We don't take long to arrive at Aliyah's building and park right in front of it. Normally, I would prefer to accompany my date directly from her home, but because I'm not sure which location is hers, I wait anxiously in the lobby near the elevator. To calm my nerves, I twist and turn the paperclip in my pocket. It's my lucky paperclip, and I don't leave the house without it. After I mentioned that public speaking makes me nervous, an old college professor taught me the trick. It no longer does, but I still keep the paperclip with me. Every time the elevator doors open, I perk up for a split second before slumping back in disappointment. I look at my watch for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. To keep my mind occupied, I pull my phone from my pocket and check my messages. I have several emails from Amelia, a few text messages from Mr. Tanaka, and a text from Joe inviting me out for drinks instead of going on my date. I'm so preoccupied with my

I close Andrew's door and make my way down the hall to my room. As I check the baby monitor in my hand to make sure he's still sleeping peacefully, he squirms a little but eventually settles back down. My shirt is wet and drenched in sour milk, a small gift from Andrew before he fell asleep. The shirt clings to my skin and is simply too much to wipe away, so I take a shower instead.When I walk into my room, I go straight to the bathroom, turning on the water and stripping out of my soiled clothes before dumping them in a heap on the floor. My mind finally has a chance to wander during my first quiet moment of the day, and my thoughts naturally turn to Jordan.He's been a man of his word since our conversation in the park, but I'm still wary of him. Sure, we agreed to start over, but I haven't forgotten about his behavior, and I'm still curious about what caused him to react in the first place. We've gone on a few quick dates, but nothing compares to our first date. They w

What was supposed to be our final embrace of the night turns into a half-hour of deep kissing and heavy petting. I'm back in high school, making out on my mother's couch. Only this time, she isn't there to catch us."I'd swear you're trying to trick me into staying over if I didn't know any better," I say.Jordan slides his tongue down the side of my neck. "Damn right," he says, his deep voice sounding seductive. "Does it work? ”I'd like to respond, but I'm out of breath. We're both exhaling heavily, as if we've just finished a marathon. That's what passion does to you. My breath catches in my throat every time Jordan kisses me or runs his tongue over a new spot, and I find myself gasping for air.The lights are turned down low, and soft music is playing in the background. It's like something out of a movie, and I'm starting to second-guess my decision to stay at home tonight. My hormones are interfering with my ability to function, scattering my thoughts

laid-back date for him, which I hope he enjoys. I didn't want to do anything too extravagant. I ditch the fitted dresses and high heels in favor of a T-shirt, jeans, and flats.I texted Jordan earlier to make sure he understood the dress code because I'd never seen him in anything less than business casual. Tonight is all about relaxation and having a good time. Andrew had me cooped up for a few days due to his ear infection, so I'm relieved to finally have a day off to myself.Because I'm dressed so casually, I decide to go a little heavier on the eyeshadow, creating a deep dark smoky eye. I smooth down the fly-away strands of hair in my closet after one last look in the full-length mirrors before grabbing my purse and practically skipping out the door, down the hall to the elevator.I shuffle from one foot to the other, urging the elevator to arrive at the lobby as soon as possible. I finally make it to the first level, and there's Jordan, leaning against the wall,

I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders after revealing my reservations about our differences. I can finally unwind, and I'm feeling a lot more optimistic about the future. Gaining that tidbit of information about Jordan's feelings for me boosts my confidence. It's exactly the reassurance I needed."I'm so glad you decided to stay the night," Jordan says, kissing my neck several times."Me, too," I grumble. "If I could, I'd stay every night."I unbutton his shirt and pull it out of his waistband, reaching down. I run my fingers down the center of his body, past his sculpted abs to his belly button, and his chest is smooth. His torso has a distinct shape. I like how his muscles flex when I touch them."My turn," he says as he delicately pulls my shirt over my head. As he kisses the exposed parts of my breasts, he runs his hands up and down my back.Jordan grabs my bra strap and begins to undo it. "Let's get this out of here," he says.He easily unhooks