Page 41 of Home in Nevada

Jamie laughs, squeezing my hand again. “Itisweird, ‘cause this is really nice. The place, the date... You did such a great job on short notice. And Jeff? You look so fucking handsome right now. I can’t believe I’m sitting here with you like this, not just as your friend. I don’t know what the hell you’re getting all nervous about. I’m having a great time, and I’m going home with you after this... So what are you nervous about?”

His voice is soft, his cheeks flushed, his grin crooked as he looks up at me, and I feel like I can breathe again.

“Really? You’re having a great time?”

The stupid fucking butterflies are back, tearing through my chest like they own the place.

And Jamie thought I looked handsome? In these dorky work clothes? I don’t get his taste at all. I’m still blown away that he doesn’t see how out of my league he is.

“Really,” Jamie says, his grin turning coy, his voice so sure it knocks the air out of my lungs.

I feel my face heat up, probably red all the way to my ears. I can’t help but smile back, though, even as my thoughts race.

After a moment of hesitation, I reach across the table, my hand brushing his, and gently pull him toward me. Then I kiss him.

It’s the first time I’ve ever kissed Jamie in public, and I make sure to kiss him like I mean it—because I do. Because I'm not embarrassed. Because I don’t understand how I got lucky enough to even have the privilege of taking a man like him out to dinner.

I’m fumbling with the key again as we get back to the apartment. Of course, Jamie laughs, and I cringe at myself for what feels like the billionth time tonight.

“I hope you’re enjoying this,” I blurt out, finally managing to get the key in the lock.

“Are you kidding me?” Jamie grins, his smile making it obvious he’s having a blast.

My face heats up, but I push the door open and put a hand on his lower back to guide him inside.

He’s not completely hammered, which shocks me. I’ve never seen anyone drink that much wine in one sitting, but he’s definitely tipsy. It feels natural to guide him around, though—plus, it’s a great excuse to keep my hands on his waist. Maybe I’m overdoing it, but whatever. Every time he looks up at me with that little grin, my heart nearly stops.

I lead him over to the bed. “Go lay down. I’m gonna get you some water.”

“Oh, what?!” Jamie groans dramatically, full of disappointment.

I laugh. “Chill out, dude. I’ll be right back.”

When I return, Jamie’s sprawled out on the bed, arms above his head, his pale stomach peeking out from under his shirt. He looks so goddamn handsome, even like this—half-passed-out from too much wine.

How does he move through life so effortlessly?

I walk over and run my fingers through his hair, accidentally waking him.

“Jeff,” Jamie mumbles, blinking up at me in surprise.

I try to help him take off his jacket, but he’s too floppy to cooperate. Giving up, I move to pull off his boots instead. Jamie eventually wriggles free of the jacket and flops back onto the bed like he’s just conquered Everest. I stifle a laugh.

I pull off my shirt, fumbling with my pants as Jamie lies there, watching me.

“What?” I ask, sitting on the bed in just my boxers, suddenly feeling way too exposed.

The familiar insecurity from earlier creeps back in. After all this time, why the hell am I questioning how Jamie could be attracted to me?

I know I look good without a shirt—I’ve got that, at least. But even now, I’m second-guessing myself.

“Nothing,” Jamie says with a small smile, his flushed cheeks deepening in color. His eyes drop to my boxers before he sits up, placing his hand there.

He gets up on his knees and leans in, kissing me softly. His lips are warm, slow, and unhurried as they trail down my neck. I can’t hold back the groan that escapes when his hand grips me gently through the fabric of my underwear, sending a jolt straight through me—I’m already hard as a rock. Every nerve in my body lights up like fireworks, sparking under his touch.

God... finally, we’re going to do this. How many times have I fantasized about this?

Jamie gently pushes me back onto the bed, bending down as his hand moves over me and his lips trail kisses down my stomach. In one smooth, almost desperate motion, like he’s been anticipating this as much as I was while fumbling with my key at the front door, he pulls down my boxers and takes me into his mouth.

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