“Open your eyes,” she whispered.
When he met her gaze, he noticed the amusement was gone. He was instantly on alert. “What’s wrong?”
Beth shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just . . . considering my options.”
“Options about what?”
“You.”
“Oh.” He wasn’t sure he liked the fact that thinking over her options had banished the fun they’d be having.
Before he could formulate another question, she explained. “Things between us are moving faster than I thought they would.”
“Is that bad?” He needed to know. In his opinion, things between them weren’t moving fast enough.
She sighed. But Drew also noted that she hadn’t removed herself from his lap. That was good, wasn’t it?
“I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not.”
Since they were no longer in the heat of the moment, he took a chance and brought his hands up to rest on her hips. She didn’t protest, so he settled in and enjoyed finally being able to touch her. “We’re friends, right? So talk to me.”
Beth released a single, rather sarcastic-sounding laugh. “Last time I checked, friends didn’t do what we just did.”
He decided to try to lighten the mood. “Well, some friends do. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.”
She gave him a small smile. “I don’t do friends with benefits.”
“Good,” he said in all seriousness. “Neither do I.”
They were both quiet for several minutes. As much as he wanted to say something, he knew she had to process this thing between them in her own time. He was hoping after the kiss they shared that she’d be ready to move to the next level with him. As much as he enjoyed their friendship, he wanted more with her. And after that kiss, he knew the potential was there.
Beth sat back, resting her ass on his thighs. The serious look was still there, and he wanted to wipe it away. He wanted to go back to when he’d seen the passion and teasing in her eyes.
“What’s your schedule this week? I know you said you had the next couple of days off.”
He had no idea why she was asking, but he’d gladly tell her anything she wanted to know. “I work Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday. Then I’m off for four days.”
“So you don’t have to work this Saturday?” she asked.
“No. I get off around eight in the morning and don’t have to be back in until about seven Sunday morning.”
She nodded, and he waited to see what she’d say next. “Did you still want to go out on that date?”
Was she serious? “Yes. Of course I do.”
Beth nodded. “Okay.”
He tried to contain his excitement. “Does this mean you want to go out on a date with me Saturday? A real date? Not just meeting up at the club?”
“Yes, if you want to.”
Without thinking, Drew pulled her against him and gave her a solid kiss.
Luckily, she didn’t seem upset.
“Thank you. For trusting me, I mean.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him another kiss. It wasn’t as heated as the first one, but this time he was able to hold her in his arms. Drew couldn’t imagine it got much better than this.