Read Marry Me for Free Online Page B

quick shower but his hair was still damp, more noticeably so since the night air was cool and breezy. Assuming that this time he would be let up, he’d brought a real bouquet. Burgundy gerbera daisies and deep orange roses, coiled in a clear round vase.
    Julia gasped when she saw them. “They’re beautiful. You didn’t have to bring anything.”
    “I wanted to.” He gladly accepted her thank you kiss, far bolder and more powerful than he expected, filling him with hope for the evening. She looked like an absolute knockout. The dress she wore was a geometric pattern of black and slate gray, cut out at one shoulder and baring half her back. With long black tights and sky-high heels, she looked fantastic. Her hair was slicked perfectly straight, looking so silky Ben just wanted to sink his fingers into it.
    “Shall we?” He needed to get her out of her apartment, because he knew if he started kissing her they’d never leave. The packets of condoms seemed to be burning a hole in his pocket.
    Julia grew quiet as they neared the restaurant. He put his arm around her, hugging her close and kissing her head. “Relax. They hardly ever bite.”
    Niles and Lizzy were already seated in a tall-backed booth toward the back of the bar. Ben threw Niles a warning glance, which he shrugged off. “Ah, they’re here.” Niles stood and gave Julia a kiss on the cheek. “This is my lovely wife Lizzy, the light of my life.”
    Lizzy reached out her long, elegant hand. “Pleasure. Just ignore my husband, we all do.”
    Everyone laughed and Niles motioned to the waiter. Just as they’d finished ordering a round of drinks and some appetizers, Paul and Felicity arrived. Within moments they were all sitting, chatting like old friends. Julia was talking fashion with Felicity and matching Paul’s and Niles’ witticisms with lightning speed. In what seemed like no time Lizzy was yawning. “I’ve been traveling for two days straight, so maybe it’s just me, but isn’t it getting awfully late?”
    Ben glanced at his watch. “One o’clock. How’d that happen?”
    They gathered their jackets and made their way into the cool night air. Felicity leaned in to give Ben a hug and whispered in his ear. “She’s lovely.”
    “Thanks.” He smiled as he watched her link her arm in Paul’s.
    “See you all soon,” Lizzy said, one foot already in a taxi. “Niles, come along.”
    “What can I say?” Niles winked. “She wants me.”
    “You coming back to the hotel?” Paul asked as Felicity elbowed him.
    Ben looked at Julia, waiting for a cue.
    Her face flushed. “We could all go back to my place, if you’d like.”
    Felicity interrupted. “That would be great but I have to be up super early tomorrow. How about if we just split a cab?”
    Paul hailed another. Felicity and Julia chatted the whole ride. When they pulled up at Julia’s apartment, Ben got out and held the door for her. “Can I see you safely to your door?”
    She nodded, looking embarrassed but not hesitating with her reply.
    He handed Paul a ten dollar bill. “I’ll walk from here, guys. Good night.”
    Julia slipped her hand into his the moment the car drove away. “I take it you’d like to come up again.”
    He answered with a kiss. The feel of her lips against his was like coming home. He’d been wanting to kiss her all evening and it felt even better than he’d anticipated. Warmth washed over him as she drew closer, her body curving in toward his, her hand resting on the base of his neck. “Come,” she said, tugging him toward the door.
    He followed her up the stairs, wanting to pull her down on the steps and get started. She keyed into her apartment and flicked on the lights. “I’m so thirsty, can I get you something?”
    “Maybe some of your sweet tea.” He hung his jacket on the silver rack by the door, running his hand over her still warm sweater.
    Julia poured the tea into two glasses. “You were right, your friends are great.”
    “Told you.”