Holy shit. That kiss. I had to hold back from launching myself at him. My breathing hasn’t slowed by the time Liam gets in the car.

“Keep licking your lips like that, baby, and we won’t make it through dinner.”

I clamp my lips shut and feel a blush creep up my cheeks. Liam runs a finger down my cheek. I turn to look at him. He gives me a grin but doesn’t say anything as he puts his car in drive and takes off.

Liam takes me to an Italian restaurant in the city. We sit on the patio, enjoying a light summer breeze. We’ve bantered and flirted back and forth throughout dinner. It’s shaping up to be the best date of my life, and from what he just told me, the date isn’t over yet. “This is part one of our date. We’ll need to leave soon for part two.”

“What’s part two?”

He slightly tilts his head, debating what to tell me. “A nice throwback of sorts.”

I arch my eyebrows, wanting more, but he smiles and shakes his head. We sit in comfortable silence, finishing our drinks. He settles the tab, grabs my hand, and leads us to the car. The sun is setting behind the buildings of the skyline.

He pulls off a city street onto a road with nothing but trees lining it.

When we pull up to sets of ticket windows, Liam turns and asks me, “Ever been to a drive-in?”

“I can’t say that I have.”

There are six lanes with ticket booths. Cars are lined up at each one, slowly pulling forward as they purchase tickets. The closer we get, the more of the area I can see. Four large screens stand out amongst the trees. Rows of cars are parked in front of each of them, waiting for their movies to start. I love going to the movies, so I’m excited to try this new way of seeing a movie. When I saw the different screens, I was confused how it worked, wondering about the sound crossing from the movies across the open space. When we pull up to the ticket window, I see a sign that has radio stations for each screen.

Liam gets us tickets for screen three.

“What are we watching?”

“Each screen has a double feature. You can leave at any time, so we don’t have to stay for both, but we can if we want. I chose the new rom-com and action flick duo.”

I smile, knowing he chose the screen that would have a movie for each of us. “Can’t wait.”

He places his hand on my knee and squeezes. “Me neither.

Liam backs his car into a spot in the middle of a row. My eyebrows scrunch together, confused. We’re now facing away from the screen. Liam chuckles and he looks at me.

“Some people watch out of the trunks, lifting their gates, so they can enjoy the night.”

I nod. “I’m going to run to the restroom.”

“I’ll walk with you over there. I’m going to get us some drinks and snacks.”

“I can get that for us. You’ve already paid for everything. I’d love to help out.”

Liam gets out and is around the car before I know it, pulling me out and into him. His hands go my hips and mine fall to his chest. He kisses my cheek. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I’m going to have to decline. I asked you out, I’m treating you. No matter what we do or buy tonight, I’m treating you.”

“I’m going to treat you on a future date,” I tell him.

“Future date, huh? A little presumptuous, don’t you think?”

“I ... I ... I mean if there are future dates, not saying there will be. I mean don’t––”

He cuts me off by putting his finger to my lips and squeezing my hip with his other hand. “I’m joking. I’m pretty hopeful that we’ll have a lot of dates. This is just the first.”

I smile, my heart beats faster, and my stomach flips at his admission. “So, anything we do, anything we buy on this date is your treat?”

“Anything you want,” he says. “My treat.”

“Popcorn with M&M’s, please.”

He smiles. “Sure thing, gorgeous. Drink?”

“Coke.”

He nods, takes my hand, and starts walking us toward the bathroom and concessions. “Anything else?”

“A pony.” I bite back a smile, trying to maintain a serious expression.

“A pony may have to wait,” he says, laughing.

He drops me by the restrooms and tells me to wait for him so we can walk back together. The middle area is extensive. There is a small grassy area in the center with lawn games, picnic tables are spread out on each side of the grassy area, and different concession stands are set up on one end with food trucks on the other. You can see the skyline just on the other side of the trees, creating a sense that you are both in the country and in the city.

I spot Liam coming toward me with our movie snacks. When he reaches me, he hands me my drink and grabs my free hand. I happily sip my drink as we walk back to his car. When he gets there, he opens the back, and I’m shocked at what I see.

Liam has his backseat turned and pushed up against the front seats. There are blankets and pillows on the floor, making it a comfortable, couch-like bed. I look over at him. He is grinning from ear to ear.

“How did I not notice this earlier?” I ask, completely shocked.

“It wasn’t like this before. After I walked you to the bathroom, I ran back here, turned it around quickly, and then got our snack.”

“This is amazing, Liam.” I place my hand on his arm, squeezing softly.

“I’m glad you like it. And, we’re not keeping the back gate open. It’s summer. In Texas. It’s hot as hell. I don’t know why people do that.”

I giggle. “Will you hold this?” I hand him my drink and turn around and sit on the back, so I don’t flash everyone in the vicinity.

Liam hands me the drinks and food before he hops in. He sits next to me. Arm to arm, leg to leg. He places the popcorn between us and hands me the bag of M&M’s. I open them and sprinkle them on top of the popcorn. I catch the surprised look on Liam’s face. “Trust me,” I tell him. “Salty and sweet, there’s nothing better.”

He raises one eyebrow and smirks. I know he’s thinking something that won’t say out loud.

“Try it,” I say, handing Liam the bag of popcorn mixed with M&M’s. “I bet you a dollar that you’ll love it.”

The smile on Liam’s face falters slightly, but he quickly puts it back in place. It’s not the same easy smile, though. There’s tension he’s struggling to hide on the edges of his mouth.

“I don’t make bets.” His voice is smooth, but clipped. He says it in a way that doesn’t leave room for arguments or questions, but I question him, anyway.

“You don’t make bets?”

“No.” His face turns away from me and toward the screen.

“Why not?”

Liam’s jaw clenches, but he’s smiling when he faces me again. “Give me some of that bag.”

I slowly hand it to him, debating whether I should try to press him further, but I know I wouldn’t react well if he did the same to me.

After we settle in, Liam puts his arm around me. The movie hasn’t started yet, but we have the radio tuned to the right station. I am loving part two of our date. It’s like we’re sitting on the couch at home, free to talk, but at the movies.

“Savannah.”

I turn my head to Liam. He has a serious expression now. He opens his mouth then closes it again, like he’s hesitating. “Why are you secretive about your address?”

I feel myself stiffen and know he does, too, when his expression becomes even more severe. I try to control my expression and relax. I let my shoulders slump and my breathing return to normal, even though I’m feeling mixed emotions. Hardly anyone knows anything about my past, and I don’t give information freely. I didn’t press him about his no-betting rule.

I made a choice a long time ago not to hide, that I would be ready when he came for me, but my past is mine. Mine to divulge or not. I hate looks of pity. I hate being treated like glass. Right after, I was honest about what happened, but the more I got those looks and the more my relationships changed, I stopped talking about it. When I meet new people, if I tell them anything of the past, it’s usually the last time I see them. No one wants to deal with all the crazy baggage, not as a friend and definitely not as a girlfriend.

I give him the first excuse that comes to mind, hoping he buys it. I’m pretty good at evading the truth. “I’m a young, single woman. A home is such a personal space. I want to be smart about who I allow into that space.”

Liam nods. “Can’t argue with that.” He pulls me closer to his side as we fall into a natural silence. I allow him to snuggle me into his warmth. I haven’t felt this way in a very long time. A man hasn’t touched me in years, and it’s been even longer since I felt safe wrapped in a man’s arms.

His fingers are running up and down my arms. A heady feeling runs through me. I shift, turning so I can wrap an arm around his middle. I feel his abs underneath his button-down shirt. He takes my leg and settles it over his thigh. I’m wrapped around him now. The slit in my dress is baring my thigh. I hear a rumble in his chest, I look up at him. He’s staring down at my leg when he looks at me, his brown eyes have melted into a warm chocolate. His hand comes to the back of my head, pulling my hair slightly to tip my face upward.

Liam bends his head, hovering his lips just out of reach from mine. My nipples harden in anticipation, and my tongue darts out to wet my bottom lip. A small smile appears on his lips. That damn smile causes a slickness between my thighs. His mouth moves millimeters, his breath fanning my face. Our lips touch. I try my hardest not to whimper, but it escapes. At my sound, his lips crash on top of mine. Finally.

Liam’s tongue demands entrance into my mouth; I open without hesitation. A sultry dance begins with our caress. He breaks the kiss, and I’m gasping for air. Liam’s forehead falls to mine, our chests heaving. He kisses me deeply once more. Twice more. Three times. On the fourth, I weave my fingers through his hair, holding him there. This time, I seek entrance into his mouth. He sucks my tongue. I break away, kissing his lips.

I look up into his eyes—a burning desire reflecting toward me. “Wow,” I whisper.

“Understatement, babe. Fucking understatement.” He leans back into the seat, looking up at the roof of the car. His hand rubs over his face, muttering. I can't make out with he's saying, but I hear "sexy mouth" and "destroy me." I smile to myself, knowing he's trying to control himself and that I'm not the only one affected.

He jostles me back into a cuddling position. His arm is low around my waist, his hand just above my ass. I squeeze my thighs together, trying to lessen the pressure that built during our kiss. Liam doesn't miss it. His hand tightens on my hips, and he leans down to whisper in my ear, "If you keep doing that, I won't be able to control myself."

I bite my bottom lip, trying suppress a grin. Part of me wanted to hop on top of him and climb him like a tree, but I was also terrified of everything I'm feeling and wanting. I think Liam broke the kiss because he can sense my hesitation.

Neither one of us noticed that the movie started during our makeout session. I try to lose myself in the comedy, but my mind is waging war on itself. My fingers are so close to slipping under the gap between buttons, and I'm aching to feel Liam's warm skin beneath his shirt. My head is yelling at me to slow down and be cautious.

The hand on my hip tracing patterns isn't helping, not while knowing that if I just adjusted myself, he'd be cupping my ass. And, I want that. His hand that has been resting on the other side of him comes to my cheek.

"I can hear your brain working. What's going on? Am I making you uncomfortable holding you like this?"

I open my mouth to tell him that I'm fine, but instead I end up saying, "I want to kiss again."

"Thank fuck for that. I've been dying to taste your sweet lips again since the second we broke apart." His hand strokes my cheek. A fire lights in his eyes that zings straight to my core. A moan escapes my lips when he brings his lips back to mine. He slips his tongue into my mouth, tasting me, devouring me. Quickly, our kiss becomes frenzied and passionate.

Liam pulls my leg to the other side of his hip, making me straddle him. I cry out when my core meets his hard bulge under his jeans. The satin of my thong rubs against my clit in a sensual way when I rock my hips on top of him. He has a hand buried in my hair and the other on my ass. His grip squeezes me, causing him to rock against me.

He circles the shell of my ear, his teeth biting my lobe. I grind harder against him when he sucks on my neck. My peaked nipples are showing through the fabric of my dress. The hand in my hair leaves its spot to brush over one of my stiff peaks. The hand on my ass moves to the thigh that is bared from the slit in my dress.

"This fucking dress," he whispers into my skin. "I want to tug the sweet bow that is binding it together, open it like a present."

I whimper in response. I wouldn't let him open my dress. I wouldn't let him see what’s underneath. He bites my earlobe. "Not tonight, though. The first time I have you isn't going to be in my Jeep." I should look around to see if anyone has noticed us. The dark night sky and tint on the windows is the only thing keeping us hidden. This is unlike me, but I can’t stop. I’m drowning in my own desire for him. He’s too tempting for me to care about the cars around us.

I send up a silent thanks that I don’t have to explain why I won’t take off my top.

His fingers are rolling one nipple, and he is sucking the other through the fabric of my dress. I cry out, wanting more. I rock onto his hard, thick cock, seeking more pressure on my clit. I’m so close to combusting from these simple touches. I’m sure I’m leaving a wet spot on his jeans. His hand squeezes my thigh, a gentle warning that he’s going for more.

I lift his head from my breast that I’ve been shamelessly pushing farther into his mouth. I crush my lips to his, wanting his warm tongue to tangle with mine. He doesn’t hesitate, meeting me stroke for stroke, seeking more. His finger runs along the seam of my thong then up the center of me.

“You’re soaked. I can feel how wet you are.” He groans when he slips his finger inside my panties, playing with my slit. His fingers open me. His knuckle runs down to my opening where he sticks the tip of his finger inside. “Fuck, baby.”

“More,” I plead, rocking my hips, begging him to go farther in. He doesn’t disappoint. He spears me with his finger in slow, measured strokes. He adds another finger. I cry out, so close to the edge. His fingers curl, hitting my g-spot at the same time he presses his thumb to my clit, rubbing in small, tight circles.

“Come for me, Savannah. Look at me. I want to see you.”

I hadn’t realized my head was back with my eyes closed. I find his eyes, his fingers working faster, hitting that hidden place with each thrust. I’m rocking down on his hand, moaning and writhing, chasing a release I haven’t experienced with a man in years.

“Fuck,” Liam breathes. “I feel your pussy clenching my fingers. Give it to me, Savannah. Come for me. Let me see you.” He increases pressure on my clit, fingers curling into my g-spot hitting it again and again, his other hand squeezing my nipple. I explode from each sensation hitting my body. I cry out his name. He doesn’t pull his fingers from me until I collapse on his chest after every possible wave of orgasm washes through me.

He holds me close, breathing hard. “That was stunning, baby. You almost made me into a teenage boy again. I swear I could have come just from watching you ride my hand and moan my name.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment now that the moment has passed. I haven’t done that in so long. I’ve definitely never done that on a first date or in a public setting. I close my eyes, wondering what I’ve just done, scared this is all he will want from me now. I try to pull away from him, but he doesn’t let me go.

“Turn off your mind, sweetheart. That was amazing.” He kisses the top of my head. “Thank you for giving that to me. Don’t shy away from me now.”

I don’t say anything, but I stop trying to pull away from him.

“Look at me, Savannah.”

I finally give him eyes. He cups my cheek in his hand, stroking it with his thumb. “That was so sexy and only made me want to get to know you more. I’ve had fun tonight.” He leans in and kisses me softly.

“I have, too. But, um...” I trail off, nervous about my question.

“What is it?”

“What about you?” I can still feel a bulge underneath me in his pants. My hand moves its way down to his thigh. He grabs my hand, bringing it back to his chest. He chuckles softly and kisses my nose.

“That’s all we’re doing tonight.”

I kiss him once more, then snuggle into his chest, falling asleep to his heartbeat … feeling content and safe.