Darling

Chapter 4

Sunday afternoon comes around, and I'm putting some finishing touches on my makeup as I get ready for my date with Hailee. I never cake it on, as I always go for a no-makeup type of look. I sigh and back up to get a better look at my outfit in the mirror. I went with a black pair of ripped skinny jeans paired with a charcoal sweater.

I hear a knock at the door and open it to see Hailee waiting for me with a kind smile, wearing some light-wash jeans and a white shirt underneath a black bomber jacket along with some black combat boots.

"Hi," the brunette greets me. "Wow, you look nice."

I smile back in response. "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."

On the way to the subway, we engage in some casual conversation about work. I learn that Hailee's been cast for a TV show that's set to start filming soon, and I share what my students will be learning about this coming week. Once we arrive at Central Park, we walk around together for some time, taking in the scenery. Eventually, we grow tired of walking and lay in the grass together. The sun is setting, orangey-pink rays peeking through the trees. There are sounds of people laughing and walking all around us. It's peaceful.

I turn my head to see Hailee looking up at the sky. She notices my staring, the corners of her full lips turning up into a smile.

"You know, you never told me your last name," I say playfully. "You were a bit eager to get things started."

Hailee chuckles and rolls on her side. "It's Steinfeld. And you know, it wasn't just me. I seem to remember that you were the one who kissed me first," she challenges with a raised eyebrow.

At that, I recall the twisted reason for my sudden rush to initiate things between me and Hailee, and my inner moral compass winces at the memory. Hailee seems to notice something wrong from my lack of response and asks, "Are you okay?"

"No, no. Yeah, I'm okay," I reassure the brunette. I sit up and she follows suit. With a gentle squeeze her arm I make an attempt reassure her.

"You didn't say anything wrong. I just- I don't want you to get the idea that sex is all I'm looking for," I say, unable to meet her eyes.

After finishing my sentence, I cringe internally at my inability to lie. Because as much as I hate to admit it, sex is really all I'm looking for right now. I'm completely enamored with Ms. Olsen, but being with her could be detrimental to my career. But it surely wouldn't hurt to try with Hailee.

"I feel the same way," Hailee professes. The actress then scoots a bit closer to me and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear before guiding my lips toward hers for a soft kiss. When she does so, I fail to ignore my lack of excitement over our intimate interaction. The slightest contact between Ms. Olsen and me is enough to overwhelm me, but when I'm with Hailee, I feel nothing. In fact, the only time I felt anything with her was when I was pretending she was someone else. I feel awful for leading the brunette on, but I do feel less alone when I'm with her.

Hailee notices I'm lost in my thoughts and asks if I'm okay once again. I smile at her and nod before saying, "Just hungry," with a smile. "Wanna get some pizza? My treat."

"It's like you read my mind," Hailee says, beaming.

We stop by a pizzeria close by and enjoy our slices together. By the end of the night, she walks me to my doorstep. Before I make my way inside, she grabs my hand.

"I had a great time with you today, Margot," she says. I smile back at her and kiss her gently.

Our kisses grow deeper and needier, and Hailee's hands begin to wander down, grabbing my backside. I stop her wandering hands, Hailee whining in protest. I laugh at the sound before pulling back to look into her eyes. Her brown orbs continue looking down at my lips, tempted to continue. Seeing the girl so eager to take me to bed makes me regret ever saying I want to take it slow. I decide to tease her a bit.