Page 37 of The Dallas Dilemma

I’ve spent almostevery night after work hanging out with Josette, and it’s been fantastic. We cuddle and watch television until we inevitably start kissing, and even though we’ve not gone any further yet, I’m not feeling impatient or deprived of anything. I just like being with her.

On Thursday, she ambushedme in the hallway, pulling me into her apartment before I could shower and change after work. She pressed her face into my chest as we hugged and inhaled deeply, murmuring something about loving the way I smelled. She only let me kiss her for about five seconds before she pushed me back out into the hall and told me to go get clean and comfortable before coming back over. I couldn’t stop smiling as I followed her instructions. Josette Barnes being demanding is apparently my kryptonite. It was so fucking hot.

Last night, she went to her sister’s house for their Friday night girls’ night, so I didn’t see her, but she texted me a few times and even sent of video of the four of them drunkenly dancing in Callie’s living room. But nothing compares to the drunk-text I got at midnight. I smile as I open our thread to reread it and the other texts that came in this morning.

Josette: (12:02am)I like you so much. I’m really in like with you, Dallas. Do you like me?

Josette: (8:37am)OMG please delete that last message and forget I ever sent it.

Josette:Raven stole my phone and sent that.

Josette:Okay, that’s a lie. I sent it. But I plead whatever constitutional amendment that applies to striking drunk texting from the jury’s minds. The jury being you. Your mind. Please.

Me:Consider it stricken from the record.

Me:But also, I’m “in like” with you, too, if that makes a difference.

She didn’t reply to that last text, and when we textedeach other later to confirm our plans for tonight, neither of us mentioned it. And that’s fine. If she wants to pretend it never happened, I can play along.

I’m just happy because tonight, Josette is letting me take her out on arealdate. Knowing how anxious she gets when going out in public and being surrounded by strangers, it’s kind of a big deal. The first time we went out, to the taco shop, was kind of a friend-thing. A helping-a-neighbor-who’s-new-to-town thing. At least, to Josette, it was. I’m sure she felt less pressure that night than she does right now, getting ready for what I’ve made clear is an actual dinner date between two people who are “in like” with each other.

I chuckle at the thought as I finish getting ready. I got a haircut and a professional shave earlier this afternoon, and I’m wearing a nice charcoal gray button-down shirt with a pair of black chinos. I cuffed the sleeves of my shirt to my elbows earlier, and after sliding on some black dress shoes, I think I’m good to go.

Grabbing the single pink daisy I bought for Josette earlier, I pat my pockets to make sure I have my keys, phone, and wallet. With everything in order, I step out into the hall and lock my door behind me. Taking the few steps across the hall to her door, I rap my knuckles against the wood.

The door swings open a few moments later, and my breath whooshes out of me like someone punched me in the stomach. Josette looks amazing with her hair twisted up into a fancy updo that leaves soft tendrils framing her heart-shaped face. She’s wearing a pairof slim-fitting white jeans that crop at the ankles paired with strappy high heels and a black camisole-type tank top half-tucked in at the front.

“You look beautiful,” I breathe, holding the daisy out to her.

Her smile lights up her face as she takes it and lifts it to her nose. “Thank you. You look beautiful, too.”

She waves me inside, and I follow, closing the door behind me and meeting her in the kitchen where she’s poking the stem of the flower into a skinny vase. I watch as she fills the vase with water, my gaze travelling up and down the length of her several times before she catches me.

Her cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink as she asks, “Are you ready to go?”

I’m ready to kiss her, right now, but it looks like she spent time perfecting her makeup, and I don’t want to mess it up. Notyet, anyway.

“I’m ready,” I say, placing a light palm at the small of her back as we head for the door.

“So, where are we going?” she asks as we cross the parking lot toward my car.

“It’s a surprise,” I say, pulling the passenger’s side door open for her.

She nods and slides into the seat, but there’s a tightness in her eyes that tells me she’s feeling anxious. Shit. I considered her anxiety when I booked the private space at the restaurant, but I never considered how she’d feel about not knowing where we’re going.

“Don’t worry,” I say, leaning over so I can meet hereyes as she buckles her seatbelt. “I have it on good authority that you’re going to love the place, and I took precautions to make sure you’ll be completely comfortable while we eat. Trust me?”

She nods slightly. “I do trust you.”

“Good,” I say, giving her a grin before closing the door and jogging around to climb in behind the wheel.

I look over to see her watching me thoughtfully, so I tilt my head and ask, “What?”

“On good authority?” she asks, and one corner of my mouth turns up.

“I may have spoken to Linc, who spoke to Royal, who asked Callie where some of your favorite places to eat are.”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”

---