I looked at myself in the mirror critically for the millionth time. The lingerie set looked even sexier than it had in the store, and that was saying something. I was definitely going to knock off Will’s socks. It was the first time I’d gotten to wear it since buying it ten days ago. I wanted to impress Will—again.

He’d surprised me by buying tickets to a blockbuster movie I was excited about, and when I asked him how he knew I wanted to see it, he said, “Paige... you talk. A lot. And I have a habit of memorizing every detail.”

Which was why I was working hard to impress him tonight.

To that end, I’d bought a home-spa kit that had cost almost as much as the lingerie, but the model on the package looked so yummy that it practically begged for my credit card.

While I read the instructions, Will rang.

“Hey,” I answered, a little panicked that he might want to meet earlier. I was nowhere near ready.

“Hey. Listen, can I have a rain check tonight?”

“Oh... are you okay? Did something happen?”

“Was a tough shift. I’m tired.”

“I can take care of you.”

“I’m not going to be much company tonight, Paige.” 

Now I was panicking for other reasons. He sounded dejected, but I couldn’t tell if it was truly just work or.... I ran a hand through my hair, unsure how to proceed. I really wanted to see Will. But should I push? Maybe he just needed time on his own... maybe he wasn’t in the mood for me.

Except... I thought I had a good chance at improving his mood. I was afraid of putting myself out there, pushing this and getting rejected. But I was also afraid of creating a precedent, having the kind of relationship where we only met to have fun together and avoided each other on rougher days. That wasn’t a healthy basis on which to build... anything. 

“Why don’t you let me decide that? Besides, I have all these plans to impress you after the movie.”

“You going to try and set your kitchen on fire again?”

I laughed. “No. Sexy plans, Will.”

I could swear I heard him growl.

“Define sexy plans.”

“No can do, Mr. Hunky Detective. You’ll have to come and see for yourself.”

Will didn’t answer, and I felt my heart shrink to the size of a pea. Shit, was I a fool for pushing?

“Okay. I’ll be there at seven.”

“Can’t wait.” I hoped the relief wasn’t too obvious in my voice. After the call ended, I applied the face mask. Twenty minutes later, I was in a panic, rereading the instructions. Nowhere did the damn package say I would smell like a swamp. I rubbed the mask off. Will was supposed to arrive in half an hour. That was enough time to get rid of the smell, right? I was lucky my fridge was stocked with fruits. I made a mango mask, applying it on my already sensitive skin. Served me right, trying out new stuff instead of sticking to my old tricks. I could feel the mango hydrating my skin.

It did the trick, getting rid of the stink. I blow-dried my hair, then put on the lingerie and a light beach dress. Ah, one of the perks of living in LA. I could wear light dresses even though September was already upon us. I was ready just in time, because my doorbell rang.

After one last glance in the mirror, I headed to the front door.

When I opened it, I tried a casually seductive pose, jutting out one hip, parking my hand just above. Will opened his mouth, then... seemed stunned. His gaze raked over me from head to toe, then back up, and I knew I could have forgone the kit altogether. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

“Paige, you look....” He didn’t finish that sentence. Instead, he came closer and closer, until he was right in front of me. He touched my shoulder, then my hip. Then my shoulder again. He seemed conflicted as to where to kiss or touch first.

Eventually, he crushed his mouth to mine, sliding one of his hands right under the dress. I was wearing a tiny thong, so my ass was practically bare. Will growled appreciatively. His free hand slid to the back of my head, and he fisted my hair, pulling me in for another kiss. This one was harder, deeper. His passion was igniting me on the inside. His tongue was doing decadent things to mine, moving in a rhythm that made me ache for him. 

He ran his fingers down one ass cheek, moved to the other. Then he feathered them over my crack, and I thought my knees might give.

“We should go if we want to make it to the movie on time,” he said.

“Sure. Let’s go.”

***