Page 18 of The Status Situation

Maria: Helpful. What are you saying we should do again?

Mark: I think you want to. I think it blew your mind as much as it did mine. Want to do it again tonight?

Maria: Oh my God! The date or the kiss?

Mark: If you wanna know which, you are just going to have to say yes.

I shake my head, loving how easy it is to talk to him, to joke around. It feels like we’ve known each other for a long time.

Maria: You’d better be careful, Mark. Whichever one you are talking about, doing it two nights in a row might lead people to think you like me or something.

Mark: And if I said I did like you? Would it make you blush?

Maria: Maybe

Mark: Good. You’re fucking sexy when you blush.

I nibble on my bottom lip as my face and neck flush crimson as if on cue. I can still feel Darius and Chase watching me, but I can’t tear my gaze off the screen.

Mark: Say yes, Maria. Say yes to tonight.

Maria: Yes.

Mark: Perfect. I’ll pick you up at your place at seven?

Maria: Sounds good. Where are you taking me?

Mark: That’s a secret.

His response causes me to pause a bit and press my lips together. Because that’s not ominous or anything.

Maria: You’re not a serial Killer, are you?

Mark: You know I’m not.

Maria: Stranger things have happened. How will I know what to wear tonight if I don’t know where we are going?

Mark: Nothing fancy and maybe a light jacket.

Mark: And lace underwear if you are so inclined *winking face emoji*

Maria: Or I can forgo panties altogether.

I’m not really going to do it, but if he can tease me, there’s no reason I can’t tease him too.

Mark: And now I get to finish this meeting with a boner. Thanks for that.

Maria: You’re welcome!

The bell above the door dings, and I pocket my phone, now a lot more excited for what tonight might bring. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass later.

Eight

Mark

I pull into Maria’s apartment complex at twenty-to-seven, and park in one of the visitor’s spots at the front of the building. She must have been watching for me because she’s already coming out when I exit the car. The knowledge makes me smile, as does the pale-yellow sundress and white sweater she’s wearing. She’s simply breathtaking, and I’m back to not being able to control my dick.

I wasn’t sure about texting her so soon after our date last night; I didn’t want to come on too strong and freak her out. I can tell she’s been hurt before because she’s really guarded. So, I have been cautious with her. The more I learn about her, the more I like her, and I don’t want this to end before it’s had the chance to begin.