points and everything.”
I laugh softly, loving how nerdy he is. “It’s too generous.” I’m reeling that he’s serious about paying.
“I don’t think so. I already have the hotels booked. The airfare would be with points. Those are the largest expenses.”
My heart’s racing. This isn’t him flexing. Patrick’s sincerity scares me a little.
“Let me pay for some of the sushi at least,” I say, getting more excited about the idea of us going to Japan.
“Okay.”
I giggle, the giddiness bubbling up. “What am I going to hate about traveling with you?”
He pauses, thinking. “Some people find it odd when I talk into a translation app and then have it speak for me in public.”
“That’s not so bad. How do you handle when a flight gets canceled or a major delay happens?”
“I roll with it.” Staring into his eyes, I believe him. “Usually, I open my laptop and try to find alternative routes or plans.”
“So I get to be a passenger princess the whole time?” I smirk, continuing to lean into the idea.
“Yes, kitten.”
“I’m warming up to this whole kitten thing.”
Patrick kisses me softly. The kiss feels like a promise. Like we’re going to Japan.
We continue to banter, feeding each other between smiles and laughs until I find myself resting my head in his lap, gazing up at him. The moment is quiet, peaceful, and I feel completely at ease.
“Today is the best day.”
“I agree.” His fingers are gently combing through my hair. His touch is soothing, keeping me at peace with the world.
But I want to make sure we’re on the same page. I hesitate but then ask the question lingering in the back of my mind. “So, you want to, like, do this … be in a long-distance thing?”
He doesn't answer right away. Patrick holds that same steady gaze until I squint at him, half-smiling. It’s crazy to try and put a label on what we’re doing, but I also need to know. We’re flirting with a lot of things right now.
“If you want to put a title on this or agree to some boundaries, I’m open. Know that you’re the only one in my life.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I don’t have a roster, trust me.” I laugh. “But … yeah … let’s not hook up with anyone else.”
“What else do you want?” His heartfelt voice pulls me in further. I know, deep down, he’d give me anything right now.
I take a breath, surprised at how easy it feels to be vulnerable with him. “I want you to FaceTime me every day when you’re done with work.”
“Sounds good.” The smile on his face. I love it. “Are you usually done cleaning by six each day?”
“I’m usually done by three. I start early and don’t work, like, a full eight hours.”
“When you come to visit next weekend, are you thinking you’ll come by on Friday? I can take the day off.”
I smile, feeling excitement bubble up again. “How about I show up on Thursday night?”
“Before or after dinner?”
“We could do a later dinner together?”
“That would work.” His eyes light up as he adds, “I’ll reserve a spot for you in my building to park.”
“Three nights together,” I whisper, smiling at him.
“I’m very excited.”
“I’m sure … you get to fuck me.”
He blushes again, and I like making him nervous.
“Two hours is a long drive for a booty call.”
“Patch can be sassy.” I smile, staring at him, and he pulls his wallet out of his sweatpants pocket.
“Here,” he says, taking out the fifty-dollar bill we got from our pull tab winnings. “For gas.”
“I can pay for my own gas.”
“Why not let the bar pay for the gas?”
Witty. “I think if the weekend goes well, you’re going to have a girlfriend.”