Page 137 of River Wild

My toes curl, my breasts tingle, and my body hums.

“Isn’t that supposed to come at the end of the date?” I say, breathless, when we break apart.

Dark, lusty eyes gleam down at me. “No. That was just the starter.”

River leads me over to the restaurant, my hand still held by his. He walks at a steady pace because I’m a little out of practice when it comes to walking in heels.

“The restaurant building is a century-old converted post office,” River tells me.

He releases my hand and places it on the small of my back as we walk up the handful of steps to the entrance.

River holds the door for me while I walk inside.

The maître d’ approaches. River gives him our reservation name. Wild, of course. He asks if we would like a drink at the bar first. River looks to me.

“I don’t mind,” I say.

“We’ll go straight to our table,” River tells him.

He leads us over to our table, which is by the window that overlooks a courtyard.

“Is this table okay for you both?” the maître d’ asks, pulling my chair out.

“It’s perfect,” I tell him, sitting.

I put my clutch on the table. River sits opposite me.

“Your waiter will be over soon with your menus and to take your drink order,” he tells us before departing.

“This place is so nice,” I tell River, reaching over to touch his hand that rests on the table.

He smiles, turning his hand over, linking his fingers with mine. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Do you think Hope is okay?”

His eyes crinkle at the corners. “She’s fine. But you can check with Sadie if you want.”

“Maybe I’ll just text her.”

I get my cell from my clutch and type out a quick text to Sadie.

She responds straightaway.

I smile, reading the text to River. “Hope’s having a bottle. Buddy’s passed out cold. And Sadie is eating the cupcakes that I left in the kitchen for her. Oh, and Frozen is almost finished. They’re watching Moana next.” I put my cell back in my clutch.

“Sounds like Sadie’s having fun.” River chuckles.

“You know, I think she is. She adores Hope.”

“Of course she does. Hope’s awesome. Like her mom.”

“True.” I grin.

The waiter comes over with our food menus and takes our drink order. River orders a Bud Light because he’s driving. I order a glass of wine, which will most likely last me the whole night. I’ve never been a big drinker. Neil wouldn’t allow me to—

Nope. Not going there tonight.

I’m on a date with the best man I’ve ever known.