“I wasn't joking.” His face is serious, but I know he has to be joking.
“So we go and pretend to be married?” When I stop and think about it, it’s not really a bad idea. They’d probably fall over in shock. Not only does Dash clearly have money, but he’s handsome too. “That would really bug them. I bet my stepsister would hit on you.”
“You’ll need a ring,” he says, as if talking to himself.
“Maybe a fake pregnancy test too,” I suggest and then snort a laugh. “No, then they’d think you're only marrying me because I got knocked up.” I laugh again and shake my head.
“This sounds crazy. You know that, right?” he says.
“It’s okay, I’m going to let it go and be the bigger person. I’ll show up and see my dad and then leave.”
“That’s not what I meant. I’m going with you to the reunion. I just meant that it’s crazy that anyone would think you couldn’t get any man you wanted.”
“That’s really sweet of you to say.”
“I’m not your friend trying to make you feel better, Brooklyn. It’s the fucking truth.”
My chest warms at his conviction, but even from what little I know about Dash, he isn't the type of man to feed people lies. Although Cherry would probably say he’s trying to get in my pants.
“Well, I didn't always look this fabulous.” I bat my eyelashes as I try to hide that I’m suddenly feeling shy. “After all, these are my fancy yoga pants. Look, not one hole.”
“And adorable.” He leans over and brushes his lips against mine. “Too bad for anyone else who missed their chance. You’re mine now.” There he goes again, wrapping me up in his sweet words.
“You’re not too bad yourself. Why are you on a dating app?”
He’s been so charming. If this was the same man who went out with my friends, I think they would have fallen all over him. Not Blair though; she wound have junk-punched him when he tried to boss her around and stole her phone. She never would have found it swoony like I did.
“Why is anyone on a dating app?” he asks.
“Some people do it to hook up, but I’m sure some do it to find love.”
“And where do you fall in that, Brooklyn?”
“Love,” I admit. “I haven't had the best of luck on any dating site and I was about to give up.” I notice he didn't answer the question.
“Why didn't you give up?”
“If you want something you can’t give up. If I’ve learned any lesson from my stepmom and Charlotte, it’s that if I kept working towards a goal I’d get there.” I wanted out of the house and to put myself through college. I did that and now I want to find love. I want to be with the man I will spend the rest of my life with. I want a family of my own that’s nothing like the one I grew up in.
“You’re right about that. You never stop until you get what you want.”
This time when he pulls me close he deepens the kiss. I part my lips and his tongue sweeps across my bottom lip. His fingers tangle in my hair, and although he starts out slow, his possession is clear. I can feel a power in his hands and chest that he’s holding back. My core tightens and my body shudders at what could happen if he unleashes it.
“Brooklyn.” He pulls his mouth away and rests his forehead against mine.
“What?” I start to kiss him again and he shakes his head.
“We’re in public.” And it’s then I look down and see that I’ve climbed in his lap. I don’t remember moving, but I do remember craving more.
“Wow.” I smile, and my lips feel sweetly sore. “That was—”
“Unforgettable,” he finishes for me with the perfect word.
“You’re nothing like I thought you’d be,” I admit.
“I can say the same about you.”
“Too bad you told my friends you’d have me back by midnight.” I bite my lip to try and stop the laugh.
“We’ll have a lot more nights together.”
I really like the sound of that.
“I think you’ve earned a second date, although I have no idea how you’re going to beat this one.” It started off terrible but he changed it in a second. I think Dash is the type of man to go after what he wants too. Another thing I like about him.
“I’ll figure it out.” He gives me another kiss before I move off his lap and to the blanket beside him.
I’m sure he will and I’m going to have to figure out how to tell my friends about this.
I might be sneaking out.
Chapter Six
Dash
Me: Pickles.
Brooklyn: Seriously? How are you allergic to pickles? They’re so good, I would cry if I had to give them up.
I laugh as I lean back in my office chair and put my feet on my desk. I can’t remember the last time I smiled so much.
Me: You’re one to talk. You’re allergic to spiders.
Brooklyn: That is a real thing!!
Me: Two exclamation points. I think you might be exaggerating.
Brooklyn: I hope you are enjoying this.
Me: More than you know.
Leaving her at her apartment last night was no easy feat. I didn’t even allow myself more than a quick kiss because I knew exactly what it would turn into. If I’d let go of my self-control I’d have her up against the bricks of her building. Instead I waited for her to go in and then I barely made it back to my penthouse before I ran in the door and started jacking off.
She’d already texted me by then saying she had a great time, and flashes of her on my lap made it impossible to concentrate. As soon as the door snicked closed behind me I was shoving my hand down my slacks and grabbing my cock hard and tight. I
