"Right, and a good friend would let all these other hungry fools think that you belong to him so that they leave you alone." I moved back and took my coffee as the barista put it in front of me. "Please don't lie and tell me that no other guys have hit on you while you've been here."
"A few, I guess." She took her coffee and nodded in agreement. "I see your point. I'm good with you calling me yours to spare me more attention and to help you cover the trail for the hookers after your body."
"They are, aren't they?" I smirked.
"They are, what? Hookers?"
"No, baby. After this sexy body. Jeez." I chuckled as she pretended to gag. "You know you want it."
"So bad." She fanned herself and rolled her eyes while walking to a small table near the window.
If only she were telling the truth. I could see her underneath me, lost to passion in a way that only I could give to her. I wanted that moment so bad, and yet I needed to leave it alone. It would consume me if I wasn't careful.
"How long do I get you today and what's on the agenda?" I sat down and leaned over to blow at the top of my coffee.
"As long as you want, but I have to do some research. My father's funding my clothing line in January, as I mentioned."
"You did. I assume your degree is in design?"
"Yes, from UCLA.
"
"Right, so why the research? Something to do with your old man?"
"Yeah. He wants me to come up with a new windbreaker by Thursday that's not only functionally better than most that are already available, but is modern, fashionable. On point."
"On point?" I lifted my eyebrow and smirked.
"Never mind." She grinned and played with the top of her drink. "Let's go to a few clothing stores and we'll try on windbreakers together. I need to figure out a few things about both men's and women's. You're going to be my Guinea pig. That okay?"
"Sure, but I'll need your help later, too." I took a drink of my coffee and tried to keep my expression straight.
"Absolutely. Doing what?" Her green eyes searched my face, and I tucked my hand under my leg to keep from reaching out and touching the side of her face.
"Research for the fastest way to bring a woman to orgasm." I glanced down and chuckled as she slapped my arm and yelped.
"Jesus, Finn. For real?"
I looked up and couldn't stop laughing. "No, baby. I'm kidding...unless."
"No. Absolutely not. You're so fucking corrupt."
"But you like it." I tugged my hand free and reached for her before I could stop myself. I tilted my head to the side and slid my fingers along her cheek, loving the beautiful innocence that sat on her. "Tell me you like it."
She stared at me for a moment and I wished I knew what she was thinking. At least, she hadn’t shoved my hand away.
“Even if I do, it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to start anything and then leave. But hey, I think you’re a good guy.”
She cupped her hand around mine, sealing the memory in my mind for when she would leave me.
* * * *
I walked towards her in a red jacket as she put on a thin white one.
"Now what?" I reached out and helped button the front of hers, not thinking twice about helping her, though she seemed a little stiff by my nearness. It felt too natural to me not to give into it.
"We need to go outside, but I'm not sure they'll let us." She pushed at me. "I can get it. Find another way to get your hands all over me. Jeez."