Page 39 of Mr. Green
“Hey, Sunshine. Did you get my note?” He looks me up and down. “I’m thinking you missed the message.”
I’m at a loss for words at the sight of him. He’s wearing a maroon button-down with dark gray slacks, and matching blazer. His hair tied in his usual low man bun and his beard is groomed and orderly, but somehow still looking sharp and rugged. His assertive walk into my apartment left the smell of pine and a fresh shower following him. The whole ensemble makes him look delectable. It's distracting.
I pull myself out of my trance. “Did you know I’m not a dog?”
He smirks. The nerve of him. Walking in here like he owns the place. Like he owns me. For some reason my body appreciates the confidence. My underwear is wet. My vagina may be wanting an actual man, but she’s going to need to hold on. I’m not ready.
“No matter. I thought I could take you to a surprise, but I have the surprise coming to you instead.” He shrugs. “I’m assuming you aren’t planning on leaving.” He waves his hand towards my direction.
“I don’t recall saying yes to agreeing to hang out with you. Or hearing a question about hanging out with you.” I cross my arms over my chest. I can’t let him in nomatter how hard my heart wants to. Even though he’s shown me his sweet side, and made me feel safe, and kissed me like no other man has, I’m still nervous about letting him in. He’s not giving up on the proposition, though.
“I don’t recall you protesting when I kissed you. I remember you were begging for more with your leg wrapped around me, trying to get as close as you could. Maybe you wanted my lips on your pussy. My hands digging into those perfect plump hips as I lick you until you scream my name. I told you I would see you today.” He holds out his arms with open palms. “Here I am. I’m not going anywhere, Sunshine.”
Then he fucking winks.
His dirty talk almost has my knees buckling. That’s exactly what I wanted the other night. That’s an unrealistic thought, though. I’m not trying to get my heart broken again. He doesn’t live here. As soon as he’s gotten his fix, he’ll be bored and head back to Texas; not giving another thought about me. It’s what everyone does—forgets about me.
“Really? What about the fact that you live in another state?” I raise my eyebrows.
He pauses, then his face changes to something softer. “I’m not him, Sunshine.” He grabs under my chin, caressing my cheek. “We have an office here. I’ve flown here more than I’ve ever flown anywhere just to see you. I’d love for you to come to Texas with me if we get serious, or I’ll buy a place here. Regardless, I’m not going anywhere.”
“That’s what my ex said.” I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, but I’m not him. I’d do anything for you just to see your dimple. Here, get me your phone. I’ll give you my number. I’ll put a fucking tracker app on my phone so you can see where I am if you want.”
That breaks up a little tension and I start laughing before I can stop. I hand him my phone so he can put his number in. “You don’t have to add a tracker app. We’re not official or anything.”
“Will it make you happy? I’ll get a microchip if it’ll make you feel more comfortable.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Your phone number will be just fine.”
He types in his number and looks up at me making eye contact. “I’m guessing he put himself first all the time.”
I look away and don’t say anything. Once he’s done inputting his new contact, he calls his phone so he has my number. He doesn’t let the conversation drop, though. He grabs my chin again and turns it so I’m looking at him. It’s gentle and sincere.
“I’m not him.”
That almost makes me start tearing up, but I’m not breaking down again in front of this man, with his absurd hair and sexy as fuck caveman attitude. If I break in front of him again, I’ll have no pride left. Right now, I need to hang onto every shred.
It’s complete wishful thinking. He’s staring me down like a lie detector. My eyes give me away and the tears start flowing. I wish I could melt into a puddle, so I wouldn’t have to dive into what’s coming next. Unlimited amounts of questions, I’d guess.
Instead, he pulls me into him, his masculine scent enveloping me. It’s so fitting for him. Woodsy and free. I feel like I’m wrapped in a warm security blanket made of the forest.
The gesture has me sobbing into his chest. It’s firm and solid. He just lets me cry while holding me. Ihatethat I keep crying around him. I also hate that when I’m in his arms, it’s the safest I’ve felt in years. His words are affirming everything I’ve been worried about. He has been coming to Washington for me and he would be okay with moving here or me going with him. It’s what I’ve always wanted to hear. Being with him would be a dream come true. I’ve liked him for years.
I start taking deep breaths, trying to get my fucking bearings. I’m done with being this stupid delicate little doll. I push off him, but he keeps holding me. Now, I’m frustrated. I want this night to be over. I don’t want to face him. He doesn’t budge. He just keepsholding me.
“Enough!” I say and push off of him again.
He releases me, finally.
“It seems like you need a shoulder to cry on. I’m not judging you, Lana. I’m here.”
He used my name. It sounds odd coming from his lips when he’s got me waiting to hear his nickname. It’s also thethirdtime he has told me he’s here.
“Your surprise will be here in about thirty minutes. Maybe take some time to get yourself together. I’ll be here, hanging with your dog until then.”
Then he goes and sits next to Queenie and starts petting her. Damn the humane society and his talents of being so cute with dogs. It’s not helping my heart stay guarded.