Page 12 of An Unexpected Chance

“You do that. I’ll be there in a few moments to help.”

She stopped at the door. “I’m a big girl, Daddy. I can do it myself.”

Then she was gone.

I leaned back in my chair, chuckling.

I was pretty sure it wasn’t going to be Ms. McNeil’s cheek I was aiming for. But I was going to kiss her.

After all, it was the rule.

CHAPTER FIVE

SIMON

I arrived promptly at seven, unsure what to expect. Kelsey used to keep me waiting all the time. But Amy opened the door, smiling and ready.

I handed her the bouquet of flowers I had picked up for her.

“You look stunning,” I said, taking her in. She was dressed in a floaty skirt, the bottom edges jagged and trimmed in lace. Her blouse hung off one shoulder, exposing her creamy skin and showing me a ladybug tattoo on her shoulder that I immediately wanted to kiss. Her hair was a mass of waves tumbling down her back, and her makeup was simple and perfect. She was artlessly sexy and beautiful.

“Thank you,” she replied. “You look damn fine yourself, Mr. Fletcher. Come in while I put these in water.”

I stepped in, and she leaned to kiss my cheek. I couldn’t resist capturing her mouth with mine and kissing her. I cupped her face, moving my lips with hers. She lifted one hand, sliding it up the back of my neck, holding me close. It took everything in me not to turn her and press her against the wall and ravish her mouth until she was whimpering in need. I pulled back, dropping another kiss to her lips, then pressed my mouth to her forehead.

“Sorry, I couldn’t wait. I’ve been thinking about it since I left you.”

She peered up at me, her lovely eyes filled with amusement.

“Don’t apologize for kissing me. I liked it.” She rose up on her toes and pressed her mouth to mine in a fast, hard kiss. “And I’ve been thinking about it too.”

She walked away, the material of her skirt swaying around her ankles, her exposed shoulder showing me more of the tattoo that ended on the front of her chest. More ladybugs and butterflies decorated her skin. I stopped myself from following her to discover how far down it went on her back.

I had to adjust myself before she returned. I hadn’t felt this level of desire and lust in forever.

“First date,” I muttered to myself. “It’s the first date, so calm down.”

But so far, I was enjoying it.

* * *

It was only about a twenty-minute drive to Evansham, but it was a lovely night and the road was scenic. I loved the fact that Amy had her window partially down and the breeze blew her hair around, and she wasn’t bothered by it at all. She had a soft shawl draped around her shoulders, and as the air moved through the car, I could smell her scent. Flowers and citrus, it was fresh and inviting. Soft, not overpowering.

At the restaurant, we sat at a table overlooking the water. The sun was beginning to fade, its rays reflecting on the lazy waves.

“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured. “Always so beautiful.”

“Yes, it is,” I agreed, looking directly at her.

“Stop,” she insisted. “You’re giving me a complex.”

“You should have one. You’re gorgeous.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”

“Me and every other man in the room,” I said.

She rolled her eyes. “I think you’re exaggerating.”