SEVEN
Low burning candles and soft music from the blue tooth speakers would set the mood for tonight’s romance. Austin hadn’t stopped thinking about his date with Brittany, and he realized that he didn’t want to take her to the restaurant. Privacy was what they needed. If it was just the two of them, she’d open up to him a little easier. And maybe, just maybe, she’d let him kiss her again.
He adjusted the wine bottle in the bucket of ice sitting on the dinette table. He picked out the overlooked green leaf in the bowl of fresh strawberries before walking over and dimming the lights.
Before his anxiously awaited guest arrived, he hurried into the bathroom to check his appearance one last time. As he slapped on his favorite cologne, he caught his reflection smiling like a little boy on Christmas day, but surprisingly enough, he couldn’t control his eagerness.
He ran his hand over his wavy black hair, knowing women liked this particular trait about him—hair just long enough to run their fingers through, yet not too long to be in the way. He glanced down at his gray, short sleeved polo shirt and debated whether to tuck it into the waist of his Levis or just wear it out. Then again, if he tucked it inside, she’d be able to see his muscular frame better. Grinning, he shoved the ends of the shirt into his Levis.
Showing off his pearly whites, he stepped closer to the mirror to inspect his teeth, making sure he’d brushed and flossed his teeth clean. Satisfied, he straightened. Everything had to be perfect tonight. This was his only chance to show Brittany what a charming, and gentle man he really was. If he failed again, she’d never come back.
His lucky stars were aligned perfectly tonight. He had a good feeling that things would turn out as planned. Brittany had come back to him, when he thought he’d never see her again, and he was determined not to let her go this time.
Strange to think, but as many situations that he’d helped Hillary get out of, she was actually helpinghimthis time.
The doorbell rang, and his heart sprang with excitement. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he walked out of the bathroom and to the front door. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, chuckling to think he was so anxious.Austin Reeder? Nervous? Ridiculous.Wouldn’t the press have a field day with this story?
When he received his first look at Brittany, his heart melted. Instead of the slutty dresses she’d worn before, her attire was much different tonight. Instead, she wore a short sleeve, dark blue shirt that was buttoned down the front. She had on gray slacks that fit her figure perfectly. Nothing about her clothes could be considered sexy, and yet…he liked this look on her.
Her jet-black hair was left long, flowing like silk over her shoulders and down her back. He’d never seen it so shiny and soft. His fingers itched to stroke her locks; to feel it brush across his face. He quickly stopped his thoughts before they got out of hand. This wasn’t the way to start out the evening. But how could he not think that way? She really did have beautiful hair.
Another thing different about her was that she didn’t cake on her makeup as she’d done before. But whatever she’d done, it was perfect. It made Brittany appear more natural. He liked that a lot, because now he knew she had natural beauty.
A black purse hung over her arm, and one hand clutched onto it so tight her fingers were white. The poor woman looked so nervous that she might empty her stomach at any moment. He’d change that. He’d have her relaxed in no time.
Giving her a tender smile, he stepped away from the door. “Good evening, Brittany. Won’t you come in?”
She nodded then walked past him into the suite. Her heavenly scent of roses wafted around him—just like it had done the other night.
“How are you this evening?” He shut the door.
“I guess I’m a little nervous,” she answered as her gaze swept through the room. “Uh, Austin? I thought we were going to the restaurant for dinner.”
“We were, until I realized I like room service much better. It’s not as crowded here, either.” He smiled.
“Well, whatever we are having for dinner, smells Heavenly.”
“I hope you like this.” He glanced at the dinette table where the food was laid out. “I’ve ordered my favorite dish from the restaurant. We’ll be having smoked duck breast, peach risotto, charred broccoli, heirloom carrots, and red wine shallots. For dessert, we’ll have dark chocolate pudding.”
Her expression relaxed as a small smile touched her face. “That sounds wonderful.”
He motioned toward the table. “Shall we eat?”
She nodded, so he took her hand and brought her to the table, and like a nobleman, pulled out the chair for her to sit.
Her eyes widened. “My, my…don’t we have the manners of a gentleman.”
He laughed and sat beside her. “I’d like to believe so, since I was taught as a young boy how to treat a woman.” Surprisingly enough, he wasn’t taught that by his mother. He quickly quenched the horrible memories and focused back on his beautiful date.
“Not many men do that. My father drilled into my brothers that if they couldn’t treat a woman kindly, they would not have satisfied marriages.”
“Your father is correct.” He slipped his hand over hers and softly caressed her skin. “He sounds like a wise man. I hope your brothers took his advice.”
She shrugged. “Only my oldest brother is married, and so far, he and his wife seem to be very happy. My other two brothers are in college. One wants to be a doctor, the other one, a lawyer.”
“How impressive. I’m happy that they want to make something out of their lives.”
“We all do. Even me.” She sighed and frowned.
