Page 29 of Clueless
“No, I thought about it, but it wasn’t really my thing.”
“I see.”I knew therapy wasn’t for everyone and I respected that.
“You think I was an idiot for not unpacking all this shit with a professional when I had the chance, don’t you?”
“Not at all.I think you know yourself and what’s best for you.”
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“Not judging me.”
“You’re welcome.”The urge to kiss him was strong, but I held back.I wanted him to keep talking and I suspected if we started kissing, it would lead to one more night in my bed.
“Anyway, the charges were assault, drug possession, and theft over $60k.”
I didn’t want to ask what he’d stolen.It didn’t matter to me.What mattered was the man who did those things clearly wasn’t the same man sitting in front of me, owning his mistakes.
“But I want you to know,” he said, looking into my eyes.“I never have, or could never, hurt a woman.That’s a line I’d never cross, so if you thought just because I’m an ex-con you had to worry about?—”
“It’s okay,” I said, softly.“I never thought that.”It didn’t make sense, but I felt safe with him.I knew he would never hurt me, and would always protect me.“I’m not worried.”
He leaned in, kissing me softly.When he pulled back, he looked into my eyes and whispered, “That means a lot, Grace.”
This conversation was intense and the way he was looking at me made me question what he was thinking, what he wanted from me.I wanted to ask, but I held back, knowing I wasn’t ready to sleep with him again… or turn him away.
His full lips tilted before he asked, “So, any other reason you didn’t call me back, or we’ve covered them all?”
“There is one more thing.”But was I brave enough to admit it?Given everything he’d disclosed tonight, I’d be a coward not to come clean.“I like you.Maybe too much.And I don’t think I could handle the whole groupie thing.Maybe that says more about you than it does about me.Could be I’m jealous or insecure and that’s something I have to work on, but?—”
He silenced me with a kiss before touching his forehead to mine.“I love that you’re jealous and insecure.It means I’m not the only one.”
I half-laughed, resting my hand against his hard chest.“I told you I’m a mess too.My sister isn’t bothered at all by groupies.She’s totally secure in what she and Mav have, but I don’t know how she does it.It would make me crazy.”I sighed.“So, there you have it, all the reasons I didn’t call you back: hurt feelings, I don’t do casual relationships, and I can’t handle all the groupies I know will be coming on to you.”
“Hmm.”He brushed my hair aside before skimming his lips down my neck.“I apologized.I want to date you and only you, and I don’t give a shit about groupies.Problems solved?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, basking in his words.I wanted to believe him, but trust took time.“You want to date me, do you?What would that look like?”
He sunk his hand into my hair, holding the back of my head firmly.“Dating is another thing I suck at because I’ve never really done it, but for you, I’m willing to try.”
I loved his honesty.“Okay, so how about we start slow.I love to cook, so I could make you dinner tomorrow night.”
“Babe, you work all day.I don’t want you to have to cook for me.Let me take you out for dinner.”
I’d never been big on terms of endearment, but hearing Taz call me babe made me melt.“Cooking is relaxing for me.”I glanced at my tiny kitchen and dining table for two.“But I don’t have a lot of room to spread out.”
“We could do it at my place, if you’re sure?”
“I’d love to.”
“Okay, it’s a date.”He got to his feet before offering his hand.
My hand was on his chest and I could feel the steady beat of his heart when I whispered, “Thanks for the flowers.”
He kissed me, curling his arms around my waist before lifting my feet off the ground so we were face-to-face.“Thanks for the beer… and giving me a chance.”
“I don’t know where this is going, Taz.I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle your career or the travel or?—”
