Page 12 of Taking a King
I shake my head as I continue tracing circles on Garrett’s bare stomach. “Nothing. I was just thinking. Does this count as sex on the first date?”
Garrett’s mouth drops open in mock horror and he sits up on the bed, causing me to fall away from him back onto the mattress.
“Miss King, I am shocked! How dare you? I would never do such a thing.”
I’m too busy giggling at his prudish tone to voice an argument just yet.
“Besides,” he continues, pulling me to him once more. “That wasn’t a date. Not a real one, anyway. I don’t count almost getting arrested by your brother as dating.”
I shrug as best I can while lying draped across his chest. “Maybe you’re right. Not exactly a date. But you have to admit, it’s kind of early on in our…” I trail off, leaning up to look at him. “Relationship?”
He smiles and leans forward to kiss me lightly. “Relationship,” he agrees. “This is definitely a relationship,” he murmurs before kissing me more deeply.
I’m surprised and pleased that Garrett is so easily ready to classify what we are after just one night together. But then again, not much about us has been typical.
“And you’re right,” he says. “We didn’t get a real first date. We should fix that.”
I smile up at him. “You spent the night in my bed and now you’re asking me on a first date? Isn’t that a little backwards?”
He shrugs. “Maybe. But who cares? Claire King, will you go on a date with me?”
I pretend to think about it for a moment.
“I’ll have to check my schedule.”
Garrett’s eyes narrow. “Is that so?”
I nod. “I’m a very busy woman. Very sought after. My time is incredibly valuable.”
He studies me for a moment before he pounces without warning. His hands go to my sides, tickling my ribcage. I squeal out a laugh and try to wriggle away from him, but it’s impossible. My legs are tangled in the bedcovers and he’s faster and stronger than me. I bat at his hands ineffectually as my whole body shakes with laughter.
“Okay, okay,” I wheeze through my laughter. “You win!”
He stops, holding his hands above me like claws. “You sure?”
I nod, my face sore from laughter. “I’ll go on a date with you, Garrett Young.”
He grins widely, still leaning over me. “I can’t wait,” he whispers before taking my mouth in a searing kiss.
The playful banter of moments before is gone. Taking its place is something deeper, more passionate and full of promise. I feel the hard length of his erection pressing against my hip and shiver. I’m going to be late for my lunch with Quinn.
Chapter Seven
Claire
I'm only a few minutes late for my lunch with Quinn, which is kind of surprising considering how much time I spent naked with Garrett this morning. When I walk into the cafe, it's the middle of the after-church lunch rush. Since it's Sunday, I know I'll be seeing Quinn later at Mack's for dinner. But we'd planned this lunch to collaborate on Hannah's bachelorette party without her knowing. When I enter the crowded café and spot Quinn seated at a booth with Hannah and Hope, it's clear that those plans have changed. I should have known they'd want answers after last night. I'd hoped to have a little more time before the interrogation, though. I sigh and make my way over to the booth.
I slide in next to Hope and pick up the menu as if I don’t already have it memorized. The thing hasn’t changed in 20 years. And I always order the same thing. I’m stalling. I know it, and I’m sure they do too. The other 3 women are quiet for about 30 seconds before Quinn yanks the menu from my hands. My mouth drops open and I stare at her.
“I was looking at that,” I say.
“You were not,” she shoots back. “Spill it.”
I look at Hannah who’s sitting next to Quinn, watching me with an expectant expression, her arms crossed. I turn to see that Hope giving me a similar look, though she’s doesn’t look as annoyed as the other two. Maybe it’s because, of the three of them, she’s known me the shortest length of time. Or, it could be that she’s just too nice for that. Still, I know I owe them all an explanation. They’re my friends, soon to be family. Besides that, I like all of them. I couldn’t have picked more perfect partners for my brothers if I’d tried.
I pick up the glass of ice water on the table in front of me and take a deep drink. I’m still stalling, I know. But I don’t know how much to tell them. I don’t know how much they’ll tell my brothers. I don’t know how much I’m ready to put out into the world just yet. When I lower the glass back to the table and look up at Quinn, her expression is no longer annoyed or impatient. Now, she looks almost hurt.
“Did you not trust us?” she asks, softly. “We could have kept your secret.”