Adore Me (Rough Edges 1) - Page 35

9

Damon

This can’t have comeat a better time, especially since I’m off today. After dropping Tessa off at work, I try to come up with something special to do with them. She deserves someone who will be there one hundred percent and from now on that will be me. My heart is open, and it feels damn good.

Before Tessa came along, I used to tell myself that it would be like cheating on my wife, being with another woman. It just didn’t seem right, but now I understood what Carol meant. I was doing exactly what she told me to avoid, being a recluse, not letting anyone close to me, and even pushing away my brothers. No more. The glimpse of happiness I feel already, in one day of being open with her, proves that Carol was right. I’ve been missing out on so much these past few years, and I will never let it happen again.

What about that one restaurant? Chateau?It’s a nice restaurant that opened up two years ago but I’ve never had anyone to take. Some might find it weird I’m going on a date with Emily and Tessa, but they are a package deal, and I don’t see a problem with that.

In fact, I’m over the moon excited about being able to stay in both of their lives, possibly for good. Emily needs someone, and from the beginning I’ve become that person without even realizing it. I can’t imagine not being a part of her life now.

Tessa: Just wondering... what should we wear? Not sure where you are taking us.

Me: Something you could wear to work. Or nicer. Up to you.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see her regardless of what she is wearing. I have gotten so used to having both of them around, that when they aren’t it feels foreign. Almost like something is broken and I need to fix it.

Tessa: See you in 15.

I pull on my black dress pants, blue-striped button-up, and leather shoes. It isn’t often I get the chance to dress up, so I’m taking full advantage. My hair is slicked back. Ready or not, here I come.

Pulling up to the duplex, my choice to wear a dark-blue shirt proves to be smart as you can’t see the sweat. It’s just Tessa, not some stranger who is going to ask me a million stupid first date questions. You can do this. Just enjoy yourself. My chest rises and falls as I walk up to the door. I knock, and Emily appears before me.

“Wow, you look beautiful,” I say, picking her up for a hug. “Where’s your mom?”

She’s still getting ready, and that gives me some time with Emily. She shows me how she can finally write her full name in perfect cursive. For being six, it’s better than mine by a long shot. I applaud her for a job well done, then her mom comes out.

My jaw drops. There she is, in a red silk dress that hugs her shape. How will I be able to keep my eyes off her tonight? Maybe that’s her intention since I declined her advances this morning on her way to work. She is getting her payback, making me want her so badly. A little bit of drool slips through the crack in the corner of my mouth. Calm yourself. It’s not like you’ve never gone out with a beautiful woman before.

“What do you think? Nice enough?” she says, spinning around. “I figured something new would be nice for a change.”

I don’t reply, but instead get off the couch and plant a kiss on her cheek, which makes Emily giggle. I’m not sure when Tessa will tell her that we are “dating,” but that’s her decision. Until then, things will remain casual in front of Emily.

The clock shows six thirty and we have to get going before we end up missing our reservation. I pick Emily up and place my hand on the small of Tessa’s back, feeling the silky fabric with my hand. So soft. Just like her skin. This only makes me picture her, clenched palms filled with sheets of the bed earlier, trying to keep herself from being too loud while I enjoyed being between her thighs. I shake my head. Stop thinking about that. Not right now.

Being the gentleman my mama raised me to be, I beat her to the car so I can open it for her and let her slide inside, the dress sliding up to expose a bit of her upper thigh. The same thigh I kissed this morning while she moaned. I can’t wait to hear that sound again. Her softly asking for more, and the way her body writhed underneath my touch is exhilarating.

My eyes keep venturing over to her legs while driving, wondering when I’ll be lucky enough to experience kissing her silky skin again.

“Wow, this place is pretty. Look at the lights on the trees,” Emily says.

Our first date is supposed to be magical, unforgettable, and something to tell our grandchildren one day because I have no doubt this will work between us. Even though I haven’t known her very long, she is the most real person I know, not to mention kind, intelligent, and one hell of a mother. Please don’t fuck this up.

Chateau is candlelit inside, with lanterns hanging from the ceiling for added romantic effect.

“Wow, it’s so... beautiful,” Tessa says, taking off her coat while looking around.

My eyes are fixed on her. She is a sight to see in that dress, and the smile that has been plastered on her face since seeing me only made my heart flutter more.

When the waitress comes over to take our order, she does a double take, realizing Emily is sitting with us. What? Why is it so weird that we are all dressed up and out to a nice dinner?

“What can I get for you?” she asks Emily first, and she orders the chicken tenders with French fries and a Sprite.

Tessa and I both order the prime rib, with loaded mashed potatoes, and a salad.

“How funny.” She chuckles.

“So, this is nice, isn’t it? Instead of sitting at the house eating. Bet the food is better too. I guess we will see.”

Tags: Ashley Zakrzewski Rough Edges Romance
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