Darby
The partially opened door closes again.
I let Kip's voice linger in the air before answering. "I… I'm a little nervous."
"Why?"
Good question.
Until ninety minutes ago, I didn't know Kip Minari existed.
But I do now.
We've talked.
Laughed.
Exchanged secrets.
One of us has orgasmed.
As much as I want to get the hell out of this fitting room, a part of me doesn't want the talking, the laughing, the secret sharing, or the orgasms to end.
"Did you mean what you said?" I ask, hugging my arms as I drop down onto the chair, a cold shiver sweeping over me even though I'm fully dressed apart from my shoes.
"I said a lot of things. What specifically are you referring to?"
"About taking me out on a few dates. Or was that just an off-the-cuff comment? Something to keep me distracted. It's okay if it was. I'd just like to know, that's all."
"Of course I meant it." His tone takes on a firmness I haven't heard yet, forceful without being aggressive.
"I don't want you to feel any pressure. I've seen you already.
That's given me an unfair advantage if you think about it.
When I open this door, there's every chance in the world I might not be your type. And I want you to know that's okay."
I already know he's my type. He's shown me the kind of man he is—kind, caring, protective, funny, with the perfect sprinkling of naughty.
"I already like you, Kip. I don't care what you look like."
He exhales loudly, and I realize my words might be hitting him on a deeper level. Given his former profession, there's a good chance very few people, maybe even no one, has ever said that to him before.
"Thank you," he murmurs before his voice rises. "But I mean it. I'm fine with whatever you decide once I open this door."
My body thrums with anticipation as I stand up and smile.
I'm ready.
"Hurry up and open the damn thing already."