Page 219 of The First Time
"Gin and tonic."
He nods and gets to work mixing drinks.
I take a seat on the plush leather couch, fold my legs, smooth my dress.
Blake crosses the room. He sits next to me. His fingers brush mine as he hands over my cocktail.
The light touch sends desire racing through my body. I want those hands on me. I want it more than I've wanted anything in a long, long time.
It doesn't make any sense.
But the closer he gets, the less I care.
I haven't kissed anyone since high school. I haven't even thought about dating since the accident. And now there's a tall, handsome man next to me. One who looks at me and says he wants to fuck me. Who says it with confidence. Like it's normal to admit your desires in a crowded restaurant.
I take a long sip. The drink is smooth, crisp. Nothing like the gin I have at home.
But it doesn't cool me off.
Not at all.
I try to hold Blake's stare. "Your office is nice."
"Thank you." He takes a long sip of his whiskey. "Would you like a tour?"
"Sure."
After another sip, Blake sets his drink on a side table. He stands and offers his hand.
Again, my body buzzes as our skin connects.
I swallow hard. Suck a deep breath through my teeth. He wants to fuck me. I want to fuck him. We can do that. After we negotiate.
I follow him into the main room. It's still a big, wide open space. The view is still gorgeous. But it doesn't call my attention. Not with him this close.
He reaches for a light switch.
"Don't," I say. "I like the dark."
He raises a brow.Really?
"The view goes forever. See?" I move to one of the tall windows and look out at the Hudson. The deep blue water flows away from the city.
There's Midtown, all tall and silver and iconic. The Empire State Building is its usual shade of white. It stands out against the dark sky. It promises all the secrets of the city.
I've lived in Brooklyn all my life. I've always looked at Manhattan from afar. Considered it a place to work or visit. A place I'd never afford.
But here, the view… god, it's intoxicating. I want to move into this office and draw the city twenty-four seven.
"You love New York." His voice is even. Like it's a meaningless observation.
"Of course. I was born and raised here. You don't?"
"I lived upstate until college."
"You prefer the quiet suburbs and the trees?"
"The city is easier."
