“It was for me, and I wanted it to be for you, too. I...don’t sleep well. And when I do...God, have you always been this beautiful? Anyway, please give me your number. I would really like another chance.”

He seemed sincere, and because he was incinerating himself for another date, I nodded.

“Thank, Christ. I need you to give me your number quickly so I can make a run for it before I start crying like a bitch in front of you.”

I spouted off my number as he stood, ready to type it in. I chuckled as he dashed for the gate to rid himself of his pain.

“Noxzema or aloe!” I yelled loudly.

“What?” he yelled back.

“It takes out the sting!”

“Thanks,” he said, smiling and then frowning at the pain it caused him as he dashed away.

And he called me crazy.

Later that night, I lay in bed with TV Land on and a lap full of electronics when my phone buzzed.

2 a.m.

Are you awake?

I stared at my phone, certain the message was from Jayden. I was in fact awake but thought it odd that he’d text me so late.

Me: Yes, Jay?

Yep. I just wanted to say I was sorry again.

Me: I’m beginning to believe you. Can’t sleep? Sunburn keeping you awake?

I quickly programmed his number.

Jay: Yes and no.

Me: Ah, well, that answers it.

Jay: I was asleep and my roommate came home with a screamer.

I laughed at that.

Me: So you decided that I didn’t deserve any sleep, either.

Jay: You’re right. I’m sorry it’s late. I’ll text tomorrow.

Me: It’s cool. I was just browsing the web for a job.

Jay: Unemployed?

Me: Soon. I’m working my notice and need a replacement.

Jay: I have a few friends who own businesses. What are you looking for?

Me: Honestly, anything at this point.

Jay: I’ll make some calls in the morning just to see if any of them have something.

Me: I can’t ask you to do that.

Jay: It’s not a problem.

Me: That’s kind of you. Thanks.

Jay: So Saturday, I’ll come by and scoop you up and take you out.

Me: Okay, I’m in apartment 4J.

Jay: Seven?

Me: Seven.

Jay: Goodnight, fishnipple.

I burst out laughing as I typed.

Me: What...in...the hell?

Jay: I’ll explain later?

Me: Is that a question?

Jay: I’m really fucking this up, aren’t I?

Me: You are entertaining so far.

Jay: Back at ya. See you Sat.

Me: It’s a date.

Jay: :)

What a strange man. I chuckled as I rid my lap of my PC, sank into bed, and let a small amount of excitement seep back in.

Jayden showed up at exactly seven on Saturday.

I had a shift but had it covered by none other than the girl who owed me two months’ rent. Gerri had gone on her date with Mike last night and had come home dancing on the moon.

He’d kissed her and promised another date. She’d spent most of the night explaining his kissing technique and the way he was particular about his food. I found it adorable as I watched her face light up when she recalled different things she’d decided she loved about him. The girl was in deep.

As I prepared for my date, I’d decided on some skinny jeans, a tight fitting, off the shoulder, black silk shirt and my sister’s stolen heels. I’d styled my dark red hair in soft waves and polished myself from head to toe, feeling confident as I answered the door.

Jay sucked the breath out of me as he was already smiling when I opened it. I worked hard to hide the instant perk of all my nerve endings at the sight of him.

He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a black button down and black boots. He was much taller than me and the expanse of his chest made him seem a giant compared to my height of 5’5’’. His hair was slightly gelled and styled perfectly. It was when he took a step forward that the smell of him hit me, filling my senses with soap and fresh woods.

He took another step forward, crossing my threshold without me inviting him so we were almost touching. He made quick work and clasped his fingers around the back of my neck to lean in and kiss my cheek.

“You look beautiful.” I scrambled, trying to quiet the ramblings in my head.

Sex. Now. Please, Jayden. Look into my eyes. See. It’s there. Permission. Right here, in the kitchen, in the hallway. Let’s have sex.

Instead, I said a quick “thank you” as he pulled away. We stood there awkwardly for a few seconds as I stared at him up close. It was all there: the need, the butterflies, the hope that was making its presence known, bursting through every pore of my body.

He looked at me slightly puzzled as I stood watching him. “Ready?”

“Yeah!” Okay, that was a little too enthusiastic. Clearing my throat, I tried again. “Yes, just a second.”

He smiled again as I turned from him then dashed to the bathroom to pack my purse. I turned off the lights and locked the door. He immediately grabbed my hand, leading me out to his truck. I took one look at the huge man toy he led me to and smiled. He helped me in, shutting my door then rounding the front before jumping in beside me.

“Do you like Italian?” he asked, absently choosing a playlist on his iPod.

“Sure.”

He pulled away, glancing at me as I settled in and looked around. “This truck is immaculate.”

“Yeah, I have a thing about cleanliness.”

“Yeah? You must think Gerri and I are slobs, then.”

“You could use a run through.” He winked and then became alarmed. “Who is Gerri?”

“My roommate,” I answered.

“You have a guy roommate?”

“Are you getting jealous already?” I toyed as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel to the music.

“Maybe,” he answered. “But only because I have a feeling you’re the type to be jealous over.”

“Ohhhhh, good line,” I piped, happily settling in.

“I’m full of them.”

“Yeah, give me more,” I said, taking in his profile as he drove.

“Doesn’t work like that. I have to play off of what you say.”

“So basically you are telling me within five minutes of our first date that you are full of bullshit lines?”

Chuckling, he looked over at me. “Something tells me you can distinguish the difference.” We drove for a few minutes, making small talk until he pulled to a stop and put the truck in park. He unbuckled his seat belt and then mine, pulling me next to him. I looked up at him in surprise as we stared at each other.

“Are you going to kiss me before you buy me dinner?” He stayed quiet as both hands came up, cradling my head and stroking my cheeks.

Oh, Jesus.

His lips came down soft at first and the minute they connected I felt the surprise in us both. Our reaction was identical and instantaneous. We wanted more.

His lips tasted mine, sipping, drawing my lips into his mouth, and sucking gently before his tongue asked permission. Once I gave it, his slid along mine perfectly and then it became hungrier. I reached up and braced my hands on his biceps as he tilted my head, going in deeper. And he touched me deep...so deep I felt his kiss in every fiber of my being.

Every single moan of appreciation for his touch was taken without apology as I was given the best kiss of my life. All too soon it ended as he pulled away and stared down at my parted lips. I felt the sting of pure emotion as we connected without words. It was beyond anything I had ever experienced and it was just a kiss–a kiss that had a gavel attached to it. I had thrown down a sentence that my lips were Jayden’s to kiss again and again for as long as he wanted my mouth.