Love Thy Neighbor (Friend-Zoned)(16)

Mimi looks slightly mollified which pleases me.

I’m trying to work Ghost into a conversation. When I can’t find an in, I blurt out, “Ghost spent the day with me yesterday.”

All the girls still and blink at me as if I’d spoken another language.

Tina’s eyes widen. “No. Freakin’. Way.”

“And you’re just telling us now?” Mimi asks incredulously.

Lola claps and cheers. “Hooray! We’re all friends again!”

I breathe deep then explain what we spoke about on Saturday night and Ghost’s attempted burglary of my milk on Sunday morning. I tell them every small detail of our breakfast together, the vibrator conversation (which they all burst out laughing…some friends), the adventure to the grocery store and how we spent the evening watching TV together. Then I explained we have to watch TV at my place because he doesn’t have one and all three of them gasp loudly and stare in disbelief.

I know, right? Thank you!

Not owning a TV is weird. I knew it wasn’t just me that thought so.

Smiling, I play with a piece of paper on the counter and find myself admitting, “I had a really great time with him. He doesn’t talk without prompting, but I think I’m getting somewhere with him. He’s opening up to me.” I dip my chin and say a hushed, “I want to know him better.”

After a long silence, I lift my head to find Tina, Lola and Mimi all smiling sweetly at me.

Feeling awkward and exposed, I put on a big fake smile. “Can you guys help me find something to wear to my date?”

Tina and Lola jump up and down excitedly and Mimi’s face softens as she quietly responds, “Of course, doll.”

Phew. Quick save.

***

The girls did a great job with my outfit considering we had no idea where Cole was taking me on our date. They’ve dressed me in a black and white long, flowing maxi-dress, a black cardigan and lace up ballet flats. I’ve applied minimal makeup and wear my hair flowing down my back. I somehow manage to look sweet in this outfit which is precisely what I need. Tonight is not a sexy-look night.

Nervously tapping my foot, I check the time. 6:58pm.

He’ll be here any minute!

My stomach knots.

Could I have imagined how hot Cole is?

Ding Dong.

I mouth “Eeek!” to myself.

No time to think now, brain! Answer the damn door!

I mentally count to three then open the door. Okay, so I didn’t imagine how hot Cole is. Hot damn. He looks fantastic.

He’s dressed in jeans, a long sleeved tee and bright white sneakers. His black hair is in a spiked style and his blue eyes pop. I think I may have swallowed my tongue.

“Wow. You look beautiful, Nat.” Then he hands me a single pink rose.

Awww. He’s sweet!

Flashing him a brilliant smile, I lean in and kiss his cheek. “You look very handsome, Cole.” I step back. “I’ll just grab my purse then we can go.” I go to my room, check myself one last time, then grab my purse and head back to the front door. I stand in front of Cole and say, “We can go now. I’ll just lock up.”

Cole stops me with a gentle hand on my arm. He leans forward and gazes at me through hooded eyes then runs a finger down my cheek. “I’ve been waiting two nights for this. I don’t think I can wait a second longer.” His thumb passes slowly over my bottom lip.

My eyes flutter closed, I breathe deeply, and my middle tightens, causing me to flush.

I feel Cole’s nose lightly brush mine and he whispers, “I want to kiss you, sunshine.”

Without a moment’s thought, I close the short distance between us. I put my hand on his cheek and run my parted lips gently along his.

My core moistens. I ache for his kiss.

So much for going slow.

He breathes me in, his arm coils around my waist and he pulls me into him so we’re front to front.

We still haven’t kissed but this seems so much more intense than making out.

We’re playing with each other.

This is a dangerous game and I don’t know the rules.

I grab fistfuls of the front of his tee. “Stop playing with me. Do it, Cole,” I beg hoarsely.

He smirks, and it’s so beautiful that I want to lick him. He lowers his face and buries it into the side of my neck.

God, that feels amazing.

I’m becoming desperate for some form of connection. Any connection. And I make a very stupid decision. I run my hand down his chest, scraping my fingernails roughly along his ribs and stomach til I get to the zipper of his jeans. Before I know what’s happening, Cole lifts me in one fell swoop, steps into the apartment and kicks the door closed behind us.

No! This isn’t supposed to be happening!

Quiet, brain! We’re getting to the good part!

He supports my booty with his forearms, and I run my fingertips gently down his cheeks as we search one another’s face. “Sofa,” I whisper.

He walks over to the sofa with me wrapped around him. He sits carefully and I straddle him. I can feel his hard length through his jeans and it aligns perfectly with my sweet spot. My body moves of its own accord. I grind against him and moan.

The friction is amazing.

Cole’s eyes roll back and he groans. He grips my hips and mutters, “Baby. Mouth.”

I lean down and kiss his lips once softly. Then I press harder against his lips, open my mouth a little and gently caress them with my tongue. He growls against my lips and it makes me even wetter. His muscular arms curl around my lower and upper back and he holds me tight. He pulls away slightly and says, “I’ve never connected with someone like this before.”