14. Olivia
Chapter fourteen
Olivia
I am still shocked that I got that text from Alex. I was sure he had forgotten about me. It has been six months since I texted him, and I haven’t heard back. He said he just returned stateside, so I wonder what that means. I wonder if it was a deployment. I remember him mentioning he was a Marine that night at the diner. I guess I’ll find out at dinner. He said he would explain, so I will make sure he does because it doesn’t make sense to disappear without a word.
I get in the shower and wash up. I'm shaving everything so I am smooth in case anything happens tonight. I am not expecting it, but a girl can hope since the last time I had sex was with Mason, and that was six months ago when I made a complete fool of myself. After my shower, I put on natural-looking makeup and blow-dried my hair, taming this unruly mane.
Once I've finished everything in the bathroom, I make sure to throw my dirty clothes and towel in the hamper and head to my closet. What the fuck should I wear? It’s just pizza, so I don’t want to overdress, but I still want to impress him. I stare at my clothes for an hour before deciding on a cute black lace top and a pair of jeans. I top it off with my leather jacket and black, chunky, round-toed, high-heeled ankle boots. It’s nothing too fancy. I got my heels on clearance for $10, but it was the best money I ever spent. These boots are my go-to for any occasion. I sit on the couch, buckle up my boots, and relax until it’s time to go.
When 5:45 arrives, I get up from the couch, where I've been scrolling through social media, and head to the kitchen, where my purse and keys are. I live five minutes from the pizza restaurant, so I'm leaving now. I will still be early, but not too early. Being late makes me anxious, so I always make sure I am at least ten minutes early for any plans.
I walk in, and Alex is already at a table. My breath catches at how gorgeous this man is; those six months have done nothing but make him look even better. He waved me over with the biggest smile and stood to pull out my seat. Such a gentleman. It’s okay, Olivia. You can do this. This is not the first time you have been around a handsome man who has manners.
I smile as I sit and mumble my thanks. “How have you been?”
“I have been okay. I just returned from deployment, so I didn’t receive your text until today. I am sorry I didn’t tell you before I left.” Woah! This whole time, I wondered where he was and why he wasn’t replying. Why didn't I consider the possibility that he might be on deployment? I feel like a complete jackass for even thinking he ghosted me while he was out defending our country.
“How was your deployment? Where did you go? Can you even tell me?” I spew out. I can feel my cheeks heating up from embarrassment. I cover my face. “I’m so sorry. I just threw a lot at you.”
He laughs. I didn’t know I missed the deep rumble laugh until I heard it again. That is one of the most incredible sounds I have ever heard.
“Don’t be sorry. I will answer as many of your questions as I can. The deployment wasn’t too bad. It was extremely hot, but we were in a little village helping them rebuild and get their feet on the ground after getting run over by terrorists.”
“WOW!” I damn near screamed in his face. “That’s absolutely amazing.”
“I swear I wasn’t ghosting you. I know you didn’t say that, but I can only imagine what you felt when you texted me, and I didn’t reply for six months.”
We ended up talking for hours about anything and everything. The conversation was so natural, it was the absolute best feeling. I haven’t felt this carefree in a long time.
I look up from my glass with a smile at Alex. “Hey, would you like to go to my house and have another beer since the restaurant is about to close?”
His eyes shot up to his eyebrows, and he looked… nervous? I think.
“Uhhh. Yeah sure. That sounds great.” Yeah, he is definitely nervous.
“Is that nervousness I hear in your voice, Mr. García?” I laugh and tease him.
He rolls his eyes and shrugs at me.
“We can’t be perfect all the time. I will follow you to your place on my bike.”
He drops two one-hundred-dollar bills on the table. He walked around the table and held out his hand for me.
“Such a gentleman,” I chuckle as I grab his hand.
I pull into my parking spot at my apartment five minutes later. Alex follows, pulls his black motorcycle beside my car, and removes his helmet. Holy shit, I swear I felt my panties get wet just from the view of this man taking off his helmet. I had never thought a man on a motorcycle was so sexy until now. Now I'm questioning whether I need to get laid or if I've suddenly developed a thing for guys on motorcycles. I had to tell my pussy to calm down before I got out of my car and jumped his bones.
Okay, Olivia. You can do this. He is a very hot guy, but he’s just a guy.
Okay, something is seriously wrong with me. I have never talked to myself so much until today. I also have never been this flustered sexually before.
I finally mustered enough courage to get out of the car, and Alex was leaning against his bike. I mentally have to tell my lady bits “ down, girl” again. This man will cause me issues; whether it’s good or bad is yet to be determined. Here goes nothing, or absolutely everything…
We walk up the stairs to my little apartment, and I fumble with my keys to get them into the lock. I am a nervous wreck. I am grateful that Alex hasn’t commented on how shaky I am.
As soon as I get the door open, I turn to Alex and smile.
“I know it’s not much, but it’s home.”
The heat flickered in his eyes, and the next thing I knew, he shoved me up against the door, mouth over mine in a rough and needy kiss. All thoughts in my head vanish; all I can do is feel.
Feel his hands on my hips to pull me close.
Feel his lips on mine.
Feel his tongue battle mine for dominance of this kiss.
Feel the passion, want, and need.
I have never been able to live in the moment, but I could live in this moment for the rest of my life.