I nodded as I began to apply my makeup. “Yes, I know it’s going to be hard.” Marcus was so hard to resist, and, God, the way he touched me and the way his lips felt on mine, I just knew it was going to be difficult to push him away.
“You’re so going to break this bet. Come on, Marcus is hot! And not to mention you guys haven’t slept with each other in what, a month?”
“It was three weeks, until last night.” I turned and stared at her wide-eyed expression. I bit my bottom lip and blocked the pillow she tossed at me.
“See! You are not going to be able to resist him. Heck, I wouldn’t.” I arched a brow at her. Shrugging, she continued, “I mean can you blame a girl? But, of course, he’s off limits for me.”
“For anyone, he’s off limits.” I was never the jealous type, but with Marcus, I was horrible. The thought of his hands touching someone else,or his lips kissing another woman—I shuddered at the image. Shaking the nasty thoughts out my mind, I twirled around. “So what do you think?”
Waving her fingers, she purred, “Fab, darling, just fab.”
***
After I swung the door open, I studied the gorgeous man standing in front of me. Marcus, with a crooked grin, showed off the adorable dimple I loved so much. His dark hair still damp from a fresh shower and his powerful, luxurious scent weakened my knees. Yeah, it was going to be hard not to jump his bones. I continued to admire him, until I took note of his wardrobe. He was dressed down in jeans, a black t-shirt, boots, and a jacket. “Should I change?” I felt overdressed beside him.
Marcus’ smile widened. “No, you look perfect, beautiful as always.” He reached in and kissed my forehead.
“Are you sure, Marcus? I would only be a minute to change into jeans and a top.”
Grabbing my arm, he tugged me out the door. “No, come on. We have a long day ahead of us.”
After fastening my seatbelt, I turned to face him in the driver’s seat. “Where are we going?”
“I told you it’s a surprise.”
“I know. I’m just excited about the whole dating thing. It’s kind of sexy.”
Marcus let out a low raspy laugh, leaning in to me. His stare traced from my eyes toward my lips. “Is it now? Will it be sexy enough for you to—”
“Don’t count on it, DeLuca.” He burst into a full belly laugh. I missed that sound. He quickly kissed my lips and then pulled out of the parking spot. Sighing with contentment, I slumped back onto the headrest and studied his features as he drove.
“Are you hungry?” He asked.
“Actually, I am.”
“Okay, we’ll have lunch first, and then we’ll have fun.” He winked at me and then focused on the road. My stomach fluttered. I felt like a teenage girl on her first date with the most popular boy in school. I knew it was a cliché thought, but it was my cliché moment. I thought every female was entitled to at least one.
After thirty minutes, we pulled into a parking lot in the north end of downtown. It was also the neighborhood where Marcus lived: Back Bay on Commonwealth Avenue. His home was absolutely beautiful with the entire original historic structure and a few modern touches.
We exited the vehicle and strolled down the strip hand in hand, passing by a few restaurants and bars. We settled for a laid-back bar and grill. Marcus ordered a beer, and I ordered a martini as we waited for our meals.
“I’m sure it’s too early for me to drink.”
“By all means, Mia, please drink as much as you like. Besides, you get horny when you’re drunk.” He winked.
With a dramatic gasp, I slapped my hand against my chest. “Are you saying that you would take advantage of me while drunk?”
“Yes, I most definitely would.” Letting out a laugh, he shook his head. “Nah, I’m kidding.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Alright, maybe a little.” We both burst out laughing.
After we ate our lunch, we decided to go for a long walk before he took me to the surprise spot. It was a little chilly out, but still a beautiful afternoon. We continued to joke around, flirt, and laugh. It was fun and nice to have that innocent moment for a change. No thoughts of all the issues we needed to work on crossed my mind. I wanted that moment to last forever. I loved seeing Marcus like that. It was the side of him that made me fall in love with him in the first place.
Marcus came to a complete halt, causing me to jerk in his arm. I studied him suspiciously. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“We’re here.” His lips spread into a boyish grin.
Bunching my brows together, I looked around us. We were in front of Lucky Strikes. “Your big surprise is a bowling alley?”
He nodded.
“Um . . . thanks?” I didn’t know what else to say. My handsome, top notch lawyer/mobster boyfriend took me bowling as a surprise date. I was at a loss for words, and not in a good way.
“Trust me. You’ll love it.” Grabbing my elbow, he dragged me into the building.
After we rented our lane and grabbed our bowling shoes and some alcoholic beverages, we made our way toward lane number eight. I couldn’t believe we were going to bowl. Still in shock by it all, I tossed off my boots and laced up the bowling shoes. I was in a freaking dress for Christ’s sake! I was sure I looked ridiculous. I stood and stared down as I rocked in the blue-and-red bowling shoes. My eyes darted to Marcus at the sound of him chuckling. “What?” I asked.
“You look adorable.”
Suspiciously, I flashed him another glare and grabbed my martini. I sipped on my drink as he entered our names onto the screen. The last time I went bowling was probably a few years ago with some college friends in undergrad. No, it was with an ex-boyfriend, the one who’d cheated on me with my roommate. Good times!
Marcus was up first. He searched for a bowling ball. Once he found the perfect one, he turned and winked at me. “Babe, don’t be discouraged if you don’t win. It’s a learning process; you’ll get better with each try.” I cocked a brow at him. He laughed at my expression and then turned around, slowly walking toward the edge of the lane. Straightening his position, he took a deep breath. He took the game seriously, I could see. Marcus gently stretched his arm back with the bowling ball in hand and then tossed it down the lane. It gently rolled down the smoothly waxed wooden surface. His aim was a little too far to the right, so by the time the ball hit the pins, only three went down. He tried again and missed completely as the ball rolled into the left side gutter.