I smile and lean forward to give him a sweet kiss. Only he wants to take it a step further, and I have no problem indulging. It doesn’t take long before the sound of a clearing throat has us pulling apart. We grin at each other before Xander turns a mock scowl toward Rafe.
“Always spoilin’ the mood.”
“Save your mood for later, lover boy,” Rafe says.
Dani busts out with a laugh, earning a curious stare from Xander. I just shake my head and giggle. Picking up the paper lotus, I thank Xander for it.
“Vikki made it,” he says. “I asked and she was happy to do it. She has some great creations.”
“I’ll say. It’s lovely.” I set it down and pick up the oil, waving it playfully. “What happened to the gallon size?”
He grins. “The store only had it in eight-ounce bottles. But I haven’t looked online yet.”
I laugh. “Don’t bother. Sixteen ounces is the biggest size I’ve found.”
“Good to know.”
I open the bottle and drop some oil on my finger, dabbing it on the beads. I then rub my finger on my neck below my ear. Xander leans toward me, inhaling deeply. “You’re right. Invigorating.”
I smile, ready to kiss him when the conversation around us picks up and Dom asks Xander about musical requests. The group makes small talk before Vikki returns with meals for Xander and Rafe along with drinks for everyone. For the next twenty minutes we enjoy stories and friendly banter, and we learn all the diving photos inside are indeed Dina and Jerald on scuba trips. They haven’t started taking their kids yet, but that’s on the horizon for the near future. As we continue to talk, I notice more patrons filling up the area.
“I was surprised to see the bar wasn’t packed when we arrived,” I say to Xander.
“Afternoon performances don’t usually draw a crowd like the nighttime ones.” He finishes his last bite, washing it down with water and wiping his hands with his napkin. “Besides, lots of activities going on due to the holiday, so more to choose from. But I’m glad we already agreed to keep our night free.” He leans in closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and caressing my bare skin. “Means I can devote my time to you.”
“I’m looking forward to that.”
He fingers a strand of my hair before tickling the back of my neck, sending chills along my skin. “You look sexy as hell,” he says, his voice raspy. “How do you expect me to control myself?”
I place my hand on his thigh, massaging up and down while playfully batting my eyelashes at him. “You’ll just have to use that herculean discipline I’m sure you possess.”
He barks with laughter. “I think you just liked using the word herculean.”
I laugh along with him. “You’re right, I did.”
He nuzzles my neck while his hand finds its way under the table and onto my thigh. He now teases me with tender strokes below the hem of my dress, wandering dangerously close to the ache building between my legs. “I’ll show you discipline.”
I turn my face into his shoulder attempting to stifle the moan bubbling in my throat. I can feel my nipples tightening and a pool of warmth settling in my core. “Xander,” I whisper against him.
A loud clap startles me and my head swivels to see Rafe standing. Xander practically growls when his friend grins at him.
“Okay, boys and girls, time for us rockstars to get back to it.” He looks pointedly at Xander.
“Yeah, yeah,” Xander grumbles.
I chuckle and give him a quick kiss. “Go on, rockstar, entertain us.”
He whispers against my lips, “I’ll entertain you, all right.” After another quick peck he’s on his feet, following Rafe to the stage. Holly and Willie return, and once they’re all set, their wonderful music resumes.
The space is filling with even more people, and as Dani and Dom scoot closer to me and Stacy, they offer the other two chairs to another couple. Stacy leans close and whispers in my ear.
“Rafe is hilarious.” She pauses as if considering her next words carefully. “And cute.”
I pull back and grin at her. “I agree. On both accounts.”
“He says he’s also going to the comedy show tonight.”
I nod, loving the broad smile on her face. It’s been too long since she’s shown it.
