Grading on Curves

They left the mall behind but traffic wasn’t any better until they turned off the commercial street. Mia had to pay attention to the road but she could feel it whenever Curt’s eyes strayed to her.

He pointed. “It’s just up ahead. On the right.”

Mia pulled against the curb and put the truck into park.

“Do you want to come in?” His eyes picked up the greenish glow of the dashboard lights and flickered seductively back at her.

The guy didn’t make things easy on her. Her heart wanted to answer yes but that’s not what her mouth was saying. “I would, Curt, I really would, but I can’t. It’s too soon.” The look she gave him begged for patience. “I’m sorry. I just need more time.”

“I understand.” Then he grew serious. “I don’t think it’ll come as a shock that I want to take you to bed, but I’m willing to wait, within reason, for you.”

“Within reason?”

His smile was back. “Well, you can’t expect me not to try,” he said, leaning in to take a kiss. “I’m going to do everything in my power to change your mind. But ultimately, it’s up to you. Let me know when you’re ready, okay?”

There was a battle going on inside her. She wanted to take him up on his offer now but this was such a big step for her. All told, Curt would only be the fourth man to ever see her naked, counting her old obstetrician. Intimacy with another man was suddenly a pretty terrifying thought.

Still, her heart raced like a hummingbird’s at the expectation in his eyes, the confidence that he was going to be her lover. If she was capable of lying to herself she might have felt offended by his presumptions but who was she kidding? She knew the minute she mentally undressed him that she’d be an idiot not to jump at the chance to get close to the real deal. Other women would have tripped her down the stairs for the opportunity he was offering. She’d already met one.

“I’ll keep you posted,” she said softly.

Curt’s smile warmed and he squeezed her thigh, giving her an intoxicating kiss that lingered on her lips after he drew back.

Mia’s eyes slowly opened and locked on his. The corner of his mouth twitched and she copied his expression. Curt leaned in again, but this time Mia took his head in her hands and kissed him first, feeling his hands bunch in her hair as they fed from each other one last time. She was sorry when he slipped his hands free and turned to open his door.

“We’re still on for tomorrow, right?” Curt asked, looking back as he climbed out.

“Absolutely.”

“Good night, Mia.”

His glowing smile could have drawn moths if he stood still long enough, but he shut the door and strode across the grass. She put the truck into gear and pulled away, certain she was right to hold off, but miserable just the same. She had no idea how she was going to make it through tomorrow.

ISBN: 1518726305