Mesmerized

wishes.”
    “He wouldn’t...not really. He understands it’s my fault.”
    “Still.” He squeezed her hand and turned his attention to the TV.
    Lily sighed and flipped through the channels again. She finally stopped on a comedy. After a few minutes, she laid her head in Jake’s lap. 
    “Is this okay?” she asked sarcastically.
    “Yes.” He reached down and stroked her hair. He watched her face as she focused on the movie. She was absolutely beautiful and he wanted to give her everything she wanted. He found himself daydreaming about the day they would live together and not have parents—or crazy old men—to worry about. Of course, he’d have to get through the next couple days first. 
    When the movie was over, Lily shifted and stared up into Jake’s blue eyes. “I can’t help what I feel for you.”
    “I know.”
    “Can I tell you something?”
    “Of course.”
    “Sometimes I think about taking off the necklace so I can feel the passion even more with you.”
    He smiled and played with her necklace letting his mind wander. “Maybe someday.”
    “I can tell you want to.”
    “Well, yeah, Lily. I want to. But, I have to control myself. Trust me it's not easy.”
    Lily knew it was wrong to want to be with him right there in that moment, but her body kept telling her otherwise. Her body was screaming that it was right. She sat herself up in his lap and threw her arms around his neck. She knew exactly how to get him going. She kissed his neck and breathed into his ear. She continued kissing him until she reached his lips and then she hesitated, licking her lips, teasing him.
    It didn’t take him long to let go and press his lips against hers, slowly making his way down her neck.
    He stopped kissing and was breathing hard. “Lily, we can’t do this right now.”
    “Oh c’mon.” She wrapped her fingers in his hair. 
     “Lily, stop. I...I want to be with you forever. I don’t want your dad mad at me for all that time as well. I don't want this to be all that is between us.”
     Lily stood up and stomped away. In the hotel bedroom, she paced the length of the room, fiddling with her necklace the whole time. She knew he was right. She couldn’t help the way she felt. She wanted him, all of him, all the time. That’s what she was. But, she also wanted a real relationship not based only on sexual attraction. She was pretty disgusted with herself. How could she even be thinking of sex at times like this? 
    She heard the door open in the other room and voices. Sighing she thought maybe it was a good thing Jake had stopped her. They would be in an awkward predicament right now if she had.
    She peeked out the door. Jake and her dad were talking. Upon seeing her, Gregory said, “We’re going to be going out to eat shortly. Make sure you’re ready.”
    Lily nodded, glanced at Jake, and went to the bathroom to take a shower. Once finished, she stood in front of the mirror contemplating what to do with her hair and make-up. She put on the only dress she had brought—a black wrap-dress that accented her curves. Her necklace was on display because her top plunged so low. She stepped into her heels. She wrapped her hair in a loose bun and clipped it up. Stray hairs fell to perfectly frame her face. 
    Her mother should approve.
    Lily leaned forward in the mirror and grabbed her make-up bag. She pulled out mascara and eyeliner. She wanted to go for a more dramatic look tonight. A touch of blush and some lip-gloss and she was done.
    “I’m ready,” Lily announced she walked slowly and deliberately.
    Jake gasped as she walked in. Every step she took was a promise of what was behind the slits in her dress. Lily was going to drive people crazy and it seemed like she enjoyed the idea. Jake wondered if she was still upset with him and trying to make him jealous. That didn’t sit well with him.
    Everyone looked up at her. “You look lovely,” her mother commented.
    “Beautiful.” Jake smiled at her.
    “Let’s go,” she said, grabbing her purse.
    ***
    They chose to eat at a fancy restaurant. Everyone else stood back as Lily’s mother charmed the host into giving them a table without a reservation. 
    Lily could tell Jake was uncomfortable. She wondered if was the place or because of the close call they had earlier. She didn't talk to him on the ride over, so he probably thought she was still angry at him. She wasn't angry at him; she was angry at herself. 
    Lily didn't care for fancy