Page 17 of Thick Girls Pole

Keera

Simon pulledinto the driveway and I’ll admit, I’m sad for the night to end. He’d taken back roads to my house instead of the interstate, so he must feel the same way.

After shifting the car into park, he turned to face me.

“Thanks for coming out with me tonight, Keera. I had a great time.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly, as if he’d asked a question.

“I had a great time, too.”

And I’m not just saying that. I’ll admit I was worried tonight would be weird, but it definitely wasn’t. Even though there was a date vibe, I felt just as comfortable as every other time we’ve gone out. There were no awkward pauses in conversation and I seriously wanted to jump across the table and kiss him when the waitress asked about dessert. After so many years worrying about Brian’s reaction to every bite I put into my mouth, it was nice to just enjoy a meal without judgement.

“Would you uh–” He cleared his throat and shifted his eyes to look just above my head. Nodding, he looked at me again and continued. “Would you want to go out again Friday night?”

“I can’t. I’m at the studio until ten.”

“Oh. Okay.”

I hated the disappointment that clouded his eyes.

“But I’m free Saturday if you are.”

Simon’s eyes widened and a slow smile spread across his face.

“I’m definitely free.”

The flashing porch light caught the corner of my eye just as I was about to speak.

“Granny Vi.” I nudged my head, directing his attention to the light show my grandmother was putting on. “I’ve heard stories about how she used to do that to my parents when they were dating. I always thought it was funny, but now I’m not so sure.”

“I better let you get inside before she breaks the light fixture,” he said with a chuckle.

Granny Vi must have been watching because as soon as Simon got out of the car, the light stopped flashing. He came around to my side and opened the door then held his hand out. I’m an independent woman and as such always said I didn’tneedthe guys I dated to do things like that for me. But tonight, I haven’t opened a door and I have to say, it’s kind of nice.

I took hold of his hand and stepped out of the car and he closed the door behind me. Still holding hands, we walked toward the porch and climbed the four steps that led us to the front door. He turned to face me and took my other hand.

“Are you at the studio Saturday?”

I nodded.

“Until two.”

“I’ll pick you up at six?”

“Perfect.”

“Great.” He squeezed my hands then slowly released them. “I guess I’ll see you then.”

I nodded and reached up to tuck my hair behind my ear. We stood there for a few seconds more, just staring into each other’s eyes.

I’ve gone out with guys since Brian and I split, but they were pretty much just planned hookups, sometimes with a meal beforehand. But it’s been a long time since I had a real first date, complete with a pre-kiss moment like Simon and I are having now.

My heart pounded as he took a step closer and placed his hands on my waist. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it’s kind of strange. I mean, this isSimon. In all the years we’ve known each other, I’veneverthought about kissing him.

Yet here I am unable to think of anything else.

I took a deep breath in through my nose and let it out the same way as Simon’s hand slowly skimmed up my side and settled onto the side of my neck. He stroked the underside of my jaw with his thumb, seeming to give me time to back away. Not only did I not back away, I leaned into his touch and looked down at his mouth.

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