Chapter 11

"I think that we should stop," she told him. Miranda's eyes searched his.

"Are you waiting for me to be upset or something?" He asked sitting back.

She licked her lips. "A little."

"We go at your speed," he said smiling.

"Thank you." She played with her hair. "Look, uh, I haven't had many relationships, so..."

"No need to explain, Miranda. I didn't go out with you hoping for sex."

Miranda cocked her head to the side. "You didn't?"

"No, of course not. I'm not that kind of guy."

She took his hand, sliding her smaller one into it. "What kind of guy are you?"

He kissed her cheek lazily. "I'm the kind of guy who will wake you up in the middle of the night to go for a drive, so we can watch the stars at the top of a mountain."

"I'd kill you."

"You'd love it," he told her, the bass in his voice rattled his body. "I'm the guy who texts you during the day to make sure you're straight."

"And if I am?" She asked moving closer, putting her legs in his lap.

His hands stroked her leg, moving upward to her thigh. Her skin jumped as he touched her. "Then, I tell you to continue having a great day and that I'd see you later."

"And if I'm not?"

He sighed. "I find time in my schedule to come and see you to cheer you up, even if it's for twenty minutes." Miranda didn't know why, but there were tears in her eyes. Was she being punked by the Gods? Would she wake up to all of this being a dream? Why was this Ben Warren saying these things and to her? "Miranda?"

"Y-yeah?"

His hand was on her chin, making him looking at her. "What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, she said: "Nothing."

"Okay," Ben said unconvinced. "So, I know that I move fast sometimes. I've been told, but I'm a passionate man and—"

Miranda leaned over and kissed him softly; before she could pull away, his tongue was swiping her lips demanding entrance. She opened her mouth slightly needing to taste him again. The sounds of their quieted moans drove her up the wall. She wanted him so badly, she couldn't see straight. How long until she could have him? He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I want what you're offering," she said with closed eyes, their foreheads pressed together.

"Yeah?"

She agreed with a nod. "I show my passion in other ways."

"I can't wait to find out how," he said with a smile. Suddenly, Miranda's apartment went black. "Did you forget to pay your bill?" Ben laughed.

She jumped up. "Ha ha ha." Going to the window, she saw that the entire street was dark. "Must be a blackout." In the kitchen, she pulled out a few candles, placing them around the front of her apartment before lighting them.

"Romantic."

"Stop it," she grinned. She had to admit, it was a little romantic. Kissing by candlelight should be fun. Her heart did somersaults thinking about it. Her date with Ben just kept getting better and better. And the more they talked, the more comfortable she got with him. Miranda owed fate a bit of gratitude. He asked about the bathroom, pulling her from her thoughts and she pointed, dipping into her bedroom to check her face and hair. When he emerged, she was still in her room. He knocked on the threshold. "Hey."

"What are you doing in here?"

"Just... waiting for some guy to come out of the bathroom."

"Some guy, huh?" She shrugged and he walked over to her, hugging her tightly. "I could do this all day and all night."

"I'd let you," she said softly as they kissed again. Heat rose between her legs and between their bodies. Ben's hand was on her ass, squeezing it possessively. His leg was right between hers and each movement she made caused friction, sending her spiraling. "We... should get back to the front so my apartment doesn't burn."

He smoothed down her hair, tugging on her tendrils a little. "Can't have that."

In the front, as they talked, learning more about each other. Kenny opened the door. "It is so dark out there, the entire city must be blacked out," he said waltzing in with a box of doughnuts. "Not that you two care, loving it up on the couch."

"Shut up," Miranda said. "And bring me that box." Kenny handed her the snack box. "Close your eyes."

"Me? Why?" Ben asked.

She leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth. "Now will you do it?" He closed his eyes and she picked up a doughnut. "Open your mouth."

"I feel like I shouldn't be in here for this game," Kenny said taking the open wine bottle, heading into her bedroom.

"Guess the flavor," she said putting a piece of dessert to his lips, he ate it, kissing her fingers in the process.

"Mmm... is that chocolate... something?"

Miranda took a bite. "Very close."

"I need another taste," he said. She touched his chin and kissed him. "Chocolate glazed."

"Correct."

"Give me another one," he said opening his eyes. She kissed him again, easing her tongue into his mouth. She simply couldn't get enough of this Ben Warren. He invaded her senses and she lost herself in his brown eyes and dazzling smile. Miranda was sprung. "I, um, actually meant of the doughnut."

Laughing, she pushed his chest. "Fine."

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding," he said kissing her once more.

"Mmm-hmm," she told him. "That's what I thought."

The End