Chapter 14.02

I should’ve looked away. Should’ve stood up and left the room. But I couldn’t. She danced like temptation incarnate—teasing, graceful, slow. When she peeled back her sweatshirt and revealed the black corset beneath, I stood.

I crossed to her in two strides, hands slipping around her waist.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she giggled as I eased her down onto the couch.

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. My fingers were already tugging at her tracksuit, breath shallow. I nearly tore the fabric from her—and my own clothes too—blinded by how much I needed her. She laughed softly, her skin warm under my hands, her smile daring me to break every rule we’d set.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked again, this time breathlessly, already reacting to my kisses.

“Losing,” I murmured against her skin.

“Good,” she whispered, and met my mouth with heat.

—

On Friday after school, we drove home separately so Jenny could move around the city freely.

“Would you guys like to come see the apartment next weekend?” I asked my family at dinner.

“I think you have something else in mind,” Dad noted calmly.

“Jenny has to come back because the translation work she took on continues next week, and I could use a second opinion,” I admitted.

“Then why isn’t it enough if I go?” Amber asked. She and Brad had recently returned from their honeymoon, but Brad was away again for work.

“Because that would be too obvious, and if I’m guessing correctly, she asked you not to help me choose,” I said.

“How do you know that?” My sister looked surprised.

“Because I bet her I could do it on my own,” I said, explaining the conversation about choosing a ring and the bet that followed.

“She actually called me a few days ago and asked that if you ever go into a jewelry store, I should never go with you—because you’re too confident,” Amber admitted.

“I figured,” I laughed.

“This bet isn’t fair,” Dad said. “You already know what she wants.”

“That’s why the prize is a dog—something she actually wants. She’ll get to pick it,” I said flatly. “I wasn’t asking for a lecture on my bet—I was asking if you’d come next weekend.” That came out a bit harsh.

Dad smacked me lightly on the head.

“Son,” he said, “You seem happy enough that this tone doesn’t suit you.”

“Sorry,” I muttered.

“We’ll come, but once this is over and she has the ring on her finger, tell her the bet is void,” Mom said.

“If you don’t, I will,” Amber added.

“Great,” I sighed. “I shouldn’t have said anything tonight.”

“You’ve gotten too used to being in charge,” Dad teased. “I see you like it.”

“If I’d known this, I would’ve moved in with her sooner,” I said, grinning. “You were right—I love every second of it.”

“I figured,” Dad said. “You look exhausted and happy.”

“Before the photoshoots, let her rest,” my sister teased, making me throw a roll at her.

At the end of dinner, Dad handled the dishes, Mom and Amber went into the living room, and I stayed behind, quietly finishing my meal.

“Dad,” I said once we were alone, “ever since we moved in together, I can barely keep up with her.”

He turned around and sat back down beside me.

“Now she’s like she was in the upstairs bathroom—everywhere, all the time,” I noted.

“Be glad,” Dad smiled. “She’s completely comfortable with you now.”

“Previously, she never initiated, but now she does. Don’t misunderstand me—I love it, I love her appetite,” I continued, laughing. “But sometimes, I just want to rest.

“First of all,” he smiled, “I don’t think it’s just her appetite that’s grown. But you’ll both settle down eventually. You’re her first, and you clearly know what she likes. You’ve already been through this with Emily. Be proud—you taught her well.” He smiled.

“So if I were less good, I’d get more sleep?” I asked.

“You’re too late for that, son,” he said. “You gave chocolate to someone who had never tasted sweets before.” He stood up from the table, and I finished eating.

“The finest chocolate there is,” I laughed before heading to my room.

“Exactly,” Dad said quietly after me.

Uncle Steve picked me up early in the morning. I thought Jenny’s absence would cause insomnia, but thanks to the past few weeks, I fell asleep instantly.

The weekend flew by. I understood more and more of the old man’s actions and words, though I only managed to take notes afterwards. Each time, I was given more independent tasks, and he increasingly asked for my opinion. I loved being his apprentice.

On the second afternoon, he dropped me off at my parents’ place. I had lunch, grabbed the bag Amber had prepared, and returned home by early evening.

Jenny’s car was already in the parking lot, so I hurried upstairs with the flowers I had picked up on the way.

“Hey, Messyhair,” she said, smiling as she set the table for dinner.

“What’s for dinner?”

“Just some bacon and eggs,” she said. “I only got back recently, so I didn’t have time for anything more elaborate—sorry.”

“No problem. How was your weekend?” I asked.

“Good,” she said. “But as you know, I have to go back next week for the second part of the meeting.”

“Of course, no worries—I’ll keep myself busy.”

She told me about her work, and I shared stories from Uncle Steve’s practice.

“Guess what—my parents are coming next weekend,” I mentioned casually.

“But I won’t be home,” she said firmly. “Did you forget?”

“No, Babe, but they wanted to come this weekend.”

“I’ll try to cancel the interpretation job,” she said, immediately standing up.

“Babe,” I gently took her arm, “I can show them around the apartment and the city without you.”

“But—but they’ll think I’m rude,” she said, flustered. My mind raced for a solution.

“How about we drive home together in your car on Friday, and you stay with us for dinner? Then on Saturday, I’ll come back with them and stay. That way, you can talk to them, but trust me—they’d never think you’re rude.”

“Yes,” she smiled. “That would work—thank you. I wouldn’t want to cancel the job if I’ve already committed to it.”

“See? You don’t have to,” I said, stroking her arm.