Page 78 of (Not) The One
And what do you know? I’d absolutely love to.
Ten minutes later and we’re nursing our respective whiskies, the conversation sparing. I wonder if my choice of drink might have been a mistake because I’ve yet to see her lifts hers to her lips for more than a sniff.
‘Cards on the table.’ I rap my knuckles against the wood veneer. ‘I meant what I said earlier.’
‘Which bit? When you said you can be a bit premature?’
‘I think I said quick, though I’ll admit my departure was a little hasty. My apologies.’ She opens her mouth, then closes it again. ‘But I was referring to when I said I like you.’
‘You don’t know me.’ Her gaze dips to the amber liquid in her glass. ‘Not really.’
‘Maybe not, but I like the bits I’ve seen.’ Her head rises then, one brow in the shape of a question mark. ‘Not like that,’ I drawl, adding, ‘though it warrants a mention that I like all of those bits of you, too.’ If you’d just let your guard down, I’m sure we’d get along fabulously.
‘I might’ve noticed,’ she murmurs. ‘And in the interest of honesty, I’ve been appreciating bits of you longer than you’ve been appreciating bits of me.’
‘Oh?’ The answer to this should be interesting. ‘I’m not sure how, unless you’ve installed a camera in my bedroom.’
‘Would it make for interesting viewing?’ she asks saucily.
‘Lots ofmanual labour. Perhaps the odd naked dance.’
‘You like to dance naked—and admit it?’
‘Why not? Haven’t you?’
‘I can’t say I’ve tried it.’
‘We’ll have to remedy that. But what about this appreciation of yours?’
Her fingernail taps her full bottom lip contemplatively, bringing my attention there. Maybe I don’t know her well, but I know those lips. I know how they feel against my own, and that in and of itself is knowledge.
‘I might’ve watched you doing yoga in the garden while I was looking after your neighbour’s cats.’ Even in the dim light of the pub, I can tell she’s blushing. Another of the things I like about her, though perhaps I shouldn’t. But there’s something about her blush that I find irresistible.
‘See anything you like?’ I wonder if she realises we’re both leaning closer.
‘I might’ve enjoyed a couple of things.’
Her tone is a touch salacious, my eyebrows heading for my hairline as I absolutely resist the urge to suggest I show her a couple of tricks. The lizard pose can be mind-blowing, for instance.’Mind-blowing and load blowing.
‘You know you can’t leave it there; you have to explain.’ She shakes her head, her gaze avoiding mine now. ‘Don’t be shy. Be audacious. Be bold and demanding.’
‘Those blue shorts.’ Her words fall in a rush. ‘You don’t wear a T-shirt or any underwear, as far as I can tell.’
I try very hard not to laugh, pressing my smile into my hand.
‘Don’t,’ she protests half-heartedly. ‘Or I won’t tell you anything else.’
‘You mean there’s more?’ I widen my gaze comically. ‘Perhaps you like my shirt or my trousers?’
‘They’re very nice but cover far too much.’
‘Shall I take them off?’
‘Ha, funny. Oh, God. You probably would, wouldn’t you? Sit down!’ she protests as I push back my chair. ‘Please don’t say you’re an exhibitionist or into other kinky stuff.’
‘Define kinky,’ I tease. ‘I do enjoy being naked—’
‘That’snota surprise.’
