Page 27 of Mr. Red

“As promised, a movie. I rented out the theater, so you pick whatever you’d like,” he states casually, as though everyone rents out theaters all the time.

“Are you the one who had them change the movies?Are you a big fan of Scarlett Johansson?”

“Ah, you noticed. I’m a big fan ofScarlettDaniels.”

He changed the movies to have something involving my name? That’s cute. I bite my lip staring at him.

It’s not a date!

He gets out of the car. I do the same before he can get my door. I’m going to go pay for the tickets. Changing the movies and renting out a theater sounds like something that would happen on a date. A romantic, cute date. I need to do something to make it clear we arenoton a date.

I rush forward to the box office window, but before I can talk to anyone, he places his hand on my lower back and leans into my side. “This way. It’s all taken care of.”

Of course it is.

Renting a theater out would probably entail movie tickets already.Where is my brain?

He opens the door and leads me inside with his hand still on my lower back. The heat from his skin burns into me, but I don’t pull away like I should.

Once we step inside, I’m diverted from his touch. It’s eerily empty except for a few staff members. Movie theaters with no one around are kind of creepy.

“You want anything?” he asks.

I usually get a blue drink, but it’ll turn my teeth colors. I want to keep up my appearance around him, even though I shouldn’t care. There are dinner options at this theater. They’ll bring it to your seat, but my stomach has a thousand butterflies taking up space. I shake my head no.

“No popcorn? How can you have a full movie experience with nothing to snack on?” He’s looking at me like I’ve just committed a crime. “I’ll get us some popcorn and soda. If you want some, just take some of mine. Or, I have other things you can snack on,” he teases with amischievous grin.

“You did not just say that.” I roll my eyes. “You sound like you’re fifteen.”

“Trust me, sweetheart, I’m far from fifteen.”

My heart starts beating like a hummingbird and sweat is starting to accumulate on my forehead.

They must’ve forgotten the air conditioning. Movie theaters usually feel like Antarctica, but today a heat wave has rolled in.

“Can you get me a beer?”

He nods and orders. I’m looking forward to the beer—it sounds refreshing and it’ll take the edge off. Maybe help cool me off from this heat.

“What movie did you decide on?” he asks, taking the popcorn and drink holder.

“Avengersokay?”

“Sounds good.”

We walk into the right theater. The lights are still on with no other person in sight. It’s so quiet you can hear our footsteps as we walk to our seats.

The moment I’m in a chair, I take a big gulp of my beer. Us sitting down must’ve been the cue to start the movie. The lights fade, and the previews begin. I can’t concentrate on what they’re playing or all the bad things I should be remembering about Matt. Instead, I’m focused on the man next to me and the smell of sandalwood and cologne.

I’m losing control.

Chapter 16

Matt

Maybe going to the movies wasn’t such a great idea. All I can think about is what I want to do to her and where I want to touch her, amongst other things. Instead of numbers and buildings filling my thoughts like they should be, I’m stuck on long legs, silky, black hair, and deep blue eyes.

I put my hand on her leg to see how she reacts. She doesn’t move, just keeps watching the movie. Maybe I should try a classic and put my arm over her shoulder. I want to touch her, I want to taste her, and I want to fuck her.