Page 100 of Caper Crush
I put my hand on his knee and let my hand tiptoe up the inner side of his thigh.
His hand covers mine. “No farther.”
“Agreed.”
The cab stops in front of his place. William pays, and we get out.
We share the elevator ride up to his apartment with another couple. All four of us look frustrated to be with each other.
Finally, we’re in his apartment and Sora and Pochi bark, greeting us. William backs me up against the wall, kissing me, his hand tangling in mine. He lifts me up, and I grip him with my legs. I run my hands over his back muscles under his shirt. I can feel them straining to hold me. He tastes of sake and salty potato chips. His hand reaches under my shirt to unsnap my bra. I squirm to get closer. I unbutton his shirt as he lifts up mine so we are skin to skin, warmth to warmth. As he touches me, the hallway narrows to him and me, touching, feeling, desiring. It’s like a kaleidoscope of colors and layers of paint building up, intensifying, until finally I collapse on him, resting my head on his shoulder.
Sora barks. We both look down to see her sitting there, staring up expectantly.
“I need to,” he says breathlessly, “walk the dogs.”
“Hurry back.” I stare at the bulge in his still-present jeans. “It’s your turn next.”
He kisses me firmly on the lips, buttoning up his shirt, and then clips the leashes on Sora and Pochi.
“Oh, I’m not done with you yet.” Smiling wickedly, he closes the door, leaving with Sora and Pochi.
Chapter twenty-five
IshouldhavesaidI’d attend the accounting get-together. Instead, I stand outside the hotel entrance dressed in black, my hair up, a black baseball cap over my head. Because he had texted that they were going out for drinks afterward and he’d head home after that. And not come over.
I immediately biked down here. I’m not proud of myself.
I look at his text again. I could write back that I could meet him at his apartment after drinks. But that looks so possessive and pathetic.And this doesn’t?
I’m a cool cucumber. Not jealous at all.
Right now, I’m dressed more like a ninja character, though.
Some people exit through the glass doors of the Millennium Times Square Hotel lobby. I’m across from the entrance, sitting on my bike seat, slightly hidden by the O’Donoghue’s Bar restaurant shed. The sidewalks are crowded with people rushing to the theater. I don’t want to get closer, given how good William is at sussing me out.
Maybe I should have insisted that he invite me for the drinks portion and officially introduce me as his girlfriend. Then again, maybe they’re still discussing accounting. I can only hope. I would’ve never thought I’d be dating an accountant.
As long as William isn’t wondering why he is dating me. Why is he dating a waitress and rock band singer? I’m not sure I can even claim to be an artist.
It’s not that I don’t trust him. What did he mean he can’t always trust his feelings? How can I trust his feelings then? If he contrasts me with Kiyoko, he might come to his senses and realize that she might be the better deal—more compatible in the long run. And the fact that he wasn’t willing to tell Kiyoko that I was his girlfriend at the karaoke, even though he was so passionate afterward, is not reassuring.
My phone beeps. I read the text, keeping an eye on the entrance.
Tessa:Where are you? About to leave work.
Me:Times Square. Spying on William.
Tessa:???
Me:I have Issues.
Tessa:Where? I’ll join you.
Tessa’s law firm offices are located in Times Square.
Me:You have issues too?
Tessa:So many issues.
