“What makes you say that?”
“When you go on a regular date, I bet your only real concern is where to go and whether the condom in your wallet is expired.” He arches an eyebrow, and my cheeks flush again. “Although you probably never have a condom long enough to worry about it expiring.”
His lips twitch. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
I roll my eyes and continue. “Women have to worry about all kinds of things. Should I wax? Do I wear the sexy panties or the ones that will hold in my stomach if we go for pasta? Is he going to think I’m easy if I put out? Will he think I’m a prude if I don’t? Is he going to turn into an asshole if I run into a guy friend? Is he all about that possessive big dick energy, and if so, does he have the equipment to back it up?” I stop talking, aware I’m babbling and also guilty of stereotyping.
Nathan’s dark eyes narrow. “Is he all about the what?”
“Um. Possessive big dick energy.”
He rests his arm on the bench behind me, so close I feel the warmth of his skin on my shoulders. “And just what in the fuck is that?”
I sigh. “It’s when a guy is all possessive and controlling or acts like an arrogant asshole. Basically, he acts like he has a huge dick. Big dick energy. It can be hot if done right and if he has the means to back it up, if you know what I mean?”
He shakes his head. “Had no idea that was a thing.”
“Having a huge dick?” I snort a laugh.
His expression darkens. “If this was a real date, Miss Edison, I would put you over my knee and spank your bratty little ass for that.”
Oh, dear sweet mother in heaven. Nathan James is the epitome of big dick energy. I flick my tongue over my ice cream. “Shame it’s not a real date then, Mr. James.”
His eyes burn into mine, and he licks his lips. I see him clenching and unclenching his fist in my peripheral vision, like his palm is twitching to smack my ass. My core contracts with need because the thought of him doing that is way more appealing than it ought to be.
“We thought you might like to take one of these as a reminder of your visit.” One of the zookeepers approaches, smiling and clutching a stuffed red panda. “With our compliments.”
Damn my love for those cute little ginger bandits interrupting the moment. I force a smile. “Thank you so much.” I take the toy from her and sit back against the bench while images of me bent over Nathan’s lap race through my mind.
Chapter
Twelve
MELANIE
I assume you don’t have any plans for 4th of July?
I roll my eyes at the text message, but I can’t deny the fluttering in my abdomen whenever I see his name on my phone.
I type out a reply, a smile on my lips.
And why would you assume that?
Because I haven’t invited you anywhere yet
Arrogant asshole! Two days’ notice and he expects me to be free. But I’m still smiling when I respond.
I actually have plans with two guys that night.
For your sake I hope they’re Ben & Jerry
I snort a laugh.
That was actually funny, Mr. James. But no, I’m working at the shelter.
That’s a terrible plan
I’ll have fun. My friends Cesar and Potato are a blast.
My phone rings, and I giggle when a picture of Val Kilmer from Top Gun flashes on the screen. “Hello?”
“Who the fuck are Cesar and Potato?”
“A basset hound and a corgi. Two of the longest-serving residents at the shelter. They keep me company while I do my rounds.”
“So you’ll be alone there all night?” He sounds grumpy.
“No Cesar and—”
“I’m talking about people, Mel.”
“There’ll be a security guard there too.”
He sighs. “Why the hell are you working on the Fourth of July?”
“Because nobody else wanted to. I don’t get asked to cover often, so I like to do what I can when they do ask. So I’m sorry if you had plans for some Fourth of July date extravaganza to impress the paparazzi with. You’ll have to wait until the weekend.”
He hums, and I wrinkle my nose, my suspicion aroused. “What does that sound mean?”
