He liked the way her cheeks pinked from her blush.
She opened her mouth, but he held up a hand to stop her. “If you’re thinkin’ about apologizin’, don’t. I’d like to take you to dinner. You can pick the place. ButIget to pay this time.”
“Do you like fried pickles?”
Simon frowned.
“Moonshiners serves the best fried pickles.” She looked at her watch. “Since it’s still early, they shouldn’t be too crowded yet.”
“Fried pickles it is. You ready?”
“I just need to grab my phone.”
He watched as she went over to the checkout counter and retrieved something underneath. When she stood up, she said, “Alexa, turn off everything.”
Simon smiled when the entire store went dark except for a nightlight or two in the reading areas at the back.
When she started his way, he held out his hand to her. “Tell me they have somethin’ other than fried pickles.”
“Cheese sticks?”
“So, no?”
She laughed, taking his hand. He liked the way she easily linked her fingers with his. He held her hand and waited while she locked the door.
“We don’t have to go there.”
“It’s all good. I’ll figure somethin’ out.”
“My car’s around back,” she told him.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine for a night.”
Violet frowned.
Simon turned toward her, stepping in so they were toe to toe.
“Here’s how tonight’s gonna go, Violet. I’m gonna take you to Moonshiners so you can have fried pickles, and I can have …anything else.”
Her eyes softened, and a smile formed.
“After that, I’m gonna drive you back to your place. I’m gonna walk you to your door, but rather than kiss you goodnight like a gentleman should, I’m gonna follow you inside.”
Her eyebrow rose, and he knew he’d piqued her interest.
“Then, after I strip you, we’re gonna shower so we can start over clean.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “At that point, I’m gonna fuck you so many times, the only name you’ll know come tomorrow morning is mine. And I’ll make damned certain that you’re fucked so good, you won’t be able to walk, much less sneak out like a thief in the night.”
If he wasn’t mistaken, that was a sigh that escaped her.
Simon pressed a kiss to her lips. “Any questions?”
Violet shook her head and grinned.
“Good.” He gently squeezed her hand and led her to his car. He opened the door, waited for her to get in, then closed it behind her. Partly because he was a gentleman, and it was something he would do for any woman or child. And partly because he wanted to ensure Violet didn’t take off for the hills.
He had every intention of alleviating her fear—and, in turn, his own—because, for the first time in his life, Simon had met a woman he could see a real future with.
And he damn sure wasn’t going to let her get away before she realized it too.
