But both of those had been about business. Then again, for all I knew, that's all this was as well.
“Why don't we go back to my place?” Olivia suggested shyly. “I have a nice bottle of wine that Mom gave me as a housewarming gift, but I haven't wanted to drink it alone.”
“That sounds nice,” I said, smiling over at her and moving into the driver's seat. I gave myself a strong mental kick. That sounds nice? Couldn't I come up with something better than that?
Something about Olivia had me tongue-tied in a way that I had never been around Emily. Of course, conversation flowed smoothly enough between the two of us, but I felt like I was second-guessing everything that I said and did. She made me nervous.
I wasn't normally nervous.
“I should be the one supplying the wine, after dragging you to such a horrible show,” I joked half-heartedly.
Olivia laughed. “You paid for dinner,” she reminded me. She paused. “But if you're really worried about that, you could always supply the wine next time.”
“Next time?” I asked, my blood singing beneath the surface of my skin.
Olivia nodded, her eyes locked firmly on mine. I swallowed hard and then gave myself a shake, putting the car in drive.
I headed back to her place as quickly as the law allowed, my hand resting on her knee the whole time. When we arrived, she led the way inside, and I followed. But rather than go for the wine, she paused in the front hall, turning toward me.
She tilted her head up, leaning toward me, and I could tell that she was going for a kiss. I caught her face in my hands, pressing my lips to hers. I could feel her hesitation, and I did my best to soothe her, taking control of the kiss and nipping at her lower lip so that she opened to me with a soft sigh. Her arms looped around my lower back, drawing me in closer.
I lingered there, not wanting to push her too much, but from her passionate response, I could tell that she was just as hungry for this as I was. She pulled breathlessly away, looking up at me through her lashes, her eyes molten hot with desire. Slowly, she started undoing the buttons on my shirt, giving me plenty of time to stop her.
I didn't want to stop her; I wanted this just as badly as she appeared to.
“It's been a while since I've done this,” I admitted as I pulled Olivia's dress up over her head.
She tossed her hair out of her eyes, smiling at me. “It's been a while for me, too,” she admitted.
“No, I mean it's been a while,” I said, feeling almost frustrated by her lack of understanding. I didn't want to admit this in so many words, but I paused and then took a deep breath. “I haven't had sex with anyone since Emily. It's been about two and a half years.”
Olivia's eyes widened, and her hand crept up over her mouth. “Oh, Eric,” she breathed. There was a long moment of silence, and I started to reconsider even being there. Maybe I should leave.
But for the first time, it didn't feel like I was dishonoring Emily's memory by being with someone else. In fact, I had a feeling that if Emily were to meet Olivia, she would be fast friends with the kind, intelligent woman. And I knew that all Emily had ever wanted was for me to be happy. In the face of my budding feelings for Olivia, I knew that walking away wasn't something I wanted to do.
Olivia looked searchingly into my eyes for a long moment and then twisted her fingers in mine. “Come on,” she said, leading the way toward the stairs. “If we're doing this, we're going to do this right.”
I grinned and followed her, watching her panty-clad behind as she led the way upstairs and down the hall to her bedroom. She paused in the doorway, looking back over her shoulder at me. For the first time, I sensed hesitation. “Are you sure about this?” she asked.
I frowned at her. “Are you sure about this?” I asked. “If you don't want to do this, we don't have to.”
“I want this,” Olivia said, and I was surprised to hear the raw note to her voice that let me know just how much she wanted this. “But sleeping with someone for the first time since your deceased wife, that's a big deal. If you're not ready for this, we can wait.”
I trailed my eyes over her body, from her silky skin to her lace panties. “I want this,” I said hoarsely.
“All right,” Olivia said simply, leading the way into her bedroom. I took a deep breath and followed after her.
Chapter Ten
Olivia
There were a million thoughts whirring through my head, but I didn't stop this, whatever it was. I couldn't believe that we were here, in my bedroom, Eric's naked torso hovering over me while I sprawled out against the sheets. But I wanted this. It might only be our first date, but I trusted him. He was a good guy.
He had a daughter, after all.
I giggled, and Eric frowned. “What's so funny?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Sorry, it's just nerves,” I admitted.