Page 20 of Taking What Was His

“Good, keep it that way.”

She laughed. “I will absolutely try.”

Chapter Seven

Roman pulled up outside the restaurant and parked. He got out, came around, opened her door, and helped her out of his car.

He grabbed her hand and led her into the restaurant.

“How many?” the hostess asked.

“Two,” Roman said.

“This way, please.”

He kept an arm around her waist as they walked through the place.

He sat her in one of the chairs, and instead of sitting across from her, he slipped into the seat beside her. He could tell he surprised her, but all she did was smile.

“What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll take whatever’s on tap.” Roman looked at Beth.

“I’ll take white wine.”

“I’ll be right back.”

The two didn’t watch the woman leave. Their eyes met and held. Neither said anything for a long moment.

Beth tore her eyes from his and cleared her throat. “So, how was work today?”

“It started off shitty, but then about 5:00, it started looking up.”

“Why, what happened?”

“I knew I’d be seeing you soon.”

A smile lit up her face, making her glow and taking his breath.

“That’s very sweet,” she murmured.

He snorted. “No one has ever said I was sweet. Even as a child.”

“Well, there’s always a first time.”

He lifted her hand in his. “Just don’t ever tell anyone that.”

She snickered. “Why?”

“It will ruin my reputation,” he growled, making her laugh.

His heart actually pounded in his chest at her smile. He looked down at the hand he was holding. Delicate, slim fingers with short nails with a shiny pink polish. Everything about her was so incredibly feminine, but then he saw her handle a thousand-pound horse like it was a puppy, and it blew his mind.

He looked back up to see her staring at him.

She bent toward him. “What are you thinking? You look so serious.”

“Everything I’m learning about you makes me fall deeper. I can’t or won’t say love yet, but I could very easily.”