Love Abstract (The Art of Falling Book 2) by B.L. Berry Page B

to me.
    Dropping me off? Oh . This isn’t just a date night. He wanted this to be a date date.
    Well, two can play this game.
    He is, was, and always will be ever the gentleman.
    “Oh … well, I hope you don’t wait three days to call and ask me out again.” I pull out the keys from my clutch, unlock the door and step inside, leaving it slightly cracked. He laughs softly from the hallway and I fight my growing smile.
    One … two … three …
    I pop my head back through the doorframe.
    “Hey, Phoenix,” I call out to him. “Do you … uh, want to come inside? Have a night cap or something?” Or me? I offer up a coquettish smile, knowing full well the double meaning of my questions.
    “I thought you’d never ask.”
    He jogs back to the door and I step out of the way to let him in.
    Everything is in its usual place. If I said I wasn’t a little disappointed, I’d be lying. After such a thoughtful evening, I half expected candles and flowers scattered throughout the apartment. While Phoenix is a hopeless romantic, he is first and foremost a chivalric man. He would never assume that a date of this caliber would lead to anything.
    And that is one of the many things I adore about him.
    “There’s another bottle of wine in the fridge if you want to grab it. I’m just going to slip into something a little more comfortable.” I try to sound innocent, but there’s a little too much excitement as I utter the cliché.
    I retreat to the bedroom and steel myself, knowing exactly what I want for my birthday. Exactly what I’m ready for.
    Him.
    We’ve spent the past few months building a fire … each kiss, each touch, each hungry glance adding more fuel. And tonight I’m finally ready to light the match.
    The mere thought of sleeping with Phoenix makes my heart beat faster.
    “Here, let me help you.” He walks up behind me and I feel his hands on waist. I sweep my long hair over my shoulder, giving him access to the back of my dress. He kisses the base of my neck and in between my shoulder blades before undoing the clasp and pulling down on the zipper.
    With his fingertip, he traces the outline of a heart on my shoulder. It leaves my skin ablaze.
    Just as my dress falls at our feet, Phoenix’s phone rings.
    He quickly pulls it out from his pocket, declining the call and tosses it on the nightstand.
    I turn to meet his hungry gaze. My body thirsts for him and I want to drink in every last drop. But I need to ask about the call.
    “Phoenix … what if that was—”
    “No. Tonight is your night. Whoever that is can wait.”
    It rings again, the vibrating sound against the wood irritating us both.
    I take the two steps toward the nightstand to pick up his phone. It’s his dad. As much as I need Phoenix right now, he needs to talk with him.
    That doesn’t mean I can’t drive him crazy in the process though. I smile sweetly at Phoenix and push the accept button.
    “Hi, Mr. Wolfe!” I toy with the lace on the cup of my bra as I watch Phoenix explore my near naked body from afar. “Sure. Phoenix is right here.”
    I hand him the phone with a smirk and reach around to unclasp my bra. Phoenix clears his throat before shaking his head with a devilish look in his eyes. He excuses himself to the kitchen. Quickly, I grab my softest camisole and slip into a pair of Phoenix's plaid boxers.
    Minutes later he returns, handing me a glass of wine.
    “That wasn’t very nice, Ivy.” His voice is low and brooding.
    “Neither is ignoring your dad.” I smile sweetly and take a healthy sip from the stemless glass. He mulls over my words, realizing I’m right and swiftly changes the subject.
    “Nice underwear.”
    “Thanks.” I wink. “And thank you again for the wonderful evening, Phoenix. It truly was unexpected.”
    He grins and takes the paper crane charm around my neck in between his fingers. “It looks beautiful on you.” He pauses thoughtfully while savoring a small sip of wine. “So … we could … uh, watch a