He studied me briefly and then nodded. “You’re right.”
“Plus, why shouldn’t I drive since the restaurant’s closer to you, too? I promise, this doesn’t detract from your manhood.”
Noah smirked. “Of course, it doesn’t. That wasn’t even a question.”
“Okay, and it also doesn’t reflect on your standing as a gentleman.” I propped my hands on my hips. “Are we good here now?”
“Eh, I guess we are. As long as you promise you’re not secretly resenting me, that is.”
I held up one hand. “Hand to God. I’m not some wilting violet, Noah. I can take care of myself, and I have no problem doing so. I don’t feel slighted when a guy asks me to drive or to pay my own way at dinner.”
He pointed a finger, tapping me on the nose. “Don’t even think that’s happening, lady. And I’d like to cover your gas—”
Imitating his move, I poked his nose with my finger. “Don’t even think that’s happening,mister. I’m not some poor bimbo who’s looking at you like you’re my big payday. I’m a professional. I’m a doctor. I own my practice. I own a house. I’m a grown-up.”
“I know.” He rolled one shoulder. “I know all this about you, and none of what I’ve said means I think you’re less than a huge fucking deal, Alison. It’s just me.”
“Well, get over yourself, mag man.” I dazzled him with a smile to take away some of the sting, make the words a tease and not a scold. “And invite me inside your gorgeous home.”
“Ah, I’m not going to do that.” With an apologetic wince, Noah reached behind him and closed the door. “We have reservations, and we have to leave now if we want to make them.”
“Oh. Okay.” I watched Noah lock the deadbolt. “I didn’t know we were on a schedule.”
“It’s not a man-made itinerary. As a matter of fact, I can’t control it at all.” He offered me his hand, and when I took it, his fingers closed tightly around mine. “I got us a perfect table to watch the sun set over the Gulf. But if we don’t get there in time, we’ll miss the show.”
* * *
“Okay,I admit it. You were absolutely right. The sunset was worth getting here on time. The view is incredible.” I leaned forward a little to gaze out at the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
“It really is.” Noah’s deep voice held a note that made me glance his way . . . and then look again, because he wasn’t paying any attention to the Gulf or the sunset or the picturesque scene outside our window. His eyes were fastened steadily on me.
“Stop.” Feeling my cheeks heat, I sat back and stared at my empty plate.
“Why?” He sounded amused. “I’m only saying what’s true. You’re beautiful, Alison. From head to toe . . . and inside and out.”
“I’m really not.” I fiddled with my salad fork. “I’m fairly ordinary, Noah. And I’d think you would realize that more than anyone else.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” His brows drew together.
“You’ve been with two extraordinarily gorgeous women. You were married to Angela, and even though I never met her, I’ve seen pictures. She was perfect. And then there’s Emma. She’s . . .” I tossed up my hands. “I don’t have to tell you. She’s not only young and pretty, she’s got this—thing. It’s this glow or vibe that draws people to her.” I shrugged. “Next to them, I’m kind of plain.”
“Bullshit.” Noah folded his arms over his broad chest. “Absolute bullshit. Yeah, Angela was lovely. She was incredible. And Emma’s an attractive woman. But when I said you’re beautiful, I meant it.” He lowered his voice, dipping his head as he spoke. “I’ve seen every inch of you, honeybun. Trust me when I say you are . . . exquisite. Your skin is soft as a feather, your curves are luscious, you smell heavenly, and you taste even better.” His mouth curved into a wicked grin. “Trust me. I know.”
When I opened my mouth to protest again, he reached out to touch my lips. “Here is where you say,why, thank you, Noah. And you’re pretty hot, too, you adorable sex god, you.”
I couldn’t help giggling. “Adorable sex god? Really?”
He spread his hands. “What? That’s what I am.” His grin stretched, lighting up his whole face. “Yeah, I might have had sex with only two women in my whole life, but that means I have a perfect, unbroken record of satisfying my ladies.”
“You won’t get any argument here.” I grinned and lifted my wine glass to touch his.
“So what have you been up to since Sunday?” He leaned back in his chair, watching me.
“Aside from saving the small town of Bayerton from various and sundry diseases and injuries? Not that much. Oh, I did get to the building supply store to pick out my new tile for the upstairs bath. That’s one job I can’t wait to get done.”
“You’re redoing your bathroom?”
I wrinkled my nose. “I’m redoing my entire house. It’s a fixer upper, and I am the fixer.”
