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Daniel chuckles and squeezes my thigh, which causes my breath to hitch and toes to curl. “I think the first step is to go on some dates. Spend time together one-on-one and get to know each other.”

“Yeah!” Charlie chimes in. “Truth be told, Daniel and I have already done that.”

My eyes grow wide. “Really?”

Charlie nods. “We went to Coney Island not too long ago. Rode the Cyclone”—he shudders—“ate hot dogs, the whole nine yards.”

I raise an eyebrow, impressed. “Sounds like a blast.”

“It was,” Daniel confirms with a grin. “Which reminds me, I’ve been wanting to take you on a picnic, Harrison. I know a great spot that I think you’d love.”

My heart flutters at the thought of a romantic picnic with Daniel. Burrowing into the hoodie, I shyly smile and say, “I’d like that.”

Charlie pouts playfully. “Damn, a picnic? Why didn’t I think of that? I’m not good at coming up with ideas like that.”

I laugh and reach out to ruffle his hair. “You’re such a golden retriever. Tell you what, I have the perfect idea. How do you feel about seeing a Broadway show?”

Charlie’s eyes light up like a kid’s on Christmas morning. “Are you serious? I fucking love musicals! Oh man, this is going to be awesome!”

His excitement is so endearing that I surprise myself by leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. He blushes and ducks his head.

Daniel clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. “Then, it’s settled. Two dates with Harrison.”

I smile while my heart sings. Never did four words sound so sweet.

Chapter 25

Great Expectations

Daniel

In past relationships,there was always a natural progression in how things unfolded. First, there was flirting, then a few casual hangouts with a kiss or two to end the night. And if things continued to go smoothly, after a few official dates, we’d take things into the bedroom.

But Harrison and I skipped all the usual steps and dove headfirst into the deep end of passion and lust.

Every night, I debase myself to the memories of his lips, the heat of his skin, and the intoxicating sounds of his moans as we explored each other’s bodies. I wasn’t nervous then, but now, I’m a bundle of nerves as I take him on our first proper date.

Seeds of doubt plant themselves in my brain. What if he thinks it’s lame that our picnic is at Finn Field, not in Central Park? I love baseball, so I thought it’d be a unique and memorable experience to share that love with him.

But Harrison isn’t a sports guy. He’s an artist, a free spirit who sees the world through a different lens.

Stepping out of the cab, I tell the driver that I’ll be right back and make my way into the building where Harrison lives. I thank my lucky stars that I’m fit and healthy, because the stairs are killer on my thighs.

I walk up to his door at the end of the hall and knock.

“One minute,” he says from deep within.

I lean against the wall and stare up at the flickering lightbulb above my head. A couple of flies hover around it, with one getting zapped when it decides to come in for a landing.

The door slides open, and I push off the wall. Harrison stands before me with a dazzling smile. My eyes roam over his body, and I bite my lower lip to stifle the groan that threatens to escape.

He looks effortlessly cool and sexy in his fitted jeans and a cream-colored shirt. His hair is still wet from a shower, and I resist the urge to run my fingers through it.

“Hey there, slugger,” he teases. “Ready to show me the ways of the diamond?”

I grin, my nerves melting away in his presence. “You bet.”

“Then lead the way, Hollingsworth. Let’s see if you can impress me much.”