Then it started to become a dangerous habit. Every time an attractive man would approach her, she’d think back to Harry and all the other unsatisfying and often miserable relationships she’d had. And she’d shake her head no. She preferred to focus on her business and enjoy having fun with her friends.
But now it’s bordering on too long. There are times when she aches for another person’s touch so badly, she can barely sleep. Other days, she doesn’t miss it. Right now, she can’t think about anything but the way Joel’s hand felt on her arm. She knows she won’t be able to go to sleep tonight if they don’t share a kiss.
“Do you want to share a cab home?” Joel suggests after she inadvertently lets out a yawn.
Her heart skips a beat. “To… my home?”
One corner of his lips lifts. “We get one cab, they drop you off first, then they drop me off.”
“Oh.” She isn’t sure if she’s relieved or disappointed. She’s glad at least that he’s being a gentleman and not pushing to come over after only one date. “Okay.”
Except it turns out he lives in the opposite direction to her. He puzzles it out for a moment, and finally declares, “I’ll get you a cab, and I’ll find one of my own.”
“That’s okay,” she says quickly. “I’ll take the subway.”
“Don’t even joke about that,” he says. “I’m not letting you take the subway home all alone at night.”
“It’s not that late.”
“Yes, it is.”
Cassie looks down at her watch and… wow, it is rather late. Were they really talking together at the restaurant that long? But still. It’s Friday night. The subway won’t be deserted.
“I’ll get you a cab,” he says again.
“Listen, buddy.” She pokes him gently in the chest. “I take the subway home from here every single night. It’s Friday night—there will be plenty of people on the subway. I’ll be fine.” She tugs at the hood of her sweatshirt. “I’ve even got my warm hoodie.”
“Yeah, but—”
“No buts.” She raises an eyebrow. “I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself. Do you respect that?”
He looks at her for a moment before his face splits into a grin. “Yeah, I respect that.”
“Good.” She returns the smile. “Because I’d hate to deprive you of a good night kiss.”
The smile fades from his face. “I’d hate that too. Am I still in the running?”
She nods. “I think you are.”
“Well, good.”
He gazes at her with those vivid eyes and she shivers, even under her hoodie. He leans in, she tilts her face toward him, and it turns out six inches taller than her is the perfect height for kissing. His lips linger less than an inch away from hers for a fraction of a second and she’s the one who bridges the gap, pressing her lips against his. His breath is warm and her entire body melts against him as they engage in a good night kiss she never wants to end.
Maybe she should invite him over after all.
But no. There will be plenty of time for that. No need to rush.
When they finally part, Cassie notices she’s breathing hard. And Joel seems equally breathless. It takes her a moment to remember where she is and why she’s here.
“Could I…” She can hear Joel swallow. “Walk you to the subway?”
He’s itching to get her into a cab, but she’s not going to give in. She stood her ground, and she meant what she said. She takes this exact subway home every night. It will be fine.