Page 124 of I Could Be Yours

“Oh my gosh.” She grabs my arm as I guide her to the box office. “You’re taking me to the theater?”

“I am.”

She gazes up at me, eyes soft and warm. “Best first date ever, Nathan.”

We have great seats, and Essie hugs my arm through the entire performance. I’ve never been one for live theater, but Essie is almost as entertaining as the musical numbers. She smiles and laughs, eyes lit up with delight, and I spend half of it watching her instead of the people on the stage. I couldn’t tell you what the musical was about, but I definitely enjoyed the experience.

Afterward, I guide her back to the car and head for her place.

“Thank you for such a wonderful first date.” She links her pinkie with mine.

“I’m sorry it took six years for it to happen.”

“Totally worth the wait.” She tips her head. “I don’t really want it to end yet, though.”

I glance at her. “Do you want to go to the Pancake House or something?”

“You could come up to my place,” she suggests.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I park in a visitor’s spot, and we hold hands while we wait for the elevator. It’s empty apart from us, so when the doors close, she links her fingers behind my neck, her body flush against mine. “Will you stay the night?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’ve missed waking up with you wrapped around me.”

“Me too.” I trace the edge of her jaw with my finger. “I’m a huge fan of all-night snuggles.”

“Same,” she agrees.

The elevator dings, signaling our arrival at her floor. Essie exits, and I follow her down the hall. The tension between us has been growing all evening. I don’t want to make assumptionsabout where this will go—apart from all-night snuggles—but I get my answer as soon as we’re inside her apartment.

“Thank you for taking care of your heart so we can be good at taking care of each other’s.” Essie drags my mouth to hers.

We both groan as our tongues brush.

“Wait.” I pull back, and Essie frowns.

I cup her face in my hands. “I have to ask you something before this goes any further.”

“Okay.” Essie gazes up at me with uncertain, but hopeful eyes.

“I know we just had our first date, but will you be my girlfriend? Officially.”

“Yes. Absolutely. Nothing would make me happier.” She tips her head. “Well, that and getting you into my bedroom.”

“I can make that happen.” I lift her off the floor and carry her down the hall.

When we cross the threshold I set her down and break the kiss. “Wow.”

Essie looks nervous. “I warned you. It’s very princessy.”

The walls aren’t quite white but tinged with a hint of pink. A four-poster bed takes up one wall. The nightstands bracketing her bed are white, and gauzy curtains are pulled back to reveal the exceptional number of throw pillows, all in various shades of pink. Catalina, ratty and well loved, is perched on her nightstand. “It’s perfectly you.”

“You don’t hate it?” She wrings her hands.

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