Page 49 of Courting Clemson

I nodded, understanding what he was getting at. “Yes, of course. This is just for my college years. After I graduate, it will be a preferred way to stay in shape, I’m sure. I will always miss the competitive aspect of the sport, but I realize it has an ending point,” I explained. “It also has been a great way to further my education without starting life in debt. Or it was…” I drifted off on that last part because we both knew how that part of my big plan was working out at the moment.

After we agreed we were finished with our meal, Brian asked if I wanted to see a dessert menu.

“I don’t think I could eat another bite,” I said, sitting back in my seat. The waitress cleared the dishes, and we were both quiet for the first time since we’d said hello.

“Will you tell me what you’d like from our relationship?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t overstepping. The man did just say he thought it was important to outline these things up front, so I felt okay about asking.

The way he studied me while I sipped the last of my wine unnerved me a bit, however. Guys my age didn’t have a shred of this man’s confidence, and it was super hot. Butterflies were flipping and dipping in my very full stomach, and the feeling reminded me of kissing Luke the other night.

Head in the game, girl.

Brian paid the bill, and we left the restaurant. He held the door for me, and I passed by, catching a whiff of his enticing cologne and a light hint of the alcohol he’d had with dinner.

“Let’s walk a bit,” he said and draped his arm across my shoulders. The temperature had dropped while we were inside the restaurant, and I welcomed the comfort of his body heat. The fabric of my dress was lightweight, and the breeze pebbled my nipples in the silky cups of my bra.

The way he just announced we would take a walk shot a strange thrill up my spine. I liked that he knew what he wanted to do and was confident I’d go along with the plan. Wishy-washy guys drove me insane. Make a decision and put it into action. Another plus for this guy.

We strolled along the sidewalk, stopping and looking in a few shop windows as we went. Some of the stores were still open, and people were still out and about on the pleasant summer night, so we weren’t ever completely alone.

Eventually he got back to my question. “Basically, I’m looking for companionship on my terms. I’d like to see you at least once a week, and if other things pop up, I’d like to at least be considered for more of your time.”

I exhaled. I was getting worried I was going to have to ask a second time for his expectations.

“Okay, that’s reasonable,” I said.

Solei had advised that I answer as neutral as possible when this discussion came up. Most things were negotiable as a relationship developed, so there was no point getting stuck on any one request on an initial meet-and-greet. Unless it was a hard limit—then it should be addressed immediately.

Again, it all seemed like common sense to me.

“I’m not big on texting or talking on the phone,” he continued. “I just don’t have the time for it outside of making arrangements. There will be times my assistant will do that as well. It’s not an indictment on you. There are some days I’m in back-to-back meetings most of the day and don’t have the time to do it myself. It has nothing to do with interest or desire.”

I nodded along as he spoke. None of the things he mentioned worried me. At all. Later, I would make sure I went over these things again when I could really examine if those were my true feelings or I if was feeling pressured to be agreeable so this would all work out.

“As far as physical needs go,” he began, and I nearly tripped over my own feet.

I definitely didn’t expect that to be brought up on our first date, but I had to remind myself to act cool.

“I don’t like setting expectations in that area,” he continued. “I’d rather let things take a more natural course. I don’t want to ever feel like you’re doing something you don’t want to be doing, or that the only reason you’re being affectionate is because I’m paying your tuition.”

“Thank you for saying that,” I said and hoped it was a good answer. It was the exact way I felt, and I tried to be genuine all evening. I didn’t want to set myself up to have to put on some sort of charade every time we were together. If he didn’t like the person I was, I wasn’t the right girl for him.

We made a loop around the city block and ended up back in front of the restaurant where we ate. He asked where I was parked and walked me to my car. When I snuck a glance at the time, I couldn’t believe how quickly the evening had gone and how effortless it was to spend time with this guy.

It was clear we were wrapping things up, so I said very sincerely, “I had a lovely time with you tonight. Thank you for the delicious dinner.”

He scooped my hands into his and turned to face me directly, smiling. “Thank you, Clemson. I enjoyed our night too. I hope you will let me take you out again soon.”

The night chill completely disappeared as he leaned closer and planted a slow, firm kiss on my lips. I hesitated to pull back, waiting to see if he’d go in for another, deeper one.

Instead, he stepped back and opened the car door so I could slip in behind the wheel. I looked up at him, and his hungry gaze shot a thrill right to my core.

Jesus, this man had an intensity that did crazy things to my lady parts.

“Drive safely, okay? I’ll talk to you soon.” He waved and stepped back onto the sidewalk and watched until I pulled out into traffic.

One last wave and a big smile, and I headed off into the night. My mind raced in twelve different directions all at one time. I had to wait until I got home and wasn’t having to concentrate on driving to really review and dissect the evening.

Damn, I wished Grace was home. I really needed to talk all this through with someone. I changed into sweats and hung the dress over the back of my desk chair. The thing needed to go to the dry cleaners, and I didn’t even know where the closest one was.

---