Page 160 of Surprisingly Us

I send him a quick text.

Colette:Dinner Friday night?

Rhys:What did you have in mind?

Hannah lifts her head from my phone screen to catch my eyes.

“Oh, you should go to Raoul’s and have oysters. It’s dark and got a sexy vibe. It’ll set the mood.”

Colette:Raoul’s at seven

Rhys:Cool. Will you wear that blue dress with the flowers and ties?

I’m surprised Rhys knows my wardrobe. But also, who am I kidding? He probably knows it better than I do.

Colette:Sure. If you wear those new loafers I picked out.

Rhys:You bet.

My stomach twists with anticipation because it’s settled. I’m going to ask Rhys to take my virginity.

CHAPTER 49

Rhys

Once I’m inside the restaurant, I shake my damp umbrella and fasten it. Looking around the crowded bar area, I spot her familiar dark waves. Perched on a barstool, Lettie’s impeccable posture is easily recognizable in a row of hunch backs.

She’s wearing the dress I requested. Pale blue with flowers and those delicate ties at her shoulder that I’ve dreamt about pulling loose and watching the material fall from her body.

When she texted me about tonight’s date, I had mixed feelings. Of course I want to see her, but I’ve spent the better part of the week replaying our time together in Lake George. The conversation we had out on the dock. And that night, how good it felt to touch her again, to taste her, and know she was as desperate for my touch as I was to give it.

But for the first time in my life, I feel the need to slow down and understand where we stand. To not rush into anything. Or maybe that’s the part of me that’s terrified Lettie doesn’t feel the same.

“Hey.” At the sound of my voice, she rotates toward me.

“Hi.” Her face splits into a sunny smile.

She hops off the bar stool and wraps her arms around my neck before pressing a kiss to my lips. My hands slip around her waist, bringing her into me until her body is aligned with mine.

Fuck. I could get used to this.

I already am.

“They’re backed up on reservations, so the hostess said we can wait at the bar.”

“That’s okay. This is good.” My eyes drink her in, long dark waves, and the delicate blue sundress I’d requested she wear. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” She glances down, a huge grin on her face as she takes in my sky blue Ferragamo loafers. “I like your loafers.”

“Thanks. I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet.”

“They look good.”

“You have good taste.”

“Yeah, but you’re the one who can pull those off. Not many could.”

I tuck my umbrella underneath the bar and take the empty stool next to Lettie, trying to ignore the thrill I get from the fact that her dress matches the color of my shoes.

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