My attraction to him burned stronger now, and it went well beyond the physical.I was falling for the thoughtful, charming man who treated me as his equal.
Satisfied with my appearance, I stepped into the living room.Emmett stood by the window, staring at the city skyline.Dressed more casually now—fitted, dark wash jeans and an ivory sweater, with his coat slung over a forearm—he turned his appreciative gaze on me.
I shivered in anticipation of whatever he had planned next.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
EMMETT
The first thingthat hit me when we stepped into the restaurant were the mouthwatering smells, closely followed by the ambiance.Warm light from antique lamps cast a cozy glow over plush, burgundy booths and dark mahogany tables.The faint sounds of clinking glasses and hushed conversation mingled with soft jazz playing in the background.I glanced over at Callie.Her eyes sparkled in the intimate lighting.
It was as romantic as I had hoped.
While I planned to nudge her along, I had told her totake her timeto get used to this thing between us.And then she walked out of her bedroom this morning looking like the sleep-rumpled goddess of my domestic fantasies.
I wondered if other men’s fantasies consisted of lazy weekends at home with the wife and kids.When Callie asked me if I wanted children, it was all I could picture.A life I craved but barely dared to hope for.
The hostess led us to a private alcove near the window, where we could gaze out at the twinkling lights of the city.I pulled out Callie’s chair for her before settling into my own seat across the small table.Our knees brushed together, sending a thrill through me.
It was the same thrill I felt this morning when I touched her, when I nearly kissed her.I hadn’t given her a chance to run away after the meeting.It felt selfish to take what she was unsure she could give.But I considered it a birthday present to myself—a little indulgence to hold me over until she was ready.
Hopefully, tonight’s dinner would help speed her along.
Callie worried her bottom lip as she scanned the menu.Adorable.Effortlessly sexy.
She must have felt my eyes on her, because she looked up.I smiled over the top of my menu.“What do you say we celebrate our successful day with a bottle of your favorite wine?”
She raised an eyebrow.“Shouldn’t we be getting your favorite?It is your birthday after all.”
“Lucky for us, I’m rich enough that we can get both.”
She aimed a kick at me under the table.When the waiter arrived, I ordered a bottle of their best Malbec—my personal favorite.Callie’s eyes widened as she looked from me to the waiter and back again.
“What?”I asked, tilting my head quizzically.Does she not like Malbec?
“Nothing, it’s just...”Her cheeks colored.“Malbec happens to be my favorite, too.”
I broke into a delighted smile.What are the odds?Finding another shared interest, no matter how small, made me feel warm inside.
The waiter returned with our wine.The deep crimson liquid shone in the dim light as he poured it into our glasses.I gestured toward Callie, insisting that she take the first sip.She raised the glass to her lips and took a small taste, her eyes fluttering closed.My cock stiffened at her soft moan.
“Fuck,” I muttered, trying to distract myself from the sensual sound.I scanned the menu, my mind racing to put together an order that would cater to both of our tastes.
“How about we try the scallops to start, followed by the ribeye steak for me and the salmon for you?And maybe some truffle mac and cheese on the side?”
Callie’s nodded approvingly.“That sounds perfect.How did you...?”
I smiled, leaning back in my chair.“I pay attention, Callie.Every word you say, every gesture you make.Like when you ordered that salad at lunch for Meghan’s birthday?You barely touched it because it had too much dressing.I noticed.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback.
“Plus, you don’t even like salad.You just ordered one because all the insipid socialites at the table did.So tonight, you’ll eat truffle mac and cheese, and drink wine, and maybe have some chocolate cake for dessert.Because you like rich things—me included.”
She gaped at me then burst into laughter.“You’re something else, you know that?”
I couldn’t help reaching across the table to take her hand.Goosebumps flared on her arm when our skin touched.Her gaze dropped, staring at our joined hands as I stroked a thumb along her knuckles.Her voice turned serious, almost melancholy.“I love how effortlessly you touch me.I never had that with Hugh.”
I tightened my grip on her hand as jealousy spiked through me.“For the love of God, Callie.Please do not mention another man when I’m sitting here sporting a hard-on for you.”
