Page 28

PRESTON

W e took a rideshare to a steak house a few miles away, our fingers intertwined the entire car ride.

Instead of nerves or teasing, we argued about the best Pokémon and games out right now.

It was actually a heated debate where we yelled and made our cases, and it felt like the old us.

A weird pang in my stomach had been bothering me all day, but I blamed it on nerves.

This was huge. We were finally going on a date together.

Now that it started though, I needed the pain to settle down.

The trust and genuine laughter and banter between us was amazing. Only now? We could get naked, and I could touch her. It was fucking wild for it to be this easy, but I wasn’t gonna assume a thing. We hadn’t started dinner yet, and I kept waiting for Jordan to freak out.

Because she would. She was a runner.

“Reservation for Charming, please,” I told the host as we ushered inside. Jordan had on a bright red winter coat, and I swore everyone in the restaurant glanced at her in appreciation. She was strikingly pretty, and I wanted to wear a neon hat that said mine .

“Right this way.”

We followed the host to a back booth with dim lightning.

It was romantic and cozy—all things I wanted, but I kept studying Jordan’s reaction.

She had never really dated. She admitted it all the time, like she was proud of her anti-dating stance.

She studied the table, then the lights, her gaze moving over the restaurant before landing on me. She winked.

“Let me get your coat.” I moved toward her, running a finger down her hair and leaning in to inhale her. She smelled amazing.

“Did you just sniff me?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?” I nipped her earlobe, loving how she shivered. “You smell so fucking good, by the way.”

“I remembered you complimented this perfume a year ago. I bought it with my mom’s guilt money, and you said something like, hey, Dan, you don’t smell like ass today. ”

I barked out a laugh as I set both our coats on the hook next to the booth. We slid into our seats, both of us wearing goofy-ass smiles. The pain sharpened, but I adjusted my position to try to ease it. “Yeah, because I couldn’t tell you I wanted to fucking spray it on my pillow every night.”

“You didn’t feel this then, did you?”

Uh oh. This was a situation. I didn’t know how hard to go here.

Did I tell her the full truth or half? Or just share small parts?

I ran a hand over my jaw, trying to make the best choice.

Leaning forward, I moved my gaze from her eyes to her mouth, then back up.

“You’re not ready to hear the truth,” I said, holding her attention.

Her pulse raced at the base of her neck, and her hand moved to her chest, where she often rubbed small circles when she was nervous.

“But I will admit that I’ve thought you were breathtakingly beautiful since we’ve been friends. I’ve wanted to see your tits since the second I met you. ”

“Hm.” She beamed, her leg seeking mine under the table. “Do you say that to all your friends?”

“Ha, no. I don’t.” I reached under the booth and wrapped my fingers around her ankle, caressing the bare skin there.

Now that I had permission, I’d never pass up the chance to touch her.

“I’ve been attracted to you for years, but I never let it be the focus.

I can shut it down. Well, now I can’t because I’ve tasted you and I’ve been inside you. ”

“That you certainly have.” She licked the side of her mouth and glanced down, my daring friend blushing. “I’ve always thought you were hot too.”

“You would say it all the time like it was no big deal, and every time I died a little. If you thought I was hot, why not kiss me? Don’t answer that, by the way,” I backtracked.

I didn’t want her thinking about all the reasons this was risky for her.

That was a dumb move on my part, and I smiled, hoping to change tactics. “Okay, don’t make fun of me but…”

Her eyes lit up, like that was the best news. “You can’t open with that line and expect obedience.”

“Fair, but hear me out.” I pulled up my phone and showed her a list. “I know you’ve never been on a date, so I looked up the best first date questions to ask.”

“Preston.” Jordan’s voice went all soft and gentle. “That’s… I love that.”

“I want you getting the full experience, you know, before the defiling.”

She laughed, but then the waiter showed up and took our drink and dinner orders. Jordan rested her arms on the table, leaning forward and providing a deep view of her cleavage. “Give me those questions, Charming. I’m ready.”

“They aren’t like rapid-fire ones. No need to go to battle over it. Now, first question. Dog or cat person?”

“Ooh, that’s good. I’m more of a cat person. I like how they’re more independent. I love dogs, but I don’t want to be tied down. You can leave a cat alone for two days, and they’ll be fine. You can’t with a dog. What about you?”

I took a slow breath, trying not to analyze her answer.

She didn’t like being tied down, that was fucking evident.

Would she consider dating me being tied down?

Would we be exclusive? Fuccck. We never even mentioned it before, and now I couldn’t.

Not on the first date. It’d freak her out.

I forced a smile and ignored the worrying pang in my chest. I ran a hand over it, digging in.

My skin had felt too tight today, like it was itchy.

My head also pounded, but I figured it was nerves.

“I’m more of dog person. Always had one growing up.

I love the daily walks and frisbee in the park and how they’re so happy to see you every single time. They are balls of energetic sunshine.”

“You know, you’re kind of a ball of energetic sunshine… “ Jordan teased and nudged my thigh with her foot. “What about the next question?”

I cleared my throat, the damn tickle in my throat growing. I sipped water, suddenly feeling hot. Like, way too hot. Post-workout-clammy hot. Damn. I had to get my shit together. “Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person?”

“Indoor, without a doubt. Next.”

“Same,” I scanned the list of questions, debating which one to ask her as I took stock of what the fuck was happening.

I felt feverish...which would be devastating.

I’d waited years for a date with this girl, and my body was betraying me.

I forced the heated feeling away, doing my best to hide my sweating.

“So, no camping trips for the two of us?”

“No thank you. I’d do some glamping for sure, but me and nature are not best friends.” She leaned forward, like she wanted to get even closer to me. It was honestly cute as hell seeing her excited. Even with my body’s weird descent, she charmed me.

“This isn’t so bad! I like this!” she squealed .

“Were you worried about not enjoying a date with me?” I asked, a nervous edge to my question. I wanted her answer. I needed it.

She pursed her bright red lips and tilted her head, a gesture I knew well. “I always enjoy time with you when you aren’t on a date with another woman. It wasn’t about that. It was more nervous about a date. I usually just hook up with someone after a night out, not do the dinner thing first.”

“Mm, okay we need rules.” I held up my hand, a gross sensation in my gut. “I fucking hate thinking about you with another guy. Makes me feel a tad murdery. No more mentions of that, okay?”

Yeah. That was the weird feeling overtaking my body. Jealousy. Not… sickness.

“Jealous Preston is a fun one. I got a glimpse of it at the hotel, but now that we’re being more open about everything. I think we can have some fun with this.” Her eyes twinkled as she stared over my shoulder. “So if I went to the bar and flirted, what would you do?”

“This is a dangerous game, Jordan. You lost your shit when Price brought me a date. Don’t dish this out if you can’t take it. I happen to be a hot hockey player, so if you want to flirt and see how far you can push me, I’ll return the favor.”

Jordan’s lips parted, shock evident on her face. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“I would dare. I could definitely fucking dare. Here’s the thing, babe, I know you inside out. I’m not one of the boy toys you boss around. You want to play a game, then let’s play, baby.”

Her face flushed as she let out a sexy laugh. “Why is that hot? My god, Preston. How have you hidden this side of you for years?”

“It was always there. Trust me. ”

“I think I’m starting to see it.”

“And do we like it or hate it or what?”

“Love it.” She wiggled her brows, her smile stretching across her face.

She looked fucking happy, and it eased any stress I had to know I made her happy.

One downside to knowing your date inside out was that you knew their tells.

The second she was annoyed, I’d know. Or the minute she was distracted or wanted to leave, I’d know.

There was a pressure to be her first date, and I wanted it memorable, but a bout of dizziness hit me.

The room spun, and I ran a hand over my forehead, surprised to feel it pretty much on fire.

I never got sick. It had been years since I was sick. I refused to let this happen. I cleared my throat and closed my eyes for a few seconds in hopes it would settle me.

“Why do you look thoughtful and intense? Where are the rest of the dating questions?” Her smile fell a little, and she squeezed my forearm. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m great.” I smiled, an ache in my temples causing me to wince. I had no idea what I did in a past life to deserve getting sick at this exact moment—on a date with my dream woman, but the signs were hard to ignore.

“I don’t believe you. You’re sweating right now. Preston…what the fuck?” Jordan’s frown doubled in size.

“Just a little hot.” I pulled at the collar of my shirt, taking a deep breath and then proceeding to cough. My lungs burned, and my chest ached. “I should drink more water.”

“Are you sick?” Jordan asked, concern swirling in her eyes. “Are you not feeling well?”

“Oh, I’m fine.” I’d used my adrenaline for many other things, and I’d get through this. I refused to ruin her first date because my body was a little asshole and betraying me. “If you won the lottery today, what would you do? ”

“Hey, honey,” she said, a new edge to her voice. “Your face is beet red, and you’re, like, gasping for air.”

“No. No, I’m okay.” I waved a hand in the air, the movement causing my head to ache even more. I closed my eyes, holding my breath for the wave to pass. “I’m the best. I’m with you.”

I heard her rustle, then felt her scoot next to me. She nudged my hip with hers, so we were that couple sitting on the same side of a booth. “What are you doing?”

“Taking care of you.” Her cool hand covered my forehead. “Preston, you are burning up. My hand is on fire.”

“You smell so good.” I inhaled, my nose brushing against her wrist as her spicy and delicious perfume filled my nose. “Damn woman, I want to lick you.”

“I like my men healthy, Charming. Not with a fever. We should get our food to go. I’ll flag our waiter.”

“No.” I forced my eyes open, grabbing her hand before she could raise it. “We’re on a date.”

“Sure, but you’re sick.” She smiled, a tender expression on her face. “We should get you back home and with some medicine.”

I shook my head, then winced. “This fucking sucks. I’ve… waited so long to do this. I can make it through.”

She brushed her fingers through my hair, her gaze assessing my face with an unreadable look. It could’ve been the sudden fever, but it seemed like she was scared. “I’m okay.”

Her hand rested against my cheek, her teeth coming down on her bottom lip.

“God, you’re sexy.”

She snorted. “We’re going home. Let me take care of you.”

“But this dress. The food. Our date.” I practically whined. I hated the needy sound of my voice right now, but it wasn’t fucking fair. This was my one chance. My opportunity to show her we were good together. “Jordan?— ”

“Are you worried this is the only date we’ll go on?” she asked softly, understanding entering her eyes. “Is that why you’re refusing to leave?”

I swallowed the ball of emotion in my throat.

I didn’t want to spook her. She was one comment away from bolting, but fuck.

I rubbed my temples, the pain growing. I needed some Tylenol and to sleep, especially with the season.

I couldn’t afford to get sick. My stomach rolled with worry, and Jordan studied my face.

I couldn’t respond, and the silence went on too long before she clicked her tongue.

“I’ll get our food to go. You wait here.” She kissed my forehead before sliding out of the booth.

I rested my head in my hands, the body aches worsening the longer I sat here. The sounds of silverware were too loud, the smells of the kitchen wafting toward me and making me cringe. Overstimulated. Overheated.

“I’m with the woman of my dreams, and I’m sick,” I mumbled. “Un-fucking-believable.”

“Talking to yourself, Charming?” Jordan ran her hand over my shoulders. “They’re packing up our food in a bag, and I have an Uber on the way to pick us up. We’ll head back and put on comfy clothes. Already have someone delivering meds to the house.”

“I’m so sorry, Jordan.” Shame consumed me. “I wanted your first date to be memorable.”

“Oh, this is.” She laughed and kept drawing circles on my back. “I mean, what a story this is. The first date I ever go on, the guy gets sick before our food arrives. It’s pretty much the start of a standup routine.”

“Uhhhh, you’re not making me feel better.” I groaned into my hands, the throbbing in my head growing. “Can I make this up to you, please? ”

“Let’s just get through tonight, Preston. You’re incredibly pale and hot right now.”

“Just what every man wants to hear.”

“Shut up. Let me take care of you.”