Page 52 of No One Else

I pause, realizing I’m already thinking about this long-term. Maybe he’ll want to come home with me for Spring Break. Or even during the summer.

Oh, God... what will we do this summer? I always go back home for the three month break. Carter and I live in the same neighborhood so it was never an issue being separated, but that’s five hours away from here on the opposite side of the state.

Whoa, cool it, Natalie. You’ve literally gone on one date. You’re taking the planning thing way too far.

I concentrate on Pete instead, discussing the upcoming baseball season and the Rays’ chances of making it to the World Series this year. My dad and brother were always super into the sport, so it’s no trouble keeping up with the conversation. I can’t tell you how many baseball games of my brother Jason’s I had to sit through. I played tennis three years in high school, but he was already off to college by then, so he didn’t have to suffer the same fate.

Thirty minutes later, Evan announces dinner is ready, a delicious pan-fried chicken and potatoes dish that has my mouth watering from the smell alone.

“Oh my God,” I mumble through a mouthful. “I had no idea you could cook. It’s crazy good.”

“Best chef this house has ever seen.” Pete claps him on the back warmly. “Got the basics from his mom, but I think he’s surpassed her skills at this point.”

Evan gives a half-smile that doesn’t reach his eyes and turns his focus back to his plate. He’s never talked about his mother, I realize. Ever.

Pete dominates the conversation for the rest of dinner, Evan becoming quieter the longer it goes on until he’s practically mute. When we’re done, I offer to do the dishes, but Pete stops me. “You’re a guest. Evan can do them.”

“We actually have to start on our project. I’ll do them later,” Evan says, grabbing my hand brusquely and guiding me up out of my chair.

“So soon?”

“Yep.”

Evan leads me to his room, leaning back against the door after he shuts it, closing his eyes, face weary.

“What’s wrong?”

He looks at me, stepping in close and wraps me up in arms. “I’m sorry for all that,” he murmurs against my neck, his head bent low.

“For what?” I laugh.

“He wouldn’t leave you alone.”

“It was fine. Honestly. And besides, you have me alone now.”

He groans, bringing his lips to meet mine. It’s different from the hungry kisses he’s given me before, slow and easy, more like our first kiss earlier today at the gym. Like he knows he doesn’t have to leap on the chance anymore. He can take his time now. We have the whole rest of the night to explore this.

The thought makes my belly surge with excitement. Just me and him. Together.

He brings his hands up to the back of my neck, tugging at the tie in my hair until it spills over my shoulders. He threads his fingers through it, turning the kiss deeper.

The sensation of his hands in my hair, his tongue discovering my mouth anew, has me melting in his arms. His patience. His care. The soft, coaxing way he kisses me. I tremble upon the realization that I almost missed out on this. On him. This man that’s worshipping me. There’s no other word for it.

Has it really only been twenty-four hours since our first date? Or does everything before this count too? Because I’m ready for him. However that makes me sound, I want to go so much further.

A knock at the door has us breaking apart, each hastily jumping back like we were caught red-handed. “You guys want dessert?”

Evan runs a hand through his dark hair, eyes a little wild. “No thanks, Dad.”

“It’s rocky road ice cream. Your favorite.”

“We’re good,” he practically yells back. Under other circumstances it would be funny, but I’m still lost in that kiss, bringing a hand up to touch my lips.

His eyes follow the movement, flaring as I stroke my bottom lip with my thumb.

“Are you sure?” Pete’s voice comes through the door again.

“We’re sure,” he responds tightly, teeth clenched.

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