Page 136 of River Wild

Carrie

River drives us out of town to a seafood restaurant in New Braunfels. I know he doesn’t like being around the people of Canyon Lake. He probably thinks people will stare and whisper if we went out to dinner together in a restaurant at home.

But I don’t think he’s realized that folks are used to seeing us together now. And that they don’t stare and whisper anymore either.

Sadie’s at my house, watching Hope. When we left, Sadie was sitting down with Hope and Buddy to watch Frozen even though Hope won’t have a clue what’s going on. I think Sadie just wanted an excuse to watch it herself.

River’s taking me to a seafood restaurant. The man clearly pays attention because I love seafood, and most of it is a no-no while pregnant. But, when breast-feeding, seafood is actually a good thing. The omega-3 is good for babies, which is passed on through the breast milk.

Win-win for me and Hope.

It is weird, being all dressed up and out without her.

Normally, I’m in sweats or pajamas right now, at home with River and Hope.

But, tonight, it’s just River and me.

On a date.

I haven’t been on a date in a very long time. I kind of feel out of my depth. But then I remind myself that it’s just River. There are no expectations with him. Only happiness. And excitement for what tonight is going to bring and all the possibilities open to us.

River parks the truck on the street and turns off the engine. “Stay put,” he tells me.

I watch him climb out, round the hood of the truck, and then open my door.

He’s going old school.

It makes me smile.

“Why, thank you, kind sir,” I say with a faux Southern accent when he takes my hand and helps me down from his truck.

He doesn’t smile. Or speak. And he doesn’t let go of my hand.

He takes our linked hands beneath my back, bringing me closer to him, until our fronts are pressed up together.

My breasts are crushed up against his chest.

Bonus of breast-feeding: big boobs.

I can also feel the definite outline of his length beneath his dress pants. Did I mention he’s wearing dress pants and a shirt? He’s all smartened up, and he looks divine.

I blink up at him, feeling breathless.

“Did I tell you that you look fucking gorgeous in that dress?” he says in a low, raspy voice.

“Oh, this old thing?” I tease.

It’s actually not old. It’s brand-new. I went out shopping straight after I finished work at the diner and picked out a new dress and heels to wear tonight. It’s not often I get asked out on a date. Especially not by the hottest man in town.

The dress is black lace with a floaty skirt that sits an inch or so above my knees. It’s classy with an edge of sexy. The heels are red and strappy with a matching clutch. My hair is down and curled into soft waves down my back. I even have makeup on. It’s light, but it’s there.

“And, yes, you did tell me. Only a couple of hundred times.” I laugh softly, teasingly.

River has made it very clear that he likes the way I look tonight.

He sweeps my hair back over my shoulder and presses a kiss to my neck, making me shiver. “Clearly not enough,” he whispers into my ear.

A kiss to my cheek. The corner of my mouth. Then … his lips finally meet mine and kiss me.