Page 514 of Rock Me All Night
3
Inever thoughtI'd be so disappointed to eat ice cream.
We buy scoops at a shop across the street and take them to a beautiful park. The big yellow sun casts a glow over the half green, half brown grass.
The people here are as gorgeous as the scenery. It's not like Long Island. Everyone is fit with trendy clothes, fresh makeup, and recently styled hair.
I smooth my French braid reflexively. I'm sweating and my taped together glasses refuse to stay on my nose. I push them up but it does little good.
Pete leads me to a shaded spot under a tree. He sits, his back against the trunk, his legs spread wide with invitation.
I'm tempted to slide between them, to rest against his chest and soak in the comfort of a body against mine. It's lonely out here, by myself. Work has left me too tired to accept invitations to hang out. It's easier to stay home and read. Books never ask me to lie to them or stab me in the back.
Instead of giving in to my desire to mount Pete, I sit on the grass. I take a generous bite of my mint chip ice cream. The sweet treat does nothing to refresh me.
My eyes fix on Pete. On his tongue specifically. It's fascinating watching him lick ice cream off the spoon.
He catches me staring.
I make the first excuse I can. "I've never tried that flavor. Green tea?"
He cocks a brow. "That's what you’re thinking?"
I nod. He shakes his head playfully but doesn't press the subject.
Getting close is risky but I have to know more about him. I keep my eyes on his. "You've been sleeping around a lot."
"That a crime?"
"No. I'm curious. Do a lot of women act like the brunette did, interested in the idea of you?"
He nods.
"Any reason why you're sleeping around?"
"Wouldn't put it that way." Pete digs his spoon into his ice cream. "You didn't look me up?"
"No. Seemed rude. I can't quite remember the gossip. Didn't you have a serious girlfriend?"
He nods. "We broke up a few months ago."
"Oh." That explains a lot. "Is that why you're sleeping around, to get over her?"
"Close your eyes."
"Excuse me?"
He nods to his ice cream. "I want you focused on the taste."
"Sounds like a line."
"Don't need a line. You already want to fuck me."
I say nothing to confirm this.
He stares back at me with a demanding expression.
Okay, I'll play along. I close my eyes. My lips part of their own accord. My tongue waters with anticipation. There. The spoon slides into my mouth. The cold, creamy treat is delicious. It's rich with an earthy flavor.
