Page 23 of Maid to Desire
“Just like that?” I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It can be that easy,” he assured me, taking hold of my other hand. “Melinda, I really want there to be something between us. More than just you sneaking around to clean my house or us having fun naked.”
My heart skipped several beats. It felt like the world froze in place as I digested his words. He wanted something more between us. He didn’t just want me as a fun toy to play with during his downtime.
“What is it you want? I mean, if you want anything at all that is.” He teetered on his feet anxiously. For being such a masculine man, it was cute to see him shy.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked.
“Just thinking how cute you look,” I said, releasing his hands and cupping his face with my hands. I smiled softly.
“Cute? Hmm?” he chuckled. “I guess that’s better than calling me lame.”
“Why would I call you la--”
Ding. Dong.
Tyler and I both looked at the front door. I laughed, while Tyler muttered a few choice words under his breath.
“This mother fu--” he began, but I kissed him, silencing the rest of his sentence. I pulled away slowly.
“You go handle him and I’m going to head out.”
“You sure I can’t convince you to quit?” he grinned. I shook my head and laughed.
“No. I need to help out with my mom’s business.”
“What if I wrote a check so she could hire more employees to replace her beautiful daughter leaving?” he gave me a boyish grin, making me giggle.
“As nice as that sounds, it wouldn’t be right.”
“Well, I’m as serious about my offer so maybe we can discuss it over dinner tonight?”
“My mom wouldn’t go for that. She doesn’t believe in handouts. None of us do,” I sighed.
“It isn’t a handout if you’re my girlfriend, Melinda,” he said sheepishly. I leaned my forehead against his chest to hide the huge smile that broke across my face.
Despite how short of a time we knew each other, I loved the thought of being his girlfriend. It made me feel like I was on top of the world.
“Since you’re hiding your smile, does that mean you want to be my girlfriend?” His laughter made my head rise and lower from the vibrations.
“Do…” I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. “Do you want me to be your girlfriend?”
“Yes,” he replied firmly. There was no hint of hesitation or amusement.
“Even though we haven’t known each other long?” I pointed out.
“Yes.” He kissed the top of my head. “I’m not one to follow society’s rules. So this wouldn’t be any different. I suppose.”
“What would your friends and family think of you asking a girl out on the second day of knowing her?”
He pulled back from me just enough to where there were a few inches between us. I looked up at him. He was smiling down at me.
“I don’t care what they think. It’s my decision. And a decision they will have to respect if they want to be part of my life.” His words were deep, smooth, and filled with conviction. And, his eyes were locked on mine as he spoke. I felt like the only woman in the world.
“Say something… Please,” he chuckled.
“I’m just happy.” I shrugged, downplaying the giddiness inside me.
