“I agree, it isn’t easy,” I said. “But you know what? You have to trust in fate.”
“That’s what I say too.” Claire was wide-eyed. “You have to believe that someone is out there for you, and it’s just a matter of time before you find each other.”
“I agree, Claire. Take Jaime and me here.” I gave her another squeeze, nearly spilling the drink she refused to put down, and kissed her cheek, which was difficult since she tried to lean away from me. “We weren’t always the passionate couple you see before you today. Just two weeks ago, she was like a distant star, shining her light from afar, and I could only dream about her.” I gestured grandly toward the ceiling.
“That’s so beautiful,” whispered Elyse.
Jaime snorted.
“And then fate stepped in. I needed a place to live, there was a vacant apartment right below hers…” I looked adoringly at Jaime, who gave me the stink eye. “She took one look at me and fell head over heels. Didn’t you, gumdrop?” Her face was so full of fury, I couldn’t resist rubbing my nose on hers in an Eskimo kiss.
“And of course,” I went on as Jaime slunk lower in her chair, “one moment in this woman’s presence and I knew—I knew—that it was meant to be. I mean, look at her! Who could resist the face of an angel?”
Jaime scowled like a scolded child, her lower lip protruding.
“She’s practically glowing,” said Margot, unable to keep from smiling. “Jaims, love suits you, it really does.”
“So be patient,” I said to Elyse. “Your true love might show up when you least expect him to.”
The server came back and asked for our dinner orders, and I gave Jaime a little breathing space to quickly look over the menu while I did the same. But once we’d put in our requests, I put that arm right back where it was. When I was certain all eyes were on us, I leaned over and blew softly in her ear.
“Quinn, darling,” she said, her tone shrill. “Would you mind? It’s a little warm in here.”
“I’m sorry, peaches, I just can’t help myself when I’m around you. And I don’t want you to catch a chill.”
“Well, I’m fine. And I’d like a little more room, please.” She looked so miserable, I eased up.
Sighing, I took my arm back but reached for her hand, holding it in my lap. “OK. This will do for now.”
She sent me a murderous look but left her hand there, and the conversation turned to other things—how the holidays had stressed everyone out, trips planned for spring or summer, Claire’s disastrous blind dates, Margot’s new car, my mother’s old house, Elyse’s failure to keep her New Year’s resolutions already. But Jaime stayed fairly quiet, and just after we’d ordered another round of drinks, I felt her hand moving over my crotch. My dick immediately responded.
What the hell was she doing?
I looked over at her and saw her smiling sweetly at Claire, who was describing some date she’d been on recently where the guy wouldn’t stop talking about his ex.
Our chairs were close enough together and the restaurant dark enough that I didn’t think anyone would notice, but damn it, sitting at this table with a raging boner would be really uncomfortable. And I could hardly adjust myself with her hand right there. Oh fuck, I was getting hard fast. She knew it, too; I could tell by the satisfied smile on her face.
I winced slightly as my cock bulged painfully against the seam of my jeans. I needed more room in a really bad way—and she wasn’t letting up! The bigger it got, the firmer she rubbed it. Should I move her hand? Slide my chair away from her? Excuse myself from the table? I could, but I wasn’t wearing a jacket, just a cashmere sweater over a button-down. The shirt was tucked into my pants, and the sweater wouldn’t hide the obvious if I stood up.
Fuckfuckfuck, it felt good and terrible at the same time. She was being so naughty and it totally turned me on, but jizzing in my pants on our first date would not be cool, especially in front of her friends. I shifted in my chair, trying to adjust without being obvious.
“Quinnypoo,” Jaime said suddenly, and way too syrupy, “would you be a lamb and go get my coat for me? I left something in the pocket I need.”
I looked at her expression, which was both innocent and knowing at the same time. Oh, you little devil. You did this on purpose.
I didn’t really want her friends to see the monstrous erection I had going, but I couldn’t ignore the dare. And if I was going to take it, I was going to take it all the way.
I smiled at her. “Of course, kitten. Anything for you.”
I stood up and made sure everyone got an eyeful. “Excuse me, ladies. I’ll be right back.”
On my way to the coatrack, I ducked into the bathroom and washed my hands, just for something to do while I counted to ten in Polish, my go-to task when I need to stop myself from coming too fast or get rid of an ill-timed hard-on.
Jeden, dwa, trzy… It worked. By the time I got to dziesiec, I was comfortable again.
I dried off my hands, adjusted my pants, and went to get Jaime’s coat. There was probably nothing in her damn pocket, but whatever. I had to give her credit for fighting back a little. All the ridiculous names and overt affection had to be driving her nuts. Her friends must think we were crazy.
But it was a good time.
A perfect time.
Fourteen
JAIME
He did it.
That rat bastard stood up and showed everyone the big fat bulge in his pants like he was proud of it.