Hooked (TKO 2)

“Yes, sir, I will.”

Outside, I hold the truck door open for her. Once we’re both inside the truck, I lean over and kiss her cheek as I buckle my seatbelt.

“I wanted to do that inside, but your dad scared the shit out of me.”

“Yeah, he may have kicked your ass for that one.” She laughs.

“Are you hungry?” I ask as I drive away from her house.

“I’m a little too nervous to eat, but I am hungry.”

“Don’t be nervous, Hil. It’s just me. Let’s grab a small bite to eat.”

“Okay.”

I drive to a café not far from her house. We are seated immediately. After the waitress takes our order, I reach across the table and take Hilary’s hand in mine. “So, you know a few things about me from then and now, and I hardly know anything about you.”

“What do you want to know?” she asks sheepishly.

“Anything you’ll tell me.”

“Well, my dad is a radiologist and my mom is a housewife. I’m going to college, but I have no clue what I want to major in just yet.”

That explains the massive house. “What’s your favorite color?”

“My favorite color?” She seems perplexed. I guess it is a silly question.

“Yeah, you know, just…your favorite color.”

“Purple.”

“I’ll remember that.” The waitress sets our sandwiches down in front of us, and I thank her.

“What’s your favorite color, Lance?”

“Anything that you wear.” She nearly chokes on her first bite, then carefully sips her tea, trying to compose herself.

“What do you mean?” she asks.

“I mean, any color you have on is my favorite color.”

“You’re a smooth talker, aren’t you?” She takes another bite of her sandwich.

“Well, yeah. You knew that already.” I swear I see her nipples harden against the fabric of her dress.

She doesn’t say another word as she finishes her sandwich. The server brings the bill, which I hurriedly pay.

I decide to take Raegan’s advice and go to the park. The sun is beginning to set and there aren’t too many people around. I park the truck and turn it off. Silence fills the cab, and my palms begin sweating again. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice she’s fidgeting. There’s so much I want to say to her, but I can’t find the words. Maybe it’s better this way.

I step out of the truck, and my shoes hit the hard concrete. I open the door for her. Her angelic face turns to meet mine as I reach for her hand. Her porcelain skin feels incredibly soft against my calloused palm. My heart takes over my brain as I gaze into her eyes. There’s this chemistry between us I can’t quite explain. It’s almost like the planets have aligned and are working in my favor. I’m turning into such a puss around her, but I don’t give a shit. I cup her chin gently, and she trembles at my touch.

“You have no idea how badly I want to kiss those sweet, plump lips of yours,” I whisper huskily.

The sound of a heartbeat fills my ears and I’m positive it’s mine, but a part of me is sure it’s hers. She closes her eyes for a brief moment, and when she opens them, she sighs. “You are too good to be true, Lance.”

“Nah, I’m typically the guy your parents would warn you to stay away from, but something about you makes me want to be good.” I don’t want to hold anything back from her. I am not proud of my past, but I won’t hide it from her.

“Kiss me,” she whispers.