Page 16 of That's a Wrap

“I don’t need your logic, Ella Kate. Just follow along.”

She giggles at me and the sweet sound fills my chest with warmth. I’d make her laugh every day if I could.

“So, as I was trying but failing to get the door unlocked, I saw Teddie’s neighbor glaring at me from behind a huge bush in her yard. I waved at her, but the old girl just flipped me the bird.”

“She what?” Ella Kate’s eyebrows rise to her hairline.

“The old woman flipped me off. I swear!”

“Serves you right for trying to break in.” She laughs.

“I wasn’t breaking in. I was invited. Besides, she didn’t have to call the cops on me. She later claimed that I looked like I wasup to no good, and that I had too many muscles.”

“She didn’t say that last part, did she?”

“No, but it’s still true. I have nice muscles.” I flex my bicep, earning myself more giggles and an eye roll.

“She was right, though. You do look like you’re up to no good.”

“Oh, she definitely was. Iamup to no good. Especially when I’m around you.” I wink, and Ella Kate blushes again, pinching her plump lips together to suppress her grin.

Thankfully, the awkward tension has dissolved and we’re able to fall into easy conversation now. We trade anecdotes about our families and lives until our meal is brought to the table. But I barely taste the food, since my attention is solely focused on Ella Kate. Her face lights up with each bite she takes and I’m pleased again that I convinced her to get something better than a salad. It’s a simple date, but it’s the best one I’ve ever had, and I’m already thinking of other dates I want to take her on, other things I want her to experience.

Too soon, we finish our meal and the server drops off the check. Ella Kate makes a move to take out her wallet. I slap my card down and raise an eyebrow at her. She huffs, but allows me to pay, promising to cover the bill the next time. I tease her, asking if she plans to court me. In truth, I’m silently counting this date as a win since she admitted she wants to do it again.

Then, we leave Le Veronique, stepping out into the moonlit night. There’s a slight chill in the air now and she subconsciously steps closer to me, allowing the backs of our hands to brush.I take her palm in mine, waiting to see if she’ll pull it away. Thankfully, she doesn’t.

When we get to my car, I open the passenger door for her but she hesitates. She turns to me and bites her lip. “Can I… can I try something?”

“Sure.” I nod, a little confused.

She swallows hard before gently placing her hands on my shoulders and rising up on the balls of her feet to place a chaste kiss on my lips. The press of her mouth to mine is soft and sweet, and seemingly innocent. And when she pulls back, her face is flush, making her freckles stand out against her smooth complexion.

“Can I try something now?” I ask her, feeling my composure slip from my grasp like grains of sand.

As soon as her head dips in agreement, I lean forward, cupping her cheek in my hand and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She gasps in surprise, and I use the opportunity to deepen the kiss, pressing my tongue into her mouth. I lick into her wet warmth, savoring the subtle taste of red wine and chocolate cake. She makes a noise, somewhere between a groan and a whimper, before she grabs a handful of my shirt and steadies herself against me.

With one hand on her face, I trace the other down the outline of her body until I reach the swell of her hip. While hooking my fingers through the loop of her jeans, I pull her waist to mine, grinding my hard cock against her.

“Oh my God,” she gasps, pulling away and looking down. “You’re har?—”

“Mhmm,” I murmur, tilting her head back and pressing open-mouth kisses down the column of her throat. She shudders and her hand trembles against my chest.

As she melts beneath my touch, I step back to look her in the eyes. Those green gems are hazy at first but after a few blinks,she’s able to focus. I’ve waited weeks to have her, wanting her like I’ve never wanted anyone else. I can’t wait a second longer.

Ineedher. Now.

“Tell me you want me, Ella Kate.” My tone is laced with intensity. “Tell me I can have you now, that I don’t have to wait anymore.” It takes a few seconds for my words to sink in, but once they do, she exhales a shaky breath and nods. I drag my thumb across her bottom lip. “Words, sweetheart. I need to hear you say it.”

“I want you,” she confirms, and I smile.

“There’s a good girl.”

I help her into the car, and when she looks up at me confused, I explain, “The first time I make you come isn’t going to be in some restaurant parking lot.” I hold her gaze, my dick aching to be freed from my slacks. “Although, if you’re willing, maybe we can try that next time.” I wink before kissing her again.

It’s taking everything in me to hold back long enough to get her to my place. But once I get her there, I’m going to show her just how much I want her. And work project or not, she’s stuck with me for how ever long she’ll have me.

7

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