“Why not?”
“Because sometimes I don’t think of others first.”
She chuckled. “Name one time thatIknow about.”
Using his other hand, he drummed his fingers on the table, hoping to come up with an example to give her. Just when he thought he’d failed, a name popped into his head and he grinned.
“Okay, what about Rona.”
Her brows creased. “Rona?”
“Yeah, that woman at the elevator, the first time we met.”
Slowly, Rayne’s smile stretched. “Yes, I remember her now.”
“I wasn’t thinking of her feelings at all. I wanted to stop her from stalking me, which is why I grabbed and kissed you. And of course, once we started kissing, all I could think about was the gorgeous woman in my arms who kissed perfectly.”
Rayne’s cheeks reddened. “So that’s one person. And, she probably deserved it for stalking you.”
“Probably?” He lifted his brows. “No probably about it. She did deserve it.”
They laughed together, and the sound of her voice was like angels singing. He couldn’t get over how she made him feel. If only he could make her feel the same way.
Their meal arrived, so he had to release her hand. They chatted about mundane things while they ate. It surprised him that she kept her attention on him the whole time. Not once did he see her looking at the other people in the room. Of course, he couldn’t tear his gaze from her, either.
As dinner wound down, he paid the check and took her hand back into his. Her skin was so soft and so warm. Like her heart. He didn’t want to return home, only because he wanted to show her off – show the town that he had married the prettiest woman alive. But on the other hand... if they went home, they’d be alone. He’d take her in his arms and kiss her goodnight. And, if luck stayed with him tonight, maybe the kiss wouldn’t just be a goodnight kiss at all, but a welcome into her heart kind of kiss.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He stood first then helped her out of her chair. She wrapped her arms around his arm, almost in a hug, as they left the restaurant. Many pairs of eyes turned their way, and Calvin walked out to the car, feeling like a king next to her.
Since he’d parked close to the restaurant, he didn’t need the valet service. They didn’t talk as they walked to the car. He stopped by the passenger side door, but she continued to hold onto his arm. His heart thudded anxiously as he gazed into her eyes. Night had settled over the city, although the street lights gave him enough light to see the blue in her eyes turn darker.
“In case I forget to tell you,” she said in a tender voice, “I really enjoyed myself tonight.”
The rhythm of his heart accelerated. “So did I.” He caressed her cheek. “You’re an amazing woman and so much fun to be with. I think we should do this again very soon.”
“Yes, I think so, too.”
Her gaze dropped to his mouth. Calvin held his breath.She wants to kiss me!He didn’t care that they were out in the open where people could see them. He wasn’t going to turn her down this time.
As he slid his arms around her waist, he backed her up against the car. Her breathing quickened, and she rose up to meet his seeking mouth. The moment their lips met, his heart soared to heaven. The sweetness of the moment buzzed in his head, making him feel like he floated on clouds.
A soft moan rattled from her throat. He tightened his arms, but suddenly, something jerked him away from Rayne’s sweet embrace. The low growl from the man behind Calvin snapped him back to reality. He spun around and looked into the irate eyes of the jealous ex.
“Eddie,” Rayne gasped. “What are you doing here?”
The man’s face was crinkled with anger. “Get your mouth offmywoman.”
Calvin shook his head in disbelief. Was this guy serious? “She’s not your woman any longer. She’smywife.” Glaring at Eddie, he stepped closer. He wasn’t afraid of this wimp of a man – even if he reeked of alcohol. Calvin was going to protect what was his. “And unless you want to wear my fist for the rest of the evening, you’ll turn around and leave right now.”
“Calvin, no.” Rayne moved between the two men. She gazed at him, silently pleading, before shifting her attention to Eddie. “This is not the time or the place for this conversation. Go home.”
“No,” Eddie snapped. “Not without you.”
Finally, she must have noticed her ex’s stench because she wrinkled her nose. “Eddie, you’ve been drinking.” She fanned her hand in front of her face. “Go home and sleep it off. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
