I couldn’t help the growl that escaped my mouth. Or the laugh that followed. “You know what? I’m a grown man, successful, independent, and you bring me to my knees.”
This got me an even bigger laugh from Margo, her head thrown back with abandon, exposing the expanse of her neck.
“Oh, don’t do that,” I whispered in her ear. “Makes me want to nip and lick my way up your neck to your mouth.”
Her chin tucked down now, she stared at me and deadpanned, “Hey, Mr. I Want to Take It Slow ... stop making lewd suggestions.” Her lips tipped up, so I could tell she was joking.
“Touché, touché. Now, back to Dale and your idea.”
I made a note to check this Dale guy out. Could be he’d sniffed out Margo’s situation at home and was moving in for the kill. Not that I was any better, but I spotted her first.
“Well, he’s so lost when it comes to social media and parenting, and it occurred to me that not everyone knows as much as I do. He’d like me to give him some tips, but I’ve come across a whole series of apps to help monitor kids on their phones. And get this? Most of them are developed by women. STEM moms,” she said, laughing while saying the last part.
When I gave her a confused look, she explained. “You know, S-T-E-M. Science, technology, engineering, or math. It’s big in schools.”
I couldn’t help but grin. Margo’s excitement was contagious.
“Damn, you’re smart. I really dig it,” I said as our fries arrived.
“I don’t know about that, but this is pretty cool, and I have a call in to my editor. I want to do a spread, and you know what the hook is?” She paused and grabbed a fry.
“What’s the hook?” I asked, watching her chew and wanting to lick the salt off her lips.
“These apps could charge a ton for ads or sponsors. Can you imagine how big and specific an audience advertisers would be reaching? On an app developed by moms for parents?” She took a sip of her wine, then mumbled, “Shoot. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m going on and on about parenting.”
“Hey, it’s cool. I love how enthusiastic you become when you’re excited about something. It’s hard not to catch the spirit ... even if I have no idea what you’re going on about.”
“How about I have a few fries and some more wine and take it down a notch, and you tell me what’s happening with you.”
She took a fry as Wes delivered the other appetizers, and she kept chewing, nodding her thanks.
“I bought a restaurant in New York. Foolish investment. I had the money to play around with, but not the time.”
“Wow. A big place? What kind of food? Tell me everything.”
It was the first time I’d talked business with a date, a woman who I didn’t do business with. It was strange but comforting to share the details of it with someone. I went over the risks and how the restaurant was basically falling apart.
Margo listened intently, and every so often, ran her hand over my knee.
From afar, we were two people in lust. Sexual tension radiated between us. If you came too close, though, you’d see her wedding band and my lack of one, and know someone was going to get burned.
“So, I sent Brad there to deal with it because I need to spend my time here.”
“Lucky for me. Although, I should say I’m sorry for the randomness of today. When I texted yesterday, I didn’t mean to make you change your plans or be so ... formidable.”
Bringing my hand to her face, I gave my thumb permission to swipe her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin and absorbing every shock wave the touch brought me.
“You can be as formidable as you’d like, and you know what? You don’t ever have to apologize for your behavior to me.”
Her eyes turned downward, and I took in her lashes fluttering. She looked up and stared at me before speaking again.
“When I look into your eyes, your deep, dark eyes, which should be sinister, but they’re not, I believe you. I believe I shouldn’t have to apologize or be hit for forgetting to pick something up at the store.” Her hand came up to cover her mouth, to force her admission back inside, but it was too late.
“You know what? I’m done with slow,” I said in her ear, and she peeked up at me, her eyes shadowed by her hair. “Not that kind of slow, but the kind where I can hold you and run my hand down your back and kiss you as much as I want.”
Her breath caught in her throat, and she nodded. “That may be nice.”
“Let’s go,” I said. “We have some more time tonight?”
