Page 119 of Die for You

“Go rest. Tonight, we’re going out. I’m taking you out on a date.”

I bite my bottom lip to hold back my grin. “I think we’re past the dating stage. We have a child together.”

“Well, we skipped the fun stuff.”

This time, I’m the one to arch my brow.

“I mean the stuff like flowers and first dates and shit.”

“You’re adorable,” I mock, suddenly feeling better.

“Go take a bath and listen to Enya.”

I can’t help but laugh. But all of that does sound amazing.“I love you. Thank you.”

“For?” He kisses the top of my head.

“For not thinking I’m a complete psycho.”

“Now, now. Don’t put words in my mouth.”

I pull away, faking horror.

“Oh, baby, you can put something else in my mouth.” He drops to his knees and kisses over the front of my shorts. He slides them down my legs, and just like that, I’m feeling much better.

Lenny didn’t give me a dress code, so a little black dress it is.

I do what Lenny suggested and take a bath. I listened to indie rock instead, though. I slipped into fluffy pajamas, crawled into bed, and slept like the dead.

I do feel a little better.

As I showered, I decided I’m probably jumpy due to…life. It’s been a roller coaster for as long as I can remember. I’m not used to peace.

I’m applying the final touches to my makeup when the door opens. Lenny stops dead in his tracks when he sees me.

“OhMamma.” He whistles, eating me up from head to toe.

I feel desirable, and my cheeks heat. This kinda feels like a first date, I guess. Not that I’d know. We skipped that part of growing up as we were too busy, well, murdering people.

“Too much?”

“No, never,” he replies, coming up behind me and squeezing my ass.

He kisses the side of my neck.

My eyes flutter.

“Wear boots,” he instructs.

I look at his reflection in the mirror, confused.

“Do what you’re told.” He slaps my ass, before taking off his T-shirt. Then his pants.

Who am I to argue?

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume you’re taking me out here to kill me and bury the body,” I quip as we trek through thick forestry.

I now understand why he told me to wear boots.