“So you’re saying no sex today?”
“I’m saying let your heart lead the way. You’ll know when the time is right.”
There was a few seconds of silence before Thano laughed.
“Damn bro. I never thought we’d be having this convo.”
“Me either. I’m not saying it’s anything more, but I’m also going on a second date and hoping for more.”
“Well, don’t push her, dude. If she’s the one, she’s worth the wait.”
Knocking on the door, I went to reply when Gabi opened the door.
My God. She was beautiful.
“Gotta go, Thano. Later.”
Hitting End, I shoved my phone in my pocket.
“Good morning!” she said with a huge smile on her face.
I said the only thing my brain could muster up. “Hey.”
She opened the door wider, motioning for me to come in. “Am I dressed okay? I mean for hiking and all that?”
My eyes raked over her body. She wore black yoga pants, and a T-shirt that had the name of her bakery on it in hot pink. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail and she wore a wide hot pink headband. Her makeup was light, like the first day I met her.
She looked adorable as fuck. And sexy as hell. I couldn’t believe her dressed this way was sexier to me than last night.
“You’re perfect.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “You’re too sweet. I’m only in yoga pants and a T-shirt. Hardly perfect.”
I shook my head and took a step closer to her. Her tongue instantly ran over her lips as she prepared for my kiss. All I could think about was tasting her again. She tasted sweeter than honey.
Leaning down, I wrapped my arm around her and rested it on the small of her back. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you ever since last night.”
Her chest rose and fell quickly. The corner of her mouth rose as she whispered, “Then kiss me.”
Before I had a chance to, Charity came walking out from her bedroom and up to us. She dropped a bag at Gabi’s feet. “Well, don’t you two look like you’re getting to know each other?”
I jerked my head back and gave her a confused look. “How in the hell did you get up here before me?”
“Wait what?” Gabi asked as she looked between the two of us.
“Back steps. I ran. Fast.”
“I’d say,” I replied.
“Did you see each other or something?” Gabi asked confused.
With a cocky grin, I answered her. “Charity here was nice enough to offer me some tips about our date today.”
“Really?” Gabi asked as her brow rose up in question.
Charity grinned from ear to ear. “I packed you an overnight bag. Don’t come home tonight.”
“I have to work tomorrow, Char.”
“Nope. I’m making you take another day off.”
Gabi laughed. “I’ve already had two days off. I need to . . .”
Lifting her hand, she placed her finger on Gabi’s lips and loudly said, “Shh, we’ve got this. Go have fun. Loosen up.”
She shot her eyes at me and nodded, as if reminding me of our conversation downstairs.
“I don’t know, Charity. I don’t think I need to be taking another day off.”
Finger to lips again. “Shh.” Charity took Gabi by the arm and walked her away from me. “Gabi. I mean this as a friend. An opportunity like this—”
She pointed to me. I looked around like there was someone else in the room.
“He doesn’t come along all the time. You need this.”
Gabi’s head pulled back in question? “Need what?”
With her hands on her hips, Charity titled her head. “Hello, Greek dick meet Italian pussy? Remember?”
Gabi’s mouth dropped open, and I was pretty sure I choked on my own spit.
“Charity! What is wrong with you?”
I attempted to clear my throat and stop coughing as Gabi walked over to me. “I’m so sorry. Water?”
“Please.”
After handing me a glass of water, Gabi looked at me with sadness in her eyes. “If you want to cancel today, I completely understand.”
Stopping, I took her hand in mine and pulled her to me. “I was taken by surprise, Gabi. There is nothing more I’d rather do than spend the day with you.”
Her eyes lit up like fire. You could almost feel the desire bouncing between us. She chewed on her lip. Reaching up, I pulled it free and ran my thumb her soft plump lip. “The night part will come when you’re ready.”
“She’s ready.”
Gabi’s eyes snapped over my shoulder. “Charity, please go away.”
Focusing back on me, her cheeks turned red and she looked down. “It’s just, I haven’t been out with anyone in a long time and . . . well . . .” She swallowed hard. “I feel it too, Nic. So much so it scares me. Can we just take it day to day and let things go how they go?”
“Of course, Gabi, I’d never pressure you to do something you’re not ready to do.”
She smiled and my damn stomach dropped again. Fuck I wanted this girl, but I needed to be patient. I liked that she wasn’t eager to jump into bed with me. Not that I would argue if she wanted to.