Page 28 of Prickly Pair
“Okay,” I breathed out.
I felt sexy. Having lingerie on under the dress helped.
I’d landed on the red set. Mostly because it matched my lipstick, but also because the black set was a little sexier and kinky in a way that I wanted to save for the future. If there was a future. Maybe nothing would happen, maybe I was overthinking it. Did I evenwantsomething to happen?
Yes.
After years of rarely having sex, Nick awakened a monster. It didn’t help knowing my friends were off having mind-blowing kinky sex. I was one hundred percent jealous of them, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it.
It wasmyturn.
After leaving Austin speechless, I hadn't heard from him. I also hadn't heard anything about it from June or Avery, which meant he hadn’t said anything about our exchange. Which wasn't surprising, he often kept things to himself, even when it was detrimental. Or he'd go the complete opposite way and completely blow up everyone's lives because he got in his head about it.
God, I needed to stop thinking about that man.
The doorbell rang and I smiled. It was polite to ring the doorbell, whereas Austin had banged on it like he was ready to break it down.Asshole.
Matthew was right on time.
I opened the door and my mouth dropped.
Matthew lookedamazing.He wore a midnight-blue velvet blazer over a silky black T-shirt and slacks. The dark blue popped against his rich brown skin, and a silver necklace gleamed around his neck, a heart-shaped locket that rested against his collarbone. His broad shoulders filled his blazer in a way that made me want to moan. He offered me a nervous smile, his warm eyes crinkled behind his glasses.
He looked absolutely perfect.
And this was, very possibly, the first time a man had outdressed me.
“Holy shit,” I whispered, grinning.
He handed me a bouquet of red roses. “You look gorgeous, Evie.”
“Hold on,” I laughed. “You look too good. I’m not used to someone dressing up more than me. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a date with a man who didn’t wear muddy boots. I’ve got to change.”
“But you look perfect?—”
I shook my head and tugged him inside. He smiled at me as my hand lingered on his chest a little longer. “I have the perfect dress that’ll match. Do we have an extra five minutes?”
“We’ve got all the time you need,” he said. “But you look perfect.”
I held up my hand. “Five minutes. Save your compliments.”
The timbre of his laugh followed me as I rushed back to my bedroom. I ripped open my closet door and grabbed the black crushed velvet dress that would hug every single curve.
A few minutes later, I’d swapped my dress and heels, and took a moment to breathe in the scent of the roses he’d brought.
He was sweet. Sweeter than these.
Matthew turned around as I walked back down the hall. His eyes widened and he shook his head. He held out his hand and lifted. “Fuck. I’m speechless. Give me a twirl?”
I grinned from ear to ear as I did a spin for him, his hand warm in mine.
“You’re perfect.” His eyes dropped to my lips, then flickered back up to mine. “For the record, I loved the other dress. But you are beyond stunning in this one.”
“And we match,” I said. “I’ve never had that happen before. Usually I’m overdressed or do too much.”
“You can never do too much. You always look beautiful, and I love all your dresses. Next time we can coordinate,” he promised.
My stomach fluttered.Next time.“That sounds like a plan to me. Ready?”
