Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

13. First Date, Kinda Nervous

13

first date, kinda nervous

Selah

Brooklyn, NY | October 21, 2023

I look myself over in the mirror and hold my breath as I spritz perfume on my chest and neck. My doorbell rings, and my eyes widen.

He’s here.

As I step into the hallway, I do another quick spritz in my hair and fan myself. Smoothing my hands over my dress, I approach the door, exhaling deeply before I answer it. He stands there drinking me in before he speaks and I suddenly feel hot.

“Hi.”

“Hey, you look amazing.”

“Thank you.”

He smiles wide and fishes his wallet from his pocket, waving it at me.

“I didn’t forget.”

I raise my brows and do a clapping motion.

He guffaws. “Selah, I’d like to prove that I have a paycheck since you think I’m unemployed.”

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Is it working? ”

“No. Ask me at the end of the date.”

“Fair enough. Are you ready?”

I nod, shutting the door behind me.

The car ride to Brooklyn is unique. He opened my door and buckled my seatbelt for me. I worry he may have heard my heart beating out my chest, but he didn’t acknowledge it. We locked eyes for a moment when he pulled back to close the door, and I smiled softly. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing veiny arms and a few tattoos of his own that are usually hidden. He even drives sexy , with one hand on the wheel and the other resting on the center console. At one point, he throws his arm in front of me when he hits his brakes.

How will I survive the date if everything he’s doing has me ready to bite a pillow and scream?

His music selections are great, but we talk the entire time, which is odd for me because I’m not much of a talker. I take Daya’s advice and guide him into conversations by asking questions. This will give me time to consider my answers, so I’m less likely to blurt shit out and embarrass myself. So far, it’s working.

He takes me to a pizzeria for lunch and I couldn’t be happier. I was nervous when he didn’t ask beforehand what I liked, but he did good. He asks if I had any ‘fun facts’ about myself, which I thought was cute. He mentioned he loves attending weddings. I share that I collect vinyl, and he lights up like he got an idea. He shared that there’s a record store near here if I don’t grow tired of him after the bookstore. Of course I’d like that. Why would I get sick of him? He’s doing amazing, and no strikes so far.

Knock on wood.

He shares that he was born and raised here in Brooklyn, and this restaurant was a childhood favorite. I love that he brought me somewhere meaningful to him. He asks me about growing up in St. Louis, my job, how long I’ve been in New York and how I’m liking it here. The ‘Fuck It List’ comes up when he asks more about the pole dancing, which I should’ve been prepared for. I give a quick summary of what it is and that I’m trying to complete thirty tasks by my thirtieth birthday.

“What inspired your ‘ Fuck It List ?’” he asks.

“I feel like I wasted my twenties with a partner that dimmed my light. I missed a lot of opportunities because I prioritized him and once I left, I had no clue how to be alone. I’ve spent the last two years learning who I am through taking risks and forcing myself out of my comfort zone,” I sigh. The ‘ Fuck It List ’ encouraged me to stop making excuses and just go for it. I’ve learned that nothing is too big or small if it truly matters to me.”

I notice a tattoo peeking through his neckline, and I ask about it, deciding to ask about them gradually like he does mine. He has flowers that he taught me to pronounce as mugunghwa ???? 1 on his right shoulder and bicep. He informs me it is the national flower of South Korea and can symbolize either eternity or inexhaustible abundance. The conversation flows and we stay far longer than we expected to, but we’re enjoying this time together.

When we head to the bookstore, I am enamored by how pink and adorable this shop is. Greyson is right behind me, holding all the books I want and asking questions as we make our way through the store. He is such a good sport and doesn’t get annoyed by me pointing at every book I’ve read just to tell him that I’ve read it. Instead, he’s fascinated.

He surprised me when he suggested we find a book to read together for the first time, so I made it a mission to find a book with our favorite tropes and a blurb that gave us chills. By the time we ring up our haul, the clerk tells us we picked great selections. I take a few steps away and check my phone when she rings up the final books so that I don’t have to see that total. He wasn’t lying when he said I could have any book I fucking wanted in that store.

He loads the books into his SUV truck and asks if I’m sick of him yet. I’m not, so he takes me to the record store in the neighborhood and we managed to come out with a few gems for a good price too. I argued with him that I wanted to buy my own vinyl, but he refused. Still no strikes.

We take a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge in time for sunset and it’s incredible. I share another fun fact about myself: I love a starry sky and beautiful sunset. Though, since I moved to New York, I don’t have the pleasure of seeing the stars like I did back home.

The ride home is smooth, just like the day had been. It’s even more intense because we had an incredible date, and Greyson is effortlessly sexy. It’s crossed my mind that we should go back to my place and check a thing or two off my list, but I’m perplexed since this is the best date I’ve ever been on and he’s my neighbor. I also wouldn’t mind going out with him again.

We step onto the sixth floor and he’s carrying bags from our shopping hauls in one hand. He’s done that all night, kept a hand free. I figured it was because he wanted to hold my hand, but he hasn’t tried to.

I would let him.

He insisted on walking me to my door, and I’m biting my lip to hide my smile. I’ve been grinning all night, and my cheeks hurt. It’s a vast comparison to any date I’ve ever been on. We walk side-by-side when I look over and find him eyeing me curiously.

“What’s something on the list that you need a partner for? There’s gotta be something ‘safe for work’ on there.”

Oh my god.

“Experience an earth-shattering kiss,” I mumble.

“You know I didn’t hear that. Can you be a little louder or at least whisper in my ear this time?”

We stop in front of my door, and I focus on unlocking it while I gain the courage to repeat myself.

“Experience an earth-shattering kiss,” I say louder. I nearly tumble into my apartment when the door swings open, and he wraps his free hand around my waist, catching me.

Always embarrassing myself in front of him.

He clears his throat and sets me down, dropping the bags in the entryway.

He continues our conversation. “I knew you had something on there that wasn’t nasty. You know nasty doesn’t bother me,” he adds with a wink. “All those dates you’ve been on and not even one kiss, huh?”

I shake my head reluctantly.

“Do you want help with that one?” He licks his lips.

I stare at him incredulously.

“Uh, I was just answering your question.”

“So, you don’t want me to help with that goal?”

I giggle nervously. “I didn’t say that.”

“Tell me what you want, Selah,” he says in a gravelly tone.

Oh My God.

“Um. I want you to kiss me, Greyson,” I whisper hoarsely.

He leans forward, staring at my lips, tilting my chin towards him. His mouth closes over mine with a demanding kiss. His tongue swipes at the seam of my lips, and I grant him entry, savoring his flavor. He indulges, pressing his hard body against me and I melt into him. He tapers off the kiss with gentle nips as he returns to his height. Our chests rise and fall as we catch our breaths.

He rubs his thumb over my bottom lip, holding my gaze. I feel my legs quivering.

“Is it working?” he asks.

“What?”

“You said to ask at the end of the date.”

Oh. The seducing me thing.

“Yeah,” I say breathily.

“Remember, I’m a call away if you need anything,” he says, flashing a smile as he walks backward .

He’s diabolical.

“Goodnight, Selah. See you Tuesday?”

I stand in the doorway reeling as I take him in once more.

“Of course. Good night, Greyson.”

1 ? hibiscus syriacus