“Yes, since he was a wee lad and entertaining sponsors.”
I eyed up Jack. “I was never wee, and you’re from Wisconsin…”
“Nice to meet you, Jack, and feel free to make fun of Daniel any time for my benefit.”
“What the lady wants…the lady gets,” Jack joked. “Come, this way.” He walked us toward the back to a small alcove table set for two.
Wren slid in first, and the best part was I got to sit right next to her. Jack handed us menus, detailing a divine roasted eggplant on focaccia that they were featuring, before slipping away.
“So, this is your joint?” Wren looked at me, her beautiful face on display.
“One of them. Jack and I met in the clubhouse many moons ago. He was there as a guest and we hit it off. I’ve been coming in ever since. He does a great job of managing the celebrities and their privacy while servicing everyday people like me.”
“I’d hardly say you’re an everyday person.”
“Tomato, tomahto.” I ran my palm down her thigh and she graced me with a smile. “Is that okay? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine…as long as you don’t call me Doc.”
“Scout’s honor,” I said, tossing my hand up in the air.
We were interrupted. “Hi, I’m Ashley, and I’ll be serving you today.” She set a glass of white wine in front of us both. “These are from Jack.”
“Tell him thanks,” I said, looking at Ashley. I hated to admit how lonely it felt losing eye contact with Wren for only a few seconds.
“Do you need a few minutes?” Ashley inquired, further dominating my attention.
“We haven’t looked, but will you send over the focaccia?”
“Will do.”
Finally, Ashley was gone, and I silently wished for her not to return. With my focus back on Wren, I said, “Cheers,” while holding up my glass.
I took a sip, not realizing how much the slight alcohol would burn and steady my nerves. I took another and closed my eyes, thinking I couldn’t mess this moment up—
“I don’t think I’ve had a midday lunch out…ever,” Wren said, setting her glass down.
“Well, it is dinnertime where you are from, so it’s actually a dinner date. One with me.” I’d never been the beat-on-my-chest kind of guy, but I was rapidly turning into one.
“Are you wooing me?” Wren looked at me with an eyebrow raised.
She was so sexy; I wanted to plant a kiss right there, above her eye. Instead, I squeezed her thigh. “You got me. Now, back to your language of love. Are you willing to let me in on the secret so I can woo faster? I only have four days.” I wanted to make this woman happy in a way I didn’t understand. I’d gone from college-aged crush to full-on midlife aching in a moment’s time, and there was no rhyme or reason. Other than Wren lit a spark in me that I’d never been able to explain.
“You know what? I don’t really know… Sad but true. I love Rourke because he’s my family, and as you know I always wanted to take care of animals. My work does make me happy. I’m successful and well-regarded among my colleagues, and I definitely don’t miss my parents’ nagging. But—and this is a big but—I don’t really know what makes my heart race. But—and this is a big but—I’m enjoying this. Sitting down, not rushing, having a glass of wine, and simply being.” She smiled, her whole face lighting up, and I told myself that look was all for me and had nothing to do with being relaxed or unwinding.
I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and ran my lips over her ear. “Here’s to simply being,” I whispered just for her.
She looked at me and I watched her chest rise and fall with her inhale and exhale. “I like that. I’m so glad I came,” she admitted aloud.
In that moment a flush of heat flooded my chest, and in an effort to cool and calm myself, I took another gulp of wine.
Sadly, my mojo was quickly doused when Ashley returned with the focaccia and took our orders. Wren looked at the menu and decided on a chopped salad. I went with the mixed grill plate.
“Another round?” Ashley looked at us.
“Why not?” Wren said and our server was happily walking away from us.
We got right back to talking, Wren asking about the club where I worked, and if she could see it.
