Page 43 of Wicked Love

“Joe.” I fanned myself with my napkin.

“Just kidding. I love it when you blush. You look cute as hell.” He extended his arm over the table to cover my hand with his. “Sorry. For NYFI, anything specific you need to do to apply?”

“A portfolio. And they say creativity is the key. I was thinking… Never mind, it’s silly.”

“Tell me.” He squeezed my hand, and just then I realized he never let go.

“What if I send them a real-life portfolio? Pieces of clothing I designed and sewed. The real thing. I could create three pieces, and the rest could be a digital portfolio. What do you think? Does it sound doable or crazy?”

He blinked a few times. “That is genius. I love the idea. If you succeed in putting it together in time, it’s going to be a success for sure. What can I do to help?”

I let out a laugh. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I haven’t had the chance to think about it fully. You spun the idea on me this afternoon. I need to do more research first.”

“We’re doing it. I see the light in your eyes. You love the idea. You came alive just now when you told me about it.”

“If I wanna be ready in time, I should start working on pieces. I need to do a few to be able to select the three winners.”

“Tomorrow. We’ll set you up in that empty bedroom. I’ll be your assistant. Whatever you need, I’ll provide.”

“Why does that sound like sex promises?” I teased, sipping on my wine.

“For once, it’s not. And don’t tempt me to turn it into one. I was thinking of being your model. Are you going to design men’s or women’s pieces? I can also pose naked if it helps with your creative juice. I’m not judging. Every artist has a different process.”

I threw my napkin at him over the table. “You’re such a pig.”

“You didn’t complain that one time.”

Now I bet my face was bright pink.

We ordered copious amounts of food, the conversation flowing easily between us. I basked in a boozy bliss, enjoying the company a little too much.

“Will you ever tell me why our cat is named DH?” I asked between bites.

“Nah.” Amusement danced in Joe’s eyes. “Not until you guess it.” He sipped on his wine, studying me. I could tell we’d have to take a cab to go back to the cabin tonight, neither of us sober enough to drive.

I rested my chin on my hand “It’s not fair. It could be anything.”

He shrugged. “Take a guess.”

“Nah. I’ll wait until I’m confident I’ll get it right.”

“Suit yourself. Ready to go?”

I nodded.

I linked my arm with Joe’s as we waited for the car to pick us up. “You wanna know what I’m wishing for?”

“Tell me.”

“That you would kiss me goodnight.” I felt strong enough to speak the words I had locked inside. “Tonight feels like a real date. It’s perfect.”

“Want to know what I wish for?”

I nodded. The winter breeze sweeping my face cooled off some of the arousal spreading inside me.

“I wish I could cherish every inch of your flesh with my tongue, my hands, and my dick.”

Neither of us looked elsewhere, as if we were cast under a spell. I yearned to draw Joe’s chin dimple with my finger. To rake my hands through his tousled hair. To feel his lips claiming mine in a slow torturous kiss.