Chapter 9
Emma
I'm not sure inviting Tristan to dinner was the right thing to do. I mean, I do have his dog and he needs to check on him, plus I really want to see him. I realized that hiding from him wasn't very adult-like, and I pride myself on being a good grown-up.
Felicia's food was amazing this afternoon, and she had tons of leftovers. I don't really cook, so I'm grateful for the assist. It took me forever to get dressed and then I realized we're not going outside, so I can just wear something comfortable. Comfortable meaning quick to remove.
I swear Tristan has ignited this hunger inside me. I've never felt like this toward a man before in my life. I avoided my sisters all afternoon long, but there were smirks. I saw them smiling my way. Thankfully, there was no pointing. Buddy is sitting on my lap while I give him cuddles and treats.
He's so skinny, it makes me mad that he's been treated that way. I'm definitely on a mission to fatten him up. I'm reminded of Buddy's new dad and the chiseled abs he has. I mean, who goes around sporting an eight-pack these days? That's right, just him.
I'm really nervous about tonight. I should have had a conversation with him before I left for work this morning, but I was too chicken. Around eight o'clock, I get a message from him.
Tristan: I'm not sure how to go up?
Me: There's a door on the side of the building, I'll buzz you in.
I wait impatiently at the door for him to come up wondering if we'll be on the same page this time. When he starts to come up the stairs I take in a breath. My god, he's gorgeous. How can someone look this good? He looks good enough to eat.
"Hey, my queen."
"Hi, Tristan. Come on in."
As soon as he steps through the door, Buddy runs to him and starts making a fuss. Trust me, Buddy, I too want to dance around him and jump on him, only I've got to act unfazed instead.
"Buddy sure seems happy to see me. What about you?"
"I'm good, thanks."
"Wanna play it cool, then."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Please, my queen. Feed me. I'm starving."
He's got a package with him, and I'm very curious about what it is. I close the door behind him and lead him to the small table where I eat my meals. I've set it up with a candle and some wine. This whole display probably gives my hand away. I wanted something special to share with him.
"What have you got there?" I ask him.
"Some dessert from the bakery. I asked for something to go with Italian food and they gave me tiramisu. Do you like it?"
"Are you kidding me? I love it. I should admit right now, I love food, but I can't cook worth a damn."
"Who do I have to thank for this meal, then?"
"My sister, Felicia. She makes an enormous meal for the family once a week. We pay for the ingredients and she pulls it all together. She should have been a chef."
"What does she do for the business?"
"She trains pets. Mostly dogs. She loves it. I still think she should open a restaurant."
"I'm not sure a restaurant would do well in a small town like Storyville."
"We're growing. I mean, look at that fancy hotel near the hot springs."
"Yeah? Would you like to go sometime?"
I give him a big smile and start serving him dinner. Once I make a plate for myself, I sit down across from him. He looks so good by candlelight.
"I'm not sure your police officer check can take a hit like that."
"Ouch. I'll have you know I'm a good saver."
"Does that mean that you're a cheap date?"
"Double ouch. By the way, I've got to pay for the grooming and the vet's checkup on Buddy."
"It's on the house."
"Emma, I…"
I put my hand up before he starts talking.
"Use your money to splurge Buddy. Get him a fancy bed and tons of toys, and treats. He'll fall in love with you in no time. Though I think that ship has sailed by the way he said hello to you at the door."
"I had to see the owner today."
"Oh, crap. What did they say?"
"Nothing. Wanted the dog back. Shut the door in my face. I slid the fine under their door."
"Is there a chance they can get Buddy back?"
"I'm not letting that happen, Emma. I swear to you."
The intensity with which he says the words make me believe in him. This man will protect this little creature with all that he has. That makes my heart beat a little faster for him. I'm silent for a bit, just twirling my spoon in my bowl.
"Are you okay? The food is great, by the way."
"I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye this morning."
"Why did you?"
"It just felt like too much, too soon. I couldn't handle it."
"I'm glad you invited me for dinner, though. I wanted to see you. And Buddy, of course."
"My sisters are on my case because of that note. You didn't fold it."
"Of course I folded it. I didn't want your sister to read it."
That little liar. I'm going to wring Luna's neck as soon as I see her tomorrow.
"Well, she read it anyway, the busybody."
"It wasn't a love letter, Emma."
"You'd think, right?"
We both laugh and the tension goes down a bit. I want to invite him to stay over tonight, but I'm not sure how to do it.
"Have you ever had dessert in bed?" Tristan asks.
"Only when I was a little girl. Why, is that what you want to do?"
"I was thinking about it. Yeah. We need to be in our underwear for it to taste right, though."
"Did you just make that up?"
"Yup. I really want to be in bed with you tonight."
"I guess that can be arranged."
I go to the bed and pull off the covers. Then I take off my leggings and t-shirt, leaving me with only my underwear on. I lick my lips in invitation as I look at him from where I'm standing. His gaze turns hungry, and he starts getting undressed immediately.
When he's in his boxer shorts he opens up the package where the dessert is and serves a big piece on one plate with one spoon.
He walks over to the bed and hands me the plate.
The tiramisu looks delicious and I want to bite into him.
I mean 'it'. I want to bite the dessert, not the man. Control yourself, Emma.
Who am I kidding? I want a taste of the man, and once he gets on the bed, he takes over and starts feeding me the cake. I moan with every bite and pretty soon I see his cock tenting his boxers. This will be night two of trying to break the bed with Tristan, and I wouldn't have it any other way.