Page 76 of Three Bossy Boyfriends
I reach out and rest my hand on his arm. “I don’t think Evan will mind if we wake him up.”
I want more time with them. More naked time. But also just more time in general. They’ve given me no indication that they’re eager for me to leave. They’ve said nothing about when, or how, I should go home today. But I feel like there’s acountdown going, ticking off the minutes to when the alarm will ring and they’ll tell me it’s time for me to go.
Christopher and Evan are together now. When I leave, Evan gets to stay. A jab of jealousy stabs me in the chest. But not just jealousy that Evan needs to have Christopher. Or jealousy that Christopher gets to have Evan full time. Or jealousy that they get to be together, or that they get to have a long lazy day together, spend the evening together, make dinner, hang out while I go home alone. Oh, sure, I have my sisters. I won’t bealone. But it’s different from what Christopher and Evan will have.
Christopher shakes his head. “I have a plan.” Again, he gives me that smile that makes him look ten years younger and makes it seem that he has some big secret.
I can’t resist that. And hey, at least he’s including me in whatever that is.
“Fine. Give me a few minutes.”
“I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
I quickly remember that I came over in only baggy sweats and a hooded sweatshirt. Not even any underwear. And for a second, I regret my bratty choice. Not that I will admit that to Christopher.
I pop into the bathroom to clean up, pull a brush through my hair, and swish mouthwash around my mouth. Then, I pull on my discarded clothes and head into the kitchen.
Christopher is scrolling on his phone, but he immediately straightens. He gives me a grin. “I thought we could walk to City Market. They have a ton of amazing pastries. We can pick up some fruit and coffee. Maybe some stuff for lunch.”
Lunch. Okay, that sounds like maybe they’ll want me to stay around for that long.
I nod. “Sure. Sounds great.”
His grin widens. “Let’s go.”
We head out into the beautiful late February morning, and Christopher turns us down the sidewalk. He’s walking with a little extra bounce in his step, and I finally have to laugh. “Have you ever been to City Market before?”
He looks down at me. “Sure. Several times.”
“Then why are you acting like this is some amazing, exciting adventure? I mean, City Market is great, but you’re acting like we’re going to the carnival or something.”
He gives me a self-deprecating smile, then reaches out and takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “Because I’ve never done it with a date. I’ve never gone to get food to bring back to my boyfriend. But I’ve always wanted to.”
I study him. “Do you not bring people back to your house?”
He shakes his head. “I really don’t. I usually go to their place. Sometimes hotels. But it’s been a really long time since I’ve been with anyone overnight.”
“How long?”
“Since I met Evan,” he admits.
“Wow. You fell for him hard and fast.”
He nods. “I definitely did.”
“Still, I find it hard to believe you don’t have people over to your house. You have a gorgeous home. Obviously full of things you love. It’s very homey. Why wouldn’t you bring a previous boyfriend…or girlfriend there?” I ask. “You really haven’t been that serious about anyone?”
“I really haven’t. Sharing my home, making brunch, doing all of that is something I’ve really wanted. But it had to be with the right person. Until recently, I had almost given up on it happening.”
I’m surprised for a moment by how serious Christopher seems to take relationships. Then I realize I shouldn’t be. He’s serious about everything. He takes his job seriously. He’s verycommitted to clients. It actually makes sense to me that he would want a serious romantic relationship.
I look up at him. “You were waiting to fall in love?”
He nods.
“You’re attractive, successful, charming, intelligent. You’re a total catch. Why would you think it wouldn’t happen for you?”
“Because I’ve dated a lot, and it never has. I was looking for someone special. The One.”
