I’d love to,” Serena said, and my heart dislodged from my throat.

I really wanted to keep this date going, but I wanted to make sure she was ready. We didn’t need to rush, I was planning on being with her for a long time. But after our talk at dinner, and the way we’d been teasing each other over the past few weeks, I wanted the night with her.

Hell, I just wanted her.

We walked through the house, Serena looking around curiously, and I realized she hadn’t yet been inside, only out at my workshop. I was glad I’d taken the time to at least straighten up. The place wasn’t spotless, but at least I didn’t look like a total slob.

“Would you like something to drink?” I asked belatedly as we walked up the stairs.

“Oh, ah, maybe a glass of wine. And water.”

I led her into my room and said, “I’ll go grab the drinks, feel free to look around. Snoop. Whatever you want…”

Serena laughed when I gave her permission to snoop.

“Make yourself comfortable,” I amended, then turned and jogged down the stairs, hoping like hell I had some wine.

Maybe you should have made sure before you asked her what she wanted, jackass, I mentally chided as I searched the kitchen.

I opened the fridge to grab a couple of waters and muttered, “Score,” when I saw the bottle of opened Riesling in the door. I couldn’t remember when it was from, so I prayed it was still good as I pulled it out and poured a glass.

After giving it a sniff, I deemed it good enough, and hurried back up the stairs.

As I walked in, I saw Serena pull her head from the closet and shut the door quickly, then she turned to me with a look of guilt.

“Busted,” I joked as came forward carrying the bottles in one hand and her glass of wine in the other. I crossed to the dresser to set them down, then turned back to her and said, “You found out where I shoved my dirty clothes. Whatever you do, don’t look under the bed.”

“Too late,” she said with a blush and a giggle. “Sorry, I had to know what was under there.”

“It’s been a long, busy week, so I haven’t had time to do the weekly cleaning I usually do. I hope that doesn’t change your opinion of me.”

Serena shook her head, seeming shy as she headed straight for the wine and took a big gulp, then clasped the glass to her chest as she looked anywhere but at me.

Wanting to jump her warred with wanting to put her at ease. I looked around the room, trying to figure out what my approach should be. Did I suggest we watch TV? Netflix and chill? Did I offer to give her a back rub, which everyone knew was the universal sign for let’s get busy?

Then my gaze landed on the camera I used to take pictures of furniture I liked, or anything that gave me inspiration for a piece, and an idea took root.

I grabbed the Canon off my dresser and held it in one hand.

Serena’s eyes flitted to it and her gaze became questioning.

“Remember when you drew me?” I asked, my tone lowering with excitement at my intention.

She nodded, eyes wide.

“Let me photograph you.”

I could sense her hesitation, and saw her internal debate play across her face, so I also saw when Serena decided to comply.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked, her voice thick, and I knew she was already getting turned on.

“Go stand by the wall,” I ordered, lifting the camera so I could take off the lens cap, find the right setting, and turn it on.

When it was ready, I looked up to see Serena leaning against my wall, shoulders back, legs crossed at the ankles. Those shoes were staying on, but the rest … well, we’d get rid of it slowly.

“Unzip your dress,” I said as I raised the camera and looked through it.

I snapped in rapid succession as her hands disappeared behind her back and lowered the zipper. The dress slid down one shoulder, then the other, before finally slipping down the length of her body and pooling at her feet.

“Hang it up.”

My lens tracked her as she moved to the closet and hung up the dress.

I snapped her tight ass in black satin bikini briefs, then lifted the lens to capture her breasts as she turned. Her bra was the same satin as her panties, and as she positioned herself back against the wall, her hair falling down to cover her face, I noticed the jewel in her belly button.

Fuck.

I shifted, my cock so hard that my pants were suddenly very uncomfortable.

I moved the camera so I could capture all angles, sometimes getting her whole body, while others just focusing on certain body parts. Her legs, those shoes, that fucking diamond in her belly-button. Her soft flesh spilling over the cups of her black bra. Her hair.

“Show me your face,” I demanded, my voice no longer recognizable.

Serena raised her hands, using one to gather her hair and twist it back, as the other hand trailed slowly over her breast, down her taut side, and over her hip.

That’s when I couldn’t play the game any longer.

That’s when I lost it.