Page 50 of Here's to Tomorrow

She shakes her head. “It’s true. I’ve never seen them. I’ve always had to work when they play.”

“We’re fixing that. There’s no way you can live a full, meaningful life if you haven’t seen a live show of theirs. It’s…amazing. The lead singer is so theatrical. I love it.”

“You’re on,” she replies, her eyes lighting up. Then they quickly dim. “However, I’m probably gonna have to bounce. I have a hot date with Maura tomorrow before work and I’ve agreed to come in a few hours early.”

I’m a little disappointed by this, not because I was expecting her to stay over or anything, but because I’m enjoying spending time with her so much.

I frown. She frowns back.

“What? Were you hoping for a sleepover? I know my unquestionably amazing ability to quoteStep Brothersis a huge turn-on, but I don’t put out on the first date, Hudson.”

“Well…technically it’s our second,” I tease.

“Don’t push it, mister. It’ssonot happening.”

“Oh, sugar, if I wanted you to have a sleepover with me, you would,” I say, winking to let her know I am teasing back.

Her mouth drops open.

“Did you just fuckingwinkat me?” she says incredulously.

“Uh…yes?” It comes out as a question because I’m not sure that’s the right answer.

“Winking isn’t really a thing, you know. They do that in movies and romance novels, not real life.”

“I’m sorry?” Again, not sure if it’s the right answer.

“It’s okay, but only because you look a little cute when you do it. Now, you gonna walk me out or what?”

I laugh and grab our bowls off the table, rinsing them out while she collects her things.

I meet her at the door, slipping on my shoes. “After you, my lady.”

“Thank you, kind sir. Such a gentleman.” Shealmostsounds like a real lady.

I lead her out the door and find her car in the parking lot. She spins my way once we stop in front of her red sedan. Sticking her hands in her coat pockets, she rocks back on her heels. I mirror her pose.

“I had a lot of fun tonight, Hudson. Thank you for dinner and ice cream.”

“So did I. It’s not often I get nights like these. I usually spend most evenings at my mom’s with Joey so this little break from my routine has been nice. Thank you for that. Can we, uh, can we do this again sometime? Soon?”

She nods and takes a small step forward that may or may not have been intentional.

Of their own accord, my hands reach out and place themselves on her waist. My muscles move on their own and pull her close to me. A small gasp leaves her lips and she grabs my biceps. I swear I feel her squeeze them, so I squeeze back, pulling her in closer.

I rest my forehead on hers and stare into her eyes. Even though it’s dark out and our bodies are casting shadows upon one another, her eyes are bright. Her small chest is moving a mile a minute, pressing tightly against mine. Our breaths mingle together as we continue to stare, our heartbeats falling into similar rhythms.

Then carefully, oh so slowly, I lean in, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. I continue to kiss a path along her jaw to her ear, lingering a little too long just under her lobe.

“Goodnight, Rae,” I whisper.

Letting her go, I turn around, shove my hands in my pockets, and race back inside my apartment, fighting with myself the entire way.

Ialmostturn back—twice.

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