The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

I feel like I blink and it's Saturday. I thought time would go slowly whilst I anticipate our date, but it actually goes really fast.

Lance is coming round tonight and I'm cooking for the two of us. I'm so happy he agreed to this, it's been a while since I last got to cook for anyone. It's one of my favorite hobbies, but it's just not the same when it's only for yourself.

I go out in the morning and buy everything that I will need from the supermarket. I choose my outfit in advance this time, so that it can't make me late again.

I take a shower and shave my body in all the required places. I'm not counting on getting lucky tonight, but it's always good to be prepared.

It takes me a while to get ready. I pick at my appearance, finding endless things to tweak and adjust. When I'm finally satisfied, I only have ten minutes before Lance will be here.

Luckily, I did lots of the food prep earlier. I pop into the kitchen and get the cooking started before he arrives.

Exactly on time, Lance knocks on my door. I don't hear it over the extractor fan, but my phone lights up with a text saying he's just knocked and he's outside.

I rush to the door and open it in a hurry. He's stood on my doorstep, wearing a smart shirt that is open at the collar and tight jeans that show off every inch of his muscular legs.

Damn.

'Whoa,' I mutter, unable to stop myself. 'You look really good.'

He grins at my compliment. He leans forwards and kisses my cheek.

'Thank you. You look beautiful, I love that color on you.'

I look down at my purple dress and then back at him. 'Thank you! Come on in.'

In Lance's hands are a bottle of wine and a bouquet of tulips. I thank him when he offers them and lead him into the kitchen.

Lance uncorks the wine and pours us glasses whilst I start grilling the steaks. He likes his medium—rare, so it only takes a couple of minutes.

We sit in the kitchen. I only have a small flat, so my dining table set is in the open—plan kitchen. Lance doesn't seem to mind.

We both tuck into the steak and I'm relieved to taste that it's a good I usually make it. I want to impress him.

After clearing our plates, I bring out dessert; salted caramel profiteroles. We share them together whilst regaling each other with stories of our university experiences.

At some point, we move onto the sofa. It starts innocent, with us talking and cuddling. The talking leads to kissing.

I don't remember when his lips met mine, but suddenly, I'm lying on my back and he's hovering over me. Our lips are still connected, moving over one another in perfect sync.

Desire floods through me. I slide my hands up to his hair and tangle my fingers in it. He's right where I want him, and I don't want him to move. Lance doesn't seem to have any plans to.

His tongue teases my bottom lip. My tongue meets his and instantly, we're both addicted to each other. The kiss turns heated and desire licks at my body.

I grind my hips against the erection at his crotch. I want him inside me more than anything. He's all I can focus on, all I want.

Lance gets the memo. He pulls back and breaks the kiss. His eyes are hooded when he looks down at me.

'Bedroom' He asks huskily.

I nod quickly. 'Yes!'

He stands up and then draws me into his arms. I put my arms around his neck and hold on whilst he carries me through the open door of my bedroom.

He sets me on my feet, and I immediately start on his shirt, undoing the buttons with frantic need. He chuckles and lets me undress him. I get to admire every inch of his magnificent chest as I peel his shirt back.

It drops from his arms and lands on the floor with a fabric whoosh and thud. I trace my hands over his muscles, feeling the hot, taut skin.