She ate the burger.And all the fries. Had a bite of my pasta too.
I know I was heavy-handed. But I remember those conversations on the couch all those years ago. Her thoughts about her figure are fucked up. I just couldn’t stand it anymore. Once I saw her practically drooling over Kenzie’s plate, I snapped.
“You think my sister will reimburse me?” I joke, tucking my debit card back in my wallet.
Lila sighs, the sound sexy as hell. “I told you I’d pay.”
As I slide out of the booth, I grasp the bag containing Lila’s salad and the extra burger we ordered for my headache-faking sister.“No way. I asked you on the date, so it’s only right I pick up the check.”
“It wasn’t a date,” she chides through a syrupy smile, her eyes flicking to my offered hand.
“Are you sure? Felt like a date.”
After a beat, she slips her delicate fingers into my palm, allowing me to help her to her feet. Heat travels from my hand to my chest.When she stands, I don’t drop back a step like Iprobably should. It brings her right in front of me so we’re nearly chest to chest.
She makes no move to free her hand from my grasp, which suits me perfectly fine.
I fucking love the feel of her skin. Always have.
Her lashes flutter as she demurely glances at me. “It was supposed to be a friendly meal for the three of us. Mostly, I was hoping you’d catch up with your sister. I was happy being the third wheel.”
With greedy eyes, I study her face, noting the light dusting of freckles on her cheeks. The rosiness of her petal-soft lips. And the richness of her chestnut irises, holding me captive for several seconds.
“Do you think I bought Kenzie’s bullshit migraine excuse? Come on, Lila. I interrogate people for a living. I usually know when I’m being lied to.”
Which reminds me—I’m here for a specific purpose. One that doesn’t involve looking this deeply into her eyes and kissing her until we’re out of breath.
Retreating to give us both some space, I keep hold of her hand and lead her out of the restaurant.
And she lets me.
We’re miles away from all those rejections she’s been flinging at me.
Once we get to my motorcycle, I release her hand to tuck the doggie bag safely in the storage compartment and get the extra helmet I stowed just for her.
Her face loses its rosy glow, growing paler as she stares at my bike. “Uh. What kind-what kind of motorcycle is this? Looks fast.”
“A Ducati Multistrada. And it isveryfast, but I won’t drive fast if you don’t want me to.”
“I don’t want you to.”
“Then I won’t. We’ll go nice and slow.”
Her hands visibly tremble as I pass her the helmet. “Promise?”
With wide eyes, she studies the inside of the helmet, shakily pulling the chin strap out. Instead of watching her fumble with it, I take over and put it on for her. All the while, her breathing steadily accelerates. She tries to clasp the buckle under her chin, but her hands aren’t cooperating, so I handle that too. Unable to resist touching her, I let my knuckles brush down the column of her throat when I’m done.
“Th-thanks,” she stammers, eyes blinking wildly.
Holy shit. She’sreallyfucking nervous about this.
Starting to feel guilty about that. I don’t want her upset.
Steadying her gently by the upper arms, I lower my face so I’m level with her. “Easy, Lila. I’ll be careful. I swear it’s safe.”
Her apprehension eases by a fraction. “You didn’t promise yet.” She wraps her fingers around my collar, widening her eyes and yanking my face downward. “Say it, Reed. Even if your promises don’t hold water, I still need to hear the words. Promise me.Right now.”
My gut twists at her slight, but I comply with a smile. “I swear on my honor that you’ll be safe. I’ll take good care of you.”
