Page 34 of Paradox
My muscles clench, lids drooping, lips parting in anticipation of his kiss. There’s only a soft peck on my forehead, leaving me wanting. I groan, watching him walk back to the closet and return with his jacket.
“Let’s go.”
I grab my purse, leading him out of the house. The ride to wherever we’re going is quiet, the sexual tension in the car palpable. I squirm in my seat, wishing he’d turn the car around. Hell, I’d be happy with a quickie by the side of the road. He’s not making things easier, resting his palm on my thigh, thumb making small circles.
“You okay?” He chuckles.
“You know what I want.”
“And you’ll get it… just not yet.”
“You owe me, Dr. Emerson. I’m talkingatleastthree orgasms.”
“Tell you what. You’ll get your three before I even get one.”
“That’s definitely another promise I’m holding you to. You can bet your ass on that!”
He laughs, squeezing my thigh and slowing down the car. That’s when I realize where we are. We had our first date here. The memories of that night are so vivid, especially the one where he left me high and dry afterward. That shit isnothappening tonight.
We’re led to our table, and while the waiter gives his spiel, I glance up from my menu to find Jon staring at me. I gently kick his foot under the table in an attempt to let him know how uncomfortable he’s making me. I’m rewarded with a gorgeous grin to accompany his steady gaze.
The waiter takes our orders and disappears.
“You’re acting like a love-sick puppy.”
“I don’t know about the sick or puppy part, but Iamin love. There’s no way to hide that, beautiful.”
“Jeez, you’re in rare form tonight.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“God, no.” I giggle. “Shower me withallthe love.”
“Your wish is my command.”
Our dinner is quiet, but we don’t need words. We’re happy being in each other’s company. Occasionally, he reaches over and takes my hand, squeezing my fingers or stroking it with his thumb. When our dessert comes out, he moves his chair closer to mine and feeds me. He’s not wearing his glasses, and I can see the true beauty of his hazel eyes as they stare back at me.
“You’re perfect, Jon Emerson.”
“You’re the one who’s perfect. I’m just trying to be the man you deserve.”
“Oh, Jon.” I lay my forehead on his, eyes closed against the emotions he evokes in me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, Ellen.”
***Einstein***
“Wanna go back to our spot?”
“Yes,” she answers immediately. “It was so beautiful before.”
“Come on.”
Taking her hand, I lead her to the back of the restaurant and then the wooden bridge we stood on the last time we were here. Just like before, I wrap my arms around her from behind, holding her as she stares up at the stars. It’s a beautiful night for a proposal—clear skies dotted with tiny lights as far as the eye can see. There’s a gentle breeze, enough to ruffle the leaves but not to make it cold. The brook below us makes its way quietly around the property, not another soul around but us. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of her hair and resting a palm on her belly… our daughter.
“Mmm… this is nice,” she mumbles.
“It is.”
