ELEVEN
“Really, Calvin... Whatis the reason for this fancy date?”
Calvin pulled out her chair and she sat, but her gaze moved around the secluded room of the restaurant. He would have preferred to get their own private room, but since that wasn’t an option, he’d paid extra for the secluded room which consisted of four tables made up for couples only. He didn’t mind paying extra. Rayne was worth it. And tonight, she looked like a million dollars.
The black, beaded lace long-sleeved gown drooped at the collar, making him want to kiss her exposed neck. The lace appeared more like a jacket that covered the heart-shaped bodice underneath. The pleated black skirt reached mid-calf, showing off her slender legs and black stilettos.
She’d worn her hair differently this evening, loosely piling it on her head in a coil, but leaving tendrils along her ears and neck area. And as always, she smelled like a rose garden. Any man with a brain in his head would be lucky to have her as his girlfriend – or wife. Calvin was blessed that he was the man with brains in his head.
“Reason?” he asked, trying to look innocent as he sat across from her. “Does there really need to be a reason?”
She shrugged. “I guess not, but...” she narrowed her gaze on him, “I think you have created one, anyway. Right?”
He chuckled. “You’re correct, of course. There is a reason.” She gave him thatI told youlook, which made him laugh harder. “Tonight is our anniversary.”
She blinked in surprise. “Anniversary?”
“Yes. We were married three months ago on this date.”
“Three months?” She chuckled. “Really?”
“Yes, really, and I thought we should celebrate because we’re still together. Neither of us has given up on the other.”
Her smile softened. “And to think, our friends never thought we’d last this long.”
He loved her sense of humor. “I know. How dare they not believe in us!”
She lifted her menu and looked it over. He should read his menu too, but all he wanted to do was stare at her and dream of what it would be like to have her love –allher love.
They briefly chatted about the menu and what looked good, and when the waiter came, gave him their order. Once the waiter left, Calvin reached across the table and took her hand. She seemed willing to hold hands with him, which lightened his spirit.
“How was your day?” he asked.
Excitement lit up her face. “Oh, you’ll never believe it, but I got another large order this morning. This buyer is here in California, and it’s not as big, but it’s still bigger than I’m used to.”
“That’s wonderful, Rayne. You totally deserve it.”
“And how did your day go?” She tilted her head slightly. “Did you hire an investigator?”
