The waiter approaches, and we place our drink orders. Fidgeting with my napkin, his voice breaks through my nervous thoughts. “Hey. What’s wrong?” He looks genuinely concerned, and I’m stunned he can read me so effortlessly.
“This place is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.” I deflect easily.
He tilts his head, watching me for a moment before his gaze softens. “It’s only money, baby. Don’t be nervous. These people think they’re better than everyone else because they have millions of dollars. In reality, they’re just assholes. They’re no better than you and me.”
He puts my mind at ease with his reassurance, but also with his endearment.
I’m startled as he loudly scoots his chair closer to mine. A few people look at us with contempt, but he doesn’t care. He seems like a genuine person, not one to put on a show because he’s wealthy.
“I’m glad you’re not an asshole.” I laugh.
“I have my moments.” He grins, and I shake my head.
We gaze at each other smiling until the waiter arrives with our drinks. Gabe tells me he only comes here for the steak, which I love, so he orders the same for both of us.
He leans closer, placing his warm hand on my thigh. “You’re gorgeous. All I can think about is tasting you again.”
My face heats and my core clenches simultaneously. I can’t believe my body is reacting like this.
Self-doubt rears her ugly head as I wonder if he truly wants me, or if any woman would be welcomed in his bed. Handsome, wealthy and charming, he could have his pick.
Summoning a calming breath, I push thosenegative thoughts from my mind. A man like Gabewouldbe attracted to me. He’d recognize my worth and want more than just a roll in the sheets.
Meeting his gaze, I smile shyly.
A low growl rumbles quietly in his chest as he leans even closer. “Do you need my touch, baby?”
Dear God.
My breath hitches and my blood feels like it’s on fire. “Gabe.”
Gently brushing my hair over my shoulder, he leans into my ear. “Don’t be shy. Never be afraid to ask for what you want, especially from me.”
A shiver racks my body as he nips my earlobe. His words have me panting like a needy bitch. Looking into his eyes, a storm is brewing behind his intense gaze. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”
His wicked smile makes me weak in the knees and I’m grateful to be sitting. “I want to strip you out of this tiny dress. Spread you across this table and worship every single inch of you.”
My breath stutters. The desire coursing through my veins is scorching hot. I’ve never wanted a man the way I want him.
“I want that, too.” I whisper but judging by the way his eyes darken, he heard me loud and clear.
The waiter arriving with our dinner breaks the spell, and I try to enjoy my meal. Gabe’s eating slowly, his smoldering eyes holding mine with every bite.
“Eat your dinner. You’re going to need it.” His deep voice is low and commanding.
He’s intense and so is his unwavering gaze. Swallowing slowly, I nod and return to eating. After I consume enough to satisfy him, he pays the check.
He stands, pulling out my chair, his hands sliding down my arms as I rise, goosebumps erupting across my skin. He grips my hand gently, tucking it into his arm, escorting me out of the restaurant.
Lost in my thoughts of where this night will lead, I’m grateful when he speaks first. “Our date can end here, angel. There’s no pressure for anything else.”
My head snaps up, my muscles relaxing at the soft look in his eyes. Relief fills me, knowing he’s taking my feelings into consideration. “I don’t want our date to end yet.”
“Do you want to go for a walk or get a drink? There’s a bar on the other side of town.”
“You can follow me home, if you want.” The words fly out of my mouth, my body answering before my brain can respond. Heat flares across my face and chest as I dip my head at my boldness.
As we reach my car, the beep of the doors unlocking fills the silence surrounding us. The night air is cool, but I don’t notice as his warmth engulfs me. Opening my door, he gently caresses my cheek. “Lead the way, beautiful.”
