Next Guy Through the Door

I nodded, then the world turned fuzzy as he kissed me deeply, pulling my body to his.

CHAPTER SIX

* Dale *

I knew that we were going too fast. I knew that I was being pushy, and a bit inappropriate. Yet I could not resist her pretty little doll face and sweet energy.

We left the bar before I could use the darkness inside to my advantage. Waiting for the streetcar, I rained kisses all over her neck, pulling her dress off her shoulder as I kissed along her soft skin.

In the back of the streetcar, we made out as if we were the only people on earth. As I walked her to the door of her building, I couldn’t keep my hands from stroking her wide, round hips.

I pulled us to the side of the door, pressing her back against the brick wall as I drew her to me. Tracing my tongue along the seam of her lips, I plunged in, overtaking her mouth as I kissed her hard. Her delicate whimpering moan nearly undid me. I could feel her trembling slightly. It drove me crazy knowing that I was the one arousing her. The one who was making her breath quick, her pupils huge.

“You are dangerously sexy,” I murmured. “So I should probably say good night before I even think about what would happen if we went upstairs together.”

Lindsay gave me the cutest smile. “I’m not sexy. But… You make me feel sexy,” she whispered.

“I’m very glad, sweetie,” I said, kissing her again until she cried out softly against my lips.

“Sleep well,” I said, stepping back.

She dug in her purse for her keys, then shot me a grin and another kiss on the cheek before going inside. I watched her get into the elevator, then decided to walk home.

I was relieved that I was able to take off before she could consider inviting me upstairs. It would be far too tempting. Since I hadn’t had time to date very much, and rarely found a woman interesting enough to hold my attention, I didn’t know what the rules were.

With proper, formal dates, I didn’t think that sex could be considered before the third. Or was it fifth? Yet something in the way we seemed to be growing so close so fast, I wondered what Lindsay would want to do on our next date.

Instantly realizing when and where our next date should be, I began walking home as fast as I could.

CHAPTER SEVEN

* Lindsay *

Saturday morning I woke up with a gigantic smile already in place. I felt strangely calm and energized at the same time. Being with Dale was uplifting somehow. Inspiring. He made me feel like a new version of myself that I was still getting to know, but I really liked it.

Reaching for my phone, I saw that Dale had sent me a text just five minutes ago, asking if I had plans for brunch this morning. Already laughing to myself, I responded, “Brunch would be amazing. Where should I meet you?”

I jumped into the shower and got ready quickly, then checked my phone again, but he hadn’t responded. It h

ad only been fifteen minutes, so I put a pot of coffee on just in case.

The apartment buzzer made me jump, and when I went to answer it, I practically squealed when I heard Dale’s voice. “Brunch delivery. May I come up?”

Buzzing him in, I quickly fluffed my hair and opened the curtains to let some light in. I opened the door just as he approached.

“If you keep becoming more gorgeous every time I see you, we’re going to have a problem in a few months, sweetie.”

It thrilled me to pieces that he was already thinking of us as being together for a long time. Dale squeezed past me to drop a shopping bag on my kitchen counter, then pulled me against him as the door swung shut.

Looking up into those deep, soulful eyes, he instantly took my mouth, kissing me, controlling me as he pushed me back against the wall. Having my body pinned by his felt so deliciously hot that I couldn’t quiet the moan that escaped my throat.

He delved deeper, tasting me, consuming me. His fingertips glided down the side of my throat, making my skin come alive. My heart was fluttering as his tongue parted my lips. A shudder ran through me as I realized how much I needed to be naked with him, immediately. If this man could actually make me moan from just a kiss, what would happen if…

“I’m sorry, sweetie,” he grinned as he pulled away. “I want to take care of you in every possible way, but I think we should start with food.”

As much as I completely disagreed with him at the moment, I almost changed my mind when he brought the bag to the table, pulling out a fun assortment of freshly baked muffins, and scrambled egg bagel sandwiches.

The coffee maker beeped that it was finished. “Perfect timing,” I laughed, grabbing us mugs and plates and napkins.