Sticking with my why the hell not philosophy, I apply a moisturizer on my skin and tinted pink balm on my lips. I feel pretty good. Without the mask of makeup, I’m only myself.

Shuffling through my clothes now hanging in the room’s closet, I decide to go with tight jeans, a white tank top that shows off my boobs, and short Rag & Bone booties in black suede. Am I ready? I hope so.

Slade knocks on the door exactly on time. I open it, wrapping one foot behind my opposite ankle. He lets out a long, slow whistle as he stares at me from my feet up to my face.

I shrug happily, bending my head down almost shyly. Now that he’s here, I’m wondering if I really should have done more with my face. Some lip gloss at least. Meanwhile, Slade looks sexy and casual in dark jeans and a navy shirt, his hair freshly buzzed.

“Ready?” After a flicker of a moment, his eyes lower. “What’s wrong?”

I open and close my mouth a few times, but nothing comes out. What to say to this man?

Oh, I normally never walk out of the house with so little makeup but had this weird epiphany that I didn’t care. But, now that you’re here and I want to impress you, I think I might have gone the wrong route.

I straighten my back. Well, what’s done is done. If he doesn’t love the way I look naturally, then there’s nothing I can do about it now. I won’t be ashamed of myself.

I grab my bag off the edge of the bed as we head out toward the elevator. “I wanted to bring my bike but thought you’d be more comfortable in the truck late at night.”

My chest inflates at his thoughtfulness. “Either is okay. I tried to be casual tonight.”

I risk a look at his face. His eyes are warm and happy. The monster from days ago is gone.

“Yeah, I like it.” He nods slow, taking me in again. “You look hot, no matter what, but this laid-back look …” His voice trails off as I wait for his answer. “I like it more. I like to see you.”

“You do?” My eyes widen.

He smiles warmly, moving a stray hair away from my face. “Yeah, babe, I do.”

I want to lean up and kiss him, but he’s not giving me the option. Standing at his full, huge height, he’s just so physically intense.

We leave the hotel, where the valet guy stands in front of Slade’s truck. Slade gives him a back pat with some cash and holds the door open for me.

Stepping inside, I immediately notice how fresh it looks. “Did you just get it cleaned?”

“Yep.” He nods. “I don’t like things to be unorganized or dirty.” He shuts the door and walks to the driver’s seat.

I look at my nails, giving myself a pat on the back that they’re nice and neat.