“Thank you for arranging the spa tour. It’s reassuring that I’ve created a relaxing and calm space for clients.”
“You deserve the best. Your grand opening will be the talk of the town. I know it. How’s the planning going?”
“I’m ready. We will be cleaning, adding final touches, and some decorations over the next week or so, but other than that, I think we are ready. Although I’m a bit nervous.”
He leans in and says, “I’ll be there, so you don’t have to be nervous. And my Gram will be there too. She will help you host.” We both laugh; Jane knows almost everyone in town.
“You know, now that you mention your Gram, why didn’t you tell her we were going on a date?”
He massages the back of his neck and then says, “I think she has been trying to set us up for a while now. She’s my everything, and with my recent track record, I didn’t want her hopes up and be disappointed.”
“Ah, okay. I thought you were keeping me a secret, and that brought up a lot of baggage. So thank you for explaining that to me.”
He stands up, walks to me, holds my hand, and lifts me to my feet before kissing me with hungry lips. “Sweetheart, Idon’t want to keep you a secret. I want everyone to know that you're mine—when the time is right. So far, this date is beyond expectations, and I might be confident in saying this isn’t the last one.”
I melt in his arms as he says all of this to me. “Yeah, I don’t see this being the only date for us.”
Twirling me around and dipping me, he kisses my neck. “I can’t wait to see where this goes.”
A laugh escapes me. “You’re over the top… but I like it.”
He slides the chair out and gestures for me to sit. “Get used to it. I have more where all this comes from.”
Our dinner comes out, and we eat. With every bite, Dane stares at me. I’m trying my damndest not to moan, but this lobster is too good not to. The wild look in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed.
“There’s still time to change your mind about the hotel room,” he says with one eyebrow arched at me and a sly grin to match his tone.
“Dane, it’s not happening,” I say with as much conviction as I can because I want nothing more than to be wrapped in his arms tonight. But…I need to know that’s not the only reason he is treating me like he worships me.
He groans. “It was worth a shot.”
I’m surprised he doesn’t try to convince me. He’s being playful, but also respectful of my wishes not to. My body sinks further into the chair. Maybe he’s turned over a new leaf, and this is something he wants to pursue for real.
“I’ll give it to you for trying,” I smirk and flutter my eyelashes at him.
“He can’t look at me like that and expect me not to keep trying.”
“Stop it. You’re being dramatic.”
“Me?” He points to himself. “That look was dramatic, and I wouldn’t mind seeing those eyes staring back at me with your feet by your ears.”
I gasp and let out a laugh so loud that the party next to us stares. “Well, maybe one day your dream will come true,” I tease.
“I’m persistent.” I watch him adjust himself. Fanning myself is not an option; I don’t want to send him mixed messages.
“Oh, I know firsthand how persistent you are.” We wouldn’t be here if he weren’t.
“Alright, sweetheart, the ferry will be here soon. Ready to take a walk.”
I never imagined having a date like this with him. Clearly, he is focused only on me. It’s endearing, and my body fills with the warmth of his hand on my lower back as we walk back to the dock.
Once we are on the ferry, the sun is setting, with bursts of orange and hints of pink. He holds me while my hand rests on his thigh, and my head on his shoulder. The ride back went by faster this time around.
Walking to the car, he says. “I can bring you home, or the invitation is still open for a dip in the hot tub.”
I stare at him, contemplating his invitation. “This has been one of the best dates I’ve ever been on.”
“Me too, sweetheart.” He runs his hands through my hair.
