4Carly“I’m never going to fit into my bridesmaid dress. I can’t take all these.” I push the to-go containers back toward James. I can’t believe how long we’ve been sitting here. It wasn't until I realized we were alone in the restaurant except for the staff, did I put it together.
“I’ll help you eat it.” He stands, pushing his chair back. He pulls mine out next for me before grabbing the two bags with the containers. He offers me his arm and I take it, leaning into him. If I didn't know any better I’d think James is into me. “This way.”
He guides me back toward Tinsley and Reed’s place as he pulls out his phone. He sends a text before pocketing it again. I lean into him more. James is so different from the boys I went to school with. He actually listens when I talk. In fact, he asks more and more questions about me until I feel as though I’m the only one talking. But no matter how much I talk, he listens, which is a nice change.
“In.” He opens the passenger side door to a giant fancy looking SUV.
“Is this a Bond car?” I tease.
“It was in a few movies.” He winks before shutting the door behind me. He jogs around to the driver’s side, hops in, and puts the takeout bags in my lap for me to hold.
“Oh, my address.”
“I know where you live.”
“You know where I live?”
“I followed you back to your place after Tinsley and Reed blew up. I wanted to make sure you got home okay.”
“Isn't that kind of creepy?” It’s actually a little sweet.
He shrugs. “Don’t really care. Wanted to make sure you were safe. That’s all that mattered to me.”
“I wish I could be that cool.” I lean back in the seat. “To not care what other people think of me.”
“You know you don’t have to care if you don’t want to. It’s that easy.”
“You make it sound easy. It’s been drilled into my head since birth that other people’s opinions matter. So I feel as though I’m always walking on eggshells when I’m home.” He slows to a stop at the light. I peek over at him. I really don’t think James cares what anyone thinks about him. He has that whole I’m hot and I’m not even trying thing going on. I love that he’s not cocky. Everything from his short dirty blond hair to his short beard is sexy. I’m thinking he didn't shave this morning because well, he didn't care.
“We should put that on your list. Get Carly to not care what anyone else thinks.” He looks over at me, a half smirk on his face. He reaches over and pulls on a lock of my hair. My eyes stay locked with his. I have the biggest urge to lean forward. His eyes drop to my mouth. Oh God. Are we going to kiss? Am I supposed to move?
I jump when a car horn sounds behind us. The light is now green. James presses on the pedal, taking off. I let out a small sigh, my heart still racing in my chest. He was not about to kiss me. I am making that up. No way am I anywhere in James’ league. I think there might even be ten years between us in age. He’s being nice because his cousin is marrying my best friend. It’s as simple as that; there’s nothing more to it.
“You okay? You look like you’re thinking a lot over there.”
“Were you going to kiss me?” I blurt out. “Oh God.” I put my face in my hands. “Don’t answer that.” His warm hand wraps around my wrists, pulling them away from my face.
“Does this answer your question?” He leans down, his mouth brushing against mine. His warm breath tickles my skin. His tongue traces along the seam of my mouth. “Open for me, sweet girl. Let me in.” Maybe I was wrong and there is a little more to this.
I part my lips for him, and his tongue slips into my mouth. His hand tangles in my hair as he pulls my head back, angling me just right to deepen his kiss. I moan, my whole body lighting up. I dig my fingers into his shirt, wanting to crawl into his lap as he keeps kissing me.
“Fuck me.” He pulls away. We both try to catch our breath. He rests his forehead on mine.
“Wow.” I breathe out slowly, letting go of his shirt that I’m clinging to.
“That was bigger than wow, sweetness.” He places another kiss on my lips before pulling back. “We’re here.” I look out the window to see that we are in fact outside my building. “Stay put.” He drops one more kiss on my mouth before getting out. He stops, grabbing the bags out of the back before coming around and opening my door for me.