After hanging the jacket on the hook, his hand falls lightly to my hip. “D’you have a good time with your parents?”
I nod. That’s all I can manage because the butterflies have left my stomach and now they’re in my throat and I’m scared that if I open my mouth, some totally inappropriate offer will come flying out.
Will you marry me?
Would you like to father my offspring?
Could I interest you in a blowjob, at the very least?
That third option might not be such a bad idea, to be honest.
At the last second, I decide to go with a less hoochilicious conversation starter. “Wow, it smells great in here.” I glance toward the kitchen.
Eli’s arm slides around my waist and he leads me in that direction. “We've got chicken curry on the menu tonight.” He hovers near the stove.
Both of my eyebrows jerk up as I enter the kitchen. I lift the lid off the skillet simmering low on the burner. “Ooh! That's very grown-up.” Typically, dinner in this house is along the lines of defrosted chicken nuggets or canned ravioli, especially on the nights when Eli’s in charge of cooking. I crinkle a brow. “Do you want me to whip up something separate for Callie?”
Visibly growing uncomfortable, Eli clears his throat. “Callie isn't here. She's with my parents.” He jams his hands into his pockets. Then he plants them on his hips. Then he lets one loose by his side while he drums his fingertips on the counter. All in a three-second time span. Is he nervous about something?
I blink. Nod slowly. “Oh…should I run over there and pick her up?”
Eli flings the towel onto the counter and makes a frustrated sound. “She's not coming back right now. It’s just you and me tonight, Firefly.” He watches me meaningfully.
That’s when I notice it, a low and sensual song pouring in through the speaker sitting on the counter. I glance around. The table is set with pretty china and gleaming utensils. Flowers in a vase. And a small cluster of pillar candles waiting to be lit.
No plastic cups, colorful spoons or kiddie plates tonight.
My stomach tightens. I feel a smile sneak across my lips. “Eli, is this...is this a date?"
His blush is clear as day now that he doesn’t have that big beard to hide behind anymore. The tips of his ears are turning red, too. "I-I guess it is a date. Is that okay?"
My lips twitch beneath my out-of-control smile. “That’s very okay.”
I drape my arms around his waist and we share a short, sweet kiss. When we pull apart, I look up into his gorgeous eyes. “I’d like to take a shower first, though.”
He leans down to sniff my neck. “You smell pretty damn good just the way you are.” He gives me a little bite that wakes my clit right up.
Still, I ease out of his hold. “Eli, I have every intention of putting out on the first date so please give me a minute to go put on a nice dress and make sure I’m not wearing my Dora the Explorer adult panties.” Trust me—you find some weird shit on Ebay if you hang around there long enough.
He cracks up. “That reminds me—I think I put on my Power Rangers boxers this morning. I should probably swap those for something a bit classier, huh?”
I nod and laugh. “Probably.”
“I’ll pick you up at your door in twenty minutes,” he suggests. “Sounds good?”
“Sounds good.” I smile.
I skip off toward the shower, unable to get the smile off my face. After a quick rinse-down, I hurry into my room and stand in front of my closet. I’ve got to admit that some of my wardrobe choices are kind of horrifying. Flamingo-patterned cap-sleeve dresses. Vegetable-print drawstring capris. Solar system-themed collared dresses.
I’ve built my wardrobe for the role of kindergarten teacher. But tonight, there’s something different on the agenda—seducing the handsome single dad who’s been occupying my thoughts even before he ever laid eyes on me.
I dig deep into my closet and reach for it. My break-glass-in-case-of-emergency dress, as I call it. A ruby red shift dress that clings to my curves, dips low at the neck and shows off my legs with its flirty hem.
I spin around in the mirror to get a rearview. For a split second, I’m tempted to bemoan the fact that my shape isn’t exactly as I’d like it to be. But in that moment, I make a decision. I decide to accept myself as I am, pancake ass and all. I think back to the way Eli marvelled over my body the last time we were together. It’s like he couldn’t find a single flaw. I shiver just thinking about it. And suddenly, it seems like my assets shine brighter in this mirror than my imperfections do. It’s a good feeling.
I decide to skip the panties because I want as few obstacles as possible between me and the end goal—Eli’s cock in my pussy.
Just keepin’ it real.
I don’t have much time to fuss over my hair and makeup so I go for mascara and lipgloss. I tuck my wild hair behind my ears and I hope for the best.
I’m sliding on some earrings when Eli knocks at the door. I inhale deeply to calm myself and I open the door.
The man takes my breath away. He’s wearing a suit again. Navy with a white shirt and a blue striped tie, nothing but blue checkered socks on his feet.
“Wow, you really did go all out.” I scan him shamelessly one more time.
“Hey, it’s a first date. I want to make an impression.” He shrugs.
“Well, you certainly did,” I assure him.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, Jessa.” His gaze sweeps me top to bottom.
“Thank you.” I blush.
He offers me his arm and we walk down the hallway together. Through the window, I see that the sky is considerably darker. Now the candles are lit, flickering in the center of the table.
Eli helps me into my chair at the dining table
