The Panty Dropper (Valentine's Love in the City Short) Read Free Page A

they don’t fit great.
    “Alright, I’ll wear them, but I’m breaking their bad reputation tonight,” I state.
    “Whatever.” She hands me a tube of lipstick. “Wear this one tonight. It’s the perfect red for you.”
    “I don’t wear red.”
    “How many Panty Droppers have asked you out in your life?” I look at her defeated. “Exactly, so pucker up and go with it.”
    “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this bossy before.” I’m standing in front of the mirror over my dresser applying the lipstick. She’s right, the color looks great.
    “I’m your biggest cheerleader tonight and don’t mean to come across bossy. But an opportunity like this doesn’t come knocking at your door every day.” We both catch the irony and burst out laughing.
    “So true.” I stand up and face her, placing my hands out to the side. “What do you think?”
    “You look great,” she approves. “There’s something about you tonight. I bet he can’t keep his hands off you.”
    “It’s strange. I feel different too.” I’m nervous in an excited way, not the usual I wonder if he likes me mood. It’s pretty clear he does. The connection was there earlier.
    “One more thing.” Monica reaches into her bag of tricks and pulls out a bottle of whiskey. “Show me to your shot glasses.”
    “I don’t think this is a good idea,” I warn.
    “Just one. It’ll loosen you up. Besides you never get sick when you mix alcohol. You old rock gut.”
    I place two shot glasses on the counter and watch the amber liquid pour from the bottle. We pick them up and tap them against each other.
    “Here’s to Valentine’s Day. Who knows? It may become the best day of your life.”
    “Yeah, who knows? Cheers.” I place the glass to my lips and slam the whiskey back. “Wow. I forgot how wicked that stuff is. I’ll need a breath mint for sure now.”
    Monica digs around in her purse and hands me some mints. “We can’t have you reeking of booze.”
    “Oh, I almost forgot. I need to spray on some perfume.” Before the whole word perfume is out of my mouth, I see Monica holding her cherished Chanel No. 5. “Jeez, you’re quick.”
    She has me hold out my arms like she’s spraying me with bug repellent. I’m afraid that she’s overdoing it, but her movements are quick and few. It’s like I’ve been spritzed not doused, so hopefully, I won’t overwhelm him.
    Him. Ethan, The Panty Dropper. I can’t believe my luck.
    Glancing at the clock on the microwave I see that I need to leave now or I’ll be late.
    “Well, this is it,” I tell Monica bending down to grab my tote. “Wish me luck.”
    “I hope you both get lucky.” Monica can’t quit the push for us to have sex and I give her the stink eye. “Hey, I’m living vicariously through you tonight.”
    “I know.”  After giving her a hug, I head to the door. “Thanks for everything. I mean it. And if I’m never heard from again, his name is Ethan Murphy, apartment 814.”
    “Got it,” she says with a smile. “I’ll stay and clean off your bed, though I hope you don’t sleep in it tonight.”
    Funny, but something inside of me just might be fine with that too.
     

Dinner is served
     
    I take the elevator up to his floor. It’s just two flights via the stairs, but I can’t risk twisting my ankle in these heels. As the elevator carries me up, I get almost giddy. The door opens and I walk out into the hall taking a few deep breaths to calm myself down.
    There are fewer apartments on his floor than on mine. Since it’s the top of the building, I’m imagining they’re more spacious, penthouse style. The thought makes me wonder what he does to afford such a place. He seems fairly young, around thirty or so.
    Well, I’m going to find out a lot about him. I raise my hand and form a fist.
    Here it goes.
    My knuckles tap on the door. Hopefully, the knock was loud enough for him to hear.
    Literally, two seconds pass and the door swings open. He’s in dark jeans