Best Friends (New Species #15)(17)

“No. I could turn out my pockets if you wish. I did lie about one thing, but not this.”

“What did you lie about?”

“I do have cable. But your theory can’t apply to me, since I haven’t had it long and I’m not human.”

“That’s fair and valid. Why did you lie about it?”

“I was afraid it would make you not like me anymore if you assumed I’d be a bad lover.”

“Well, you got me halfway there just by talking and looking at me the way you are. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

“Halfway there?”

“Take another whiff.”

He leaned in even closer and his nose flared. His eyes closed, and his body tensed. He straightened in his seat before he opened them. “Cruel, Mel.”

She smiled. “I’m the one who’s going to have to change my bottoms when you’re gone. It’s not real comfy walking around wet down there.”

“I’m not real comfortable right now, either.” He shifted his ass on the couch and leaned back a bit more.

She glanced down. His arm wasn’t going to hide that bulge.

He looked down, too, and grinned. “Do you want me to apologize for my size?”

“No. But I have to be honest, that is a bit scary. I know some women say bigger is better, but I’m kind of not into pain.”

“I’d go slow and easy until you adjusted to me.”

“That’s not helpful. Your voice dropping that low and deep isn’t, either. You don’t know what you do to me when you sound like that. Notice my arms over my chest? It’s for a reason. I always react when you start talking to me.”

“Show me. I think I like you torturing me.”

“We’ve got to stop this, Snow. I can’t end up on the floor with you, and we’re heading there fast.”

“Why the floor?”

“This couch isn’t big enough for us to get frisky on. My bed isn’t, either. I have a twin-size. Not to mention, I’m not sure how you’ll feel once you see my bedroom. I went overboard in there, too.”

“I’d go look at it if I could stand without hurting myself. That’s almost a challenge.”

She laughed. “It’s even brighter, and there are sheets hanging from the ceiling around the bed. I always wanted something like that as a kid. I wasn’t allowed.”

“And you rebelled now.”

“Yes.”

“Would you really regret it if I touched you?”

“I’d feel kind of slutty. This is our first date.”

His eyebrows shot up.

“It’s kind of ingrained in me from my upbringing. I’ll think of how my mama went on and on about how only sluts go to bed with a man on the first date, and it’ll make me feel bad. I know it isn’t true but it’s my issue. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it.”

“It’s okay. I think it’s cute.”

“Could you tell my old therapist that? He wasn’t kind about it.”

He chuckled. “You see one?”

“I used to until he made me mad. He kept insisting that I return home to deal with my folks. I’m never going back. I’d have to share a house with my mama again, and no way is that happening. I got a taste of freedom. I’d be ten times more miserable if I went home.”

“Why do you have to live with her?”

“I can’t afford to buy my own place. There’re only two houses available to renters in my small town. One of them isn’t fit for living in and the other one is right next to the city dump. It smells something awful. My mama and her church group would also put those families who own them through pure misery for renting to me, even if I was willing to live like that. There aren’t any apartments. The only other option would be to get a boyfriend to move in with. No way.”

“You’re opposed to living with a male?”

“It depends on the man. There aren’t any there that I would.”

He smiled. “I think you’d enjoy sharing my bed every night.”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of a bad boy?”

“No.”

“You are.”

“Is that a problem?”

“I’m drawn to bad boys in a big way, especially you. I guess it’s that rebellious side of me.”

“How about this?” He blew out a breath. “This was our first date. Tonight, I’ll come get you and we can have our second date.”

“That’s moving kind of fast.”

“Life is short. You were shot yesterday, Mel. All I could think about last night was how I’d regret it if I’d never gotten to spend time with you.”

She was too tempted. “Okay.” She might regret her decision later, but in that moment, she wasn’t able to say no. “How should I dress?”

“Preferably, in something I can get off you easily. Do you have issues with me touching you on a second date?”

“No.”

“Good. Bring an overnight bag. I want you to stay all night.”

“What if our second date doesn’t go well? You’d be stuck with me until tomorrow.”

He smiled. “It’s not going to go bad. I have learned enough to feel secure that we’re very compatible. It’s not just about sex. I enjoy spending time with you, Mel.”