Chapter Two
CHAPTER TWO
MEGHAN
Banging my head against my front door, I closed my eyes. This was how I got myself into trouble. I never did or said the right thing when I was working on a relationship. Did I even want to start a relationship when the last one I attempted was an epic fail? Hell, Cohn probably didn’t want one. He was sexy as sin and could be so sweet and was my knight in shining armor tonight, but that didn’t mean the poor guy wanted to be saddled down with pathetic me. “I’m sorry.” I opened my eyes and glanced up at Cohn.
He had an amused look on his face, but it wasn’t smug or unkind. And that was why it had been so easy for me to accept his offer to drive me home. Although to be honest, I wasn’t a really good judge of character. A perfect example; the asshat I had abandoned at the bar tonight. Yet, even with that being the case, I couldn’t dismiss the feeling deep inside that he wasn’t the type to be cruel.
“I’m not a tease. I mean it. But I know how that sounded and I’m sure you can gather I’m not looking to get down and dirty.” Sighing, I bumped my head against the wood again.
Taking my chin between his thumb and finger, he turned my head to meet his sincere gaze. “Hey, why don’t we just sit outside on your porch for a bit? No pressure then. I knew you weren’t talking about inviting me in for sex. And that’s okay. Am I disappointed? Hell yeah. But I also know there’s more to you than ‘asshole attracter.’ Because you attracted me and I’m not an asshole. Just a pig.” His teasing smirk made me smile despite my frustration. “You’re gorgeous and outgoing and could have your pick of any guy who actually isn’t a douchebag. I don’t get it; what was it with Rhett?”
Dragging myself over to one of the wicker chairs, I slumped down into the seat. “I thought he was a really great guy – fun, smart, easy to be with – at first. He completely fooled me. I’m pretty sure he just wanted the satisfaction of being the one to deflower the virgin.”
“I think I need a seat now.” Pacing over to the seat beside me, he plopped down. His huge frame taking up the entire chair. Man, he was muscular and tall and big. I should be freaking out. But even though he admitted he went to bars to chase and conquer, I didn’t for a second believe he was a threat to me.
“I’m sorry. I know this is not how you saw your evening ending. Thank you for the ride home and for rescuing me from that jerk. But maybe there’s still time for you to head back to the bar and find someone more interesting to go home with. I feel bad I ruined your night.” Slouching in my seat, I flopped my arm over my eyes. Trying to ignore the sour feeling in my stomach prompted by the idea of him finding someone else to . . . I didn’t want to finish that thought.
“You didn’t ruin my night. And I’m not heading back to the bar.” His tone held a hint of confusion and wonder.
Both completely baffling me. “Why did you rescue me tonight? Not that I’m ungrateful. Far from it. Most guys would not have intervened in a situation like that, especially not knowing either one of us or what exactly was going on.”
A soft creaking sound reached my ears a second before his thighs encircled mine and his huge body crowded in on me, heat and pure male radiating from him in massive waves.
When I slid my arm off of my face, my eyes met his piercing blue ones, which burned with heat. Leaning his arms onto the sides of my chair brought him close enough I could reach out and run my hands over the scruff along his jaw without moving my body from its slump. I was caged in by his enormous frame, but his nearness didn’t summon any alarm. Fear wasn’t even a blip on my radar. However, a slew of other emotions ran rampant – anticipation, excitement, desire, and arousal were in the lead.
“I’m going to be honest with you and then I want you to be honest with me. I was on the prowl when I came across you, but something about you drew me to you. And not just that you needed some help getting away from that prick. It didn’t hurt that you’re my favorite type, a red head.” He reached over and ran some of my strands through his fingers.
The action shot tingles straight up my spine. “But I’m not a red head.”
“Those red highlights are enough for me. Fiery red, strawberry blonde, or like you with the red tones, I don’t know why but I find it incredibly hot. Not that I haven’t had my taste of blondes, brunettes, and even raven-haired beauties, but I prefer reds. Even after I pulled you away from the asshat and wasn’t sure what this was going to mean for my night, I didn’t want to ditch you for someone else. Even knowing what I know now I don’t have any regrets. Now my question for you is what are you looking for? Because I don’t get the sense you’re afraid of sex. What has been holding you back? Although I’m relieved you’re discerning because the douchebag from tonight doesn’t deserve your innocence.”
Did that mean he thought he did? Because I was pretty damn certain I was fully on board with that idea. Although once I shared with him my thoughts, he’d be on his way. He wouldn’t make fun of me, but all interest would vanish. He was real; he didn’t hide his pig side but also instinctively showed me his gentleman side as well. I didn’t believe he had an ulterior motive. Too bad I hadn’t been that perceptive with the previous guys who had all turned out to be duds.
“I want someone to take their time with me. Not a ‘wham bam thank you ma’am’ experience. I don’t want to be someone’s prize or trophy for convincing the virgin to finally give it up. I know that sounds stupid, but I don’t want to feel used that way. And it’s not that I’m saving myself for marriage or anything. I’m not na?ve. I know that doesn’t happen really often. But I don’t want to be someone’s conquest.”
He studied me for a moment. I couldn’t read his expression, but I got the feeling he was not only scrutinizing my response but analyzing his thoughts on the issue. It was crazy how at ease I felt talking to him about this, knowing that he not only wouldn’t violate my body but also would not break my trust.
“I don’t think that’s stupid at all. For you it’s not something to get rid of. It’s something you want to enjoy and not have someone ruin for you with treating it like it’s no big deal or some contest. You would definitely enjoy it with me. I’d take my time and be incredibly thorough.” He waggled his eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Do you go home with a different girl each night?” A big part of me truly believed he wouldn’t use me as a conquest, but my past and the little I knew about him caused me to harbor a few doubts. Enough to make me question. Although I was sure he didn’t mind my inquiries. Rhett grew pissed off anytime I brought up anything about how I felt and what I wanted. Said he shouldn’t be on trial just because he wanted to have sex with me.
“Usually.” He shrugged, but his expression didn’t match the nonchalance.
To put to rest all of my reservations, I asked, “Am I tonight’s conquest?” Even though I had just met him, something told me he would answer me honestly.
“Nah, I’m not trying to get into your pants . . . tonight.” He winked at me.
That really didn’t explain what he was doing here with me then. “But you normally meet someone at a bar and go home with them. No dating or anything.” Was he interested in me? No way. Not plain me. He exuded excitement and reckless abandon.
“You’re right. I don’t wine and dine them. I lick and stick them. Sorry, I shouldn’t say things like that and make you uncomfortable.”
“Just because I’ve never had sex doesn’t mean I get flustered hearing dirty talk.”
He chuckled lightly.
“You’re making fun of me.” I pouted.
“Not at all. I’m amused by this entire situation. You cock blocked me tonight and it’s not bothering me. I actually think I want to take you out on a date. And that feeling is confusing as hell. I’ve never done that before, but I’d be willing to give it a try, with you.”
My mouth gaped open at his admission. He wasn’t looking to score tonight, but instead wanted to go out with me. Although sex was on his mind, he wanted to try to do it my way.
“Close your mouth, Cupcake, or I’m going to want to kiss you.” His body slid closer to mine. His lips curled in a sexy grin and his eyes lit with hunger.
For some odd reason, I didn’t need to be afraid to ask for what I wanted with him. He’d never take it too far. “What if I want you to kiss me?”
Leaning closer, he touched his lips to mine, sliding them along in a feather light kiss. When his tongue ran along my seam, I opened to him on a sigh. Spearing his hands into my hair, he angled my head so that he could command the kiss. Not that I had a prayer of having any control over his devouring. And that was exactly what it was. His kiss consumed me as his tongue tangled and plundered. When he gently fisted my hair, a shot of pain raced down to my core and intense pleasure ignited there. He was going to blow me apart with only his kiss.
When he pulled away, he shot me a cocky smirk. “Now imagine what that tongue would do between your legs. I’m going to leave now. Not that I would ever pressure you into something you weren’t ready for, but I have to go because my dick hurts and needs some attention.”
All I could do was blink up at him stupidly since his kiss shorted out one too many fuses in my brain and it hadn’t yet rebooted.
Pushing his chair back, he stood before grasping my hands and tugging me up to him. He then snaked his arms around my waist and drew my soft body up tight to his hard one. And I mean everything was hard; his chest, his abs, his thighs, and his dick. When he pressed a kiss to my forehead instead of grinding his erection into my stomach, I melted. And in that moment, I wanted nothing more than to drag him inside and let him have his wicked way with me. But a small part of me was still a bit hesitant, not only because I didn’t want to be a prize – although I was more and more convinced I wouldn’t be with him – I worried I’d be a disappointment to him.
Taking a step away, he walked me the few feet to my door. “I’ll wait until you are safely inside. Wait.” He reached into his pocket and removed his phone. After he tapped a few buttons, he handed it to me. “Put your number in there. I was serious about wanting to try dating. That is if you are interested.”
Even with my brain synapses still smoking from his kiss and other parts smoldering and growing wet, I managed to breathe and engage a small part of my cognitive ability. “I’m interested.” Giving him a shy smile, I took his phone and typed in my information. Even though I was on the fence about what to do, it didn’t hurt to give him my number. If I ignored his texts because I turned into a chicken shit, he’d delete me and move on. It wasn’t like I’d hurt his feelings or crush his ego. Then I handed his phone back to him before snatching my keys from my purse and unlocking the door.
“I’ll text you once you’re inside so you have my number too. Good night, Meghan.”
After I stepped inside, he turned and walked down my steps. I closed my door, locked it, and then turned and leaned up against it, dropping my head back. What a crazy night. First Rhett couldn’t have been any more of an asshole. Then I ended up being rescued and kissed by a guy I never in a million years would have believed would have taken any interest in me. My phone buzzed in my purse and I smiled. Pushing away from the door, I headed down to my bedroom, pulling out my phone as I walked.
Unknown:
Let me know what foods you like so I can plan a date
Me:
I don’t like really spicy or Sushi, pretty much anything else is good, thank you
After I hit send, I groaned. Thank you? Rolling my eyes, I released another groan. Hopefully he ignored that bit of ridiculousness. Inside my room, I set my purse on my dresser, my phone on my nightstand, and strode into the connecting bathroom. Cohn should have frightened the hell out of me. However, that wasn’t an issue. He just made me act even more awkward. And that was a huge concern. He was accustomed to girls who were comfortable with their sexuality and at ease with flaunting and taking pleasure in it with the opposite sex. No, it wasn’t because he scared me. It was because I didn’t know what to do with someone like him. Tomorrow at lunch, I’d have to get some advice from my best friend. Because I didn’t want to blow this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed. I had tossed and turned most of the night. I wanted to be a tantalizing temptress for Cohn, but doubted I had even the slightest possibility of pulling off anything remotely resembling a seductress.
After breakfast, I headed in to work. At least I loved my job so that would make the day pass by quickly. At lunchtime, I popped into Kirsten’s cubicle. “Hey, instead of hanging out in one of our usual spots, can we take our lunches out to the car? I need to talk to you and I don’t want anyone to overhear.”
“I’d tease you about that, but I can read on your face that there isn’t a bit of humor to this. Rhett ended up being a dud too?” Pulling open the bottom drawer of her desk, she leaned down to retrieve her lunch bag. When she stood, she tucked a few of the blonde curls that had fallen into her face behind her ear. Then her sympathetic blue gaze met my troubled one. “I want to hear everything.”
Out in the parking lot, we walked over to my car and slid inside. Then I shared all about my insane evening, from Rhett’s outlandish demand to my mind-blowing rescue and goodnight kiss with Cohn.
She gaped at me for a long moment before her lips curled into a playful grin. “He was totally into you.”
“I don’t know. Sometimes I think he was and then I doubt it. I mean, come on. I’m looking for a serious relationship and he likes to go on the prowl. He was just being a gentleman and then got a little carried away. He was captivated by my unique situation.”
“You’re not the only virgin out there who has standards. And anyway, if he was just being a gentleman, he could have called and paid for an Uber for you. Not drive you home himself and then hung out with you even though he knew he wasn’t going to get laid.”
“Okay, fine.” An exasperated sigh whooshed out of me. “He’s interested. But how do I keep him there? I’m out of my element here. I don’t know how to entice a sexy guy like Cohn. And I don’t know how to be sure I’m doing it right. I don’t want to turn him off or embarrass myself.” My heart demanded he craved more from me. Yes, I had just met him, but I wanted more with him than just one night. On a carnal level, he set parts of me ablaze, yet he called to something deeper inside of me. Our instant connection when he had ushered me away from Rhett and then easily drew me into hanging out with his friends.
“Don’t be afraid to touch, lick, kiss.” My friend’s suggestive words snapped me out of my inner musings. I was on board with touching, licking, and kissing Cohn all over. As long as it ended up being a sensual experience for him and not an awkward and unpleasant one.
“And you’ll be able to tell if he likes what you are doing by his body language and sounds. You’ll be able to distinguish a moan of boredom from a moan of pleasure. Guys aren’t that good at faking things like that. If he’s worth your time and deserving of your virginity, he will patiently guide you as well. Then let things happen naturally. Don’t force them or push them away. And if it isn’t meant to be, he doesn’t sound like someone who will make you feel like a fool because of it.”
I stared at my best friend for a few minutes as her words sunk in. “Okay. If our date progresses into a night at one of our places, I’ll go for it. I might take a shot or two of whiskey first to settle my nerves, but not get drunk. Although this might all be a moot point. When he got home last night, he might have realized I wasn’t an indulgence he wanted to pursue. I mean, I’m so ordinary and insecure and he’s so intense, confident. He oozes sexy and I – ”
Kirsten punched me in the arm.
“Ow. What the hell!”
“Don’t even start. You are beautiful and enticing in an innocent way that I think he found appealing. He’s going to ask you out. And if he doesn’t – but I will be completely shocked if he just blows you off – it’s his loss.”
My phone buzzed in my purse. When I pulled it out, my eyes widened.
Cohn:
Dinner tonight I’ll pick you up at 6 wear something comfortable
“Wear something comfortable? What the hell does that mean?” I turned my screen so Kirsten could see it.
A huge grin covered her face. “Most times guys say ‘wear something sexy.’ I think he wants you to be you.” She shrugged. “And I told you he’d ask you out.”
Could she be right? A big part of me wanted to believe her.
Me:
I’ll see you then
And thank goodness I didn’t type ‘thank you’ again. I mentally rolled my eyes.
My work days usually passed by quickly, but I was pretty certain the remainder of today was going to drag. I was excited and nervous as hell as to what tonight was going to bring. And if it was going to end in sensual victory or humiliating defeat.