40. Dessert
FORTY
Dessert
STEVE
Steve held the door open for Tara then walked her across the narrow alley to her car parked in one of the covered spaces in the carport. She opened the door and tossed her purse inside to the passenger seat.
Before she could get in, Steve pressed her against the car and leaned in for one last kiss. He pulled back just as it got heated, his breathing heavy.
“Thanks for dinner tonight.” Not even the shadows cast by the street lights could hide Tara’s flushed cheeks when she smiled up at him. “I uh… had fun.”
“You’re welcome.” He kissed her again and flashed his signature grin. “I had fun, too.”
She slid into the driver’s seat, but he held the door so she couldn’t close it.
He held out his hand. “Hand me your phone.”
Tara knitted her brow. “What?”
“Your phone,” he repeated. “Hand it over, please.”
She reached into her purse for her phone and handed it over to him. He texted himself.
“Just making sure it was in here.” He handed it back to her, his fingers pausing as they touched hers. “Text me when you get home, so I know you’re safe.”
Her eyes widened in surprise for a quick second when he made the request, but she responded that she would.
He took a step back as he shut her door. “Don’t forget.” He pointed toward her with a smile.
“I won’t.” She laughed.
Steve returned to his apartment upstairs, dropped his keys on the kitchen table, and turned on the TV. He’d just taken off his boots when a text alert came through his phone. He smiled as he read the message then texted Tara back.
Tara: Just got home.
Steve: Inside?
Tara: Not yet.
Steve: I’ll wait.
He grabbed his jacket off the couch and hung it on a hook inside his door when another alert came through. His lips curled up as he texted again.
Tara: Inside
Steve: Wish I were there
He got undressed and dropped down on his bed.
Steve: Plans Friday?
Tara: Just work
Steve: Dinner after?
Tara: Asking me on a proper date?
Steve: Yes, I am.
Tara: Dinner sounds great.
Steve: Good. Can’t wait for dessert.
He set his phone on his nightstand and pulled up the covers. Now, he had something newsworthy to share when he visited his brother again the next time he visited. In the meantime, he reached his hand beneath his blanket. He had a gorgeous redhead to think about before he fell asleep.