Page 242 of The First Time
The city is as beautiful as always. Blue bleeds into yellow and cream.
Blake slides his arm around my waist. It's a protective gesture. Sweet, even. But is that for show? Or does he really want to keep me safe?
I'm not sure.
He pulls out my chair. "After you."
I sit, fold my legs, press my palms into my chiffon dress. The pretty pink one. I feel like a fairytale princess in it.
Blake takes his seat. Opens his menu. Takes a quick glance.
I bury myself in mine. Anything to avoid conversation. I have no idea what I want to say to him. We've got nothing in common. But he's going to be my husband.
It's weird.
A waiter drops off water.
I read the menu three times, give up on using it as a distraction, and down my entire glass instead.
Blake's eyes find mine.
I stare back. Try to force a smile. I want to get lost in his eyes. I want to go back to his place and fuck him senseless.
"Kat."
"Yes?"
"This only works if we're honest with each other."
"I'm honest."
"You're annoyed."
"I'm tired. Hungry. Wanting…" I clear my throat. "My sister hasn't answered any of my texts. I don't know where she is. Your assistant seems to think my hair isn't good enough, and my face is sticky from all this makeup."
He nods like my complaints are reasonable.
Maybe they are. I'm lucky, but I'm tired too.
This is surreal.
My new clothes are beautiful. I'm now the proud owner of a bunch of high-end makeup. And I'm dining with the sexiest man in the room.
I fold my arms in my lap. "You like me all cleaned up?"
"Yes, but I liked you before." He reaches across the table, offering his hand. "Look at me, Kat."
"I am."
"Like you love me."
I draw a circle on his palms with my fingertips. Make my eyes as big as they'll get. Part my lips like I'm desperate to kiss him. "Like that?"
"It's good. But I need more."
I slide back into my chair, pulling my arms to my sides. Gaga couples can't be gaga all the time. Especially not when they're starving and waiting to order.
People get into fights. Isn't the passion the whole appeal of a passionate love affair? Passion isn't just long, desperate kisses and bodies thrashing together in ecstasy. It's screaming and fighting and slapping too.
