Nightfall

by TK Lawyer

  Josh turned with a growl, and she jumped back in surprise. Her rear hit the handle of the oven door and his eyes narrowed. His lips curled up into a devilish grin, while Josh eyed her quizzically, tilting his head over to one side. “Are you trying to seduce me? Because you really don’t need to.”

  She swished her hips playfully. “I’m just teasing.”

  Josh snickered as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “You little minx. You better not try that again before I get some other ideas of what to do with you.” He watched her in the ensuing silence, his eye color turning somewhat murky. His husky voice caught her off guard, almost in a growl, “Is that what you want, Tamara?”

  Her heartbeat quickened. Josh looked like he was going to pounce on her at any minute without warning. Actually, his growl should have been warning enough. It reminded her that he was not all he seemed to be, and it scared her a bit every time.

  Tamara backed up into the drawer behind her and he stepped toward her with a triumphant snarl. Josh gently pinned her hands between her back and the drawer, and then laid each of his hands aside her, against the upper cabinet door. He leaned in and kissed her deeply, possessively. His tongue teased and taunted her easily into submission. Tamara wriggled back and forth against the counter and whimpered. She struggled for a while, pushing her body against his strong arms and firm weight, trying to free her hands. His massive build and strength dominated her and held her body still. His grin widened, and he kissed her once more before pulling away.

  He growled against her neck, the low vibration of his breath against her skin sent a wave of pleasure through her body. Suddenly, he lifted away from her with a slight tremor. “We better stop now, My Sweet, or neither of us will have a chance to leave. I’d love nothing more than to ravish you in the bedroom, however, this evening is kindof important to me and I’ve got a reservation waiting.”

  Josh backed away from her, paused, and dropped back several more steps to regain composure.

  Tamara sighed. “But I…oh…all right then.”

  “Thank you, Tamara. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Go get dressed.”

  Back in her bedroom, she forged through her closet selecting a garment she figured might be appropriate for a night out. A bit later, she entered the living room to Josh’s whistles of approval. Josh walked around her, admiring her from every angle. She snickered at his behavior but didn’t stop him. His eyes settled on all the areas a man naturally looked at.

  Josh scanned over Tamara, from the top of the low-cut Moroccan design dress down to the open-toed heels she wore. “You look wonderful.”

  “Thank you. You’re very handsome, yourself.”

  Between styling her hair and changing clothes in the bedroom, Josh had apparently changed as well. He was dressed in a black suit with a blue, button-up shirt, and a red tie.

  He winked at her appraisal. “No, I must thank you for the magnificent view. Because of it, we may not make it to the restaurant after all.”

  “Restaurant? Which one?”

  His smile widened. “Sorry, I can’t tell you. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

  He grabbed her arm and shuffled them out of the house before she could utter another word.

  Josh winked as he helped her into the car. “You’ll see. Now, get in. I’m driving.”

  He slammed her door shut seconds after her right leg disappeared into the car.

  ***

  About twenty-five minutes later, Tamara looked out the car window to find bright lights emblazoned on each side of a grand, brick building. The words “Clair de Lune” announced the name of the restaurant in bold black lettering across a long, rectangular sign. Josh drove them straight to the back of the restaurant and parked the car.

  “Why are we parking here? There were plenty of spaces out in front.”

  He grinned while stepping out onto the pavement. “Yes, but this is more private.”

  A long banner swept the top of the entrance to the restaurant. From six to eight p.m., it read, the restaurant was donating one hundred percent of its proceeds to a local homeless shelter to defray the cost of Thanksgiving dinners served throughout the holiday. Tamara glanced at her watch. It was seven-thirty. She pointed up at the banner, chattering away while Josh opened one of the front doors for her.

  “Wow,” she remarked as they walked into the elegant restaurant.

  She turned her head to view the solid-oak double doors she just entered. Etchings carved into the wood gave them a rich, distinct appearance. She imagined they were expensive that only a millionaire would conceive of purchasing and installing them somewhere. What kind of place was this? It looked fancy and extravagant. Definitely, a place her public servant income would never be able to afford.

  He held her hand and pulled her past the customers waiting patiently in line.

  Tamara pointed at the line of frowning guests. “Um, Josh, what are you doing? These people were here before us.”

  “Don’t worry about them. It’s okay.” He led them toward the hostess’ stand.

  She felt their stares boring into the back of her head and imagined the whispers and judgment coming from the patrons waiting patiently as she shuffled by them. She stood beside one, waiting to add his name to the long list of those awaiting a coveted seat. Glancing back at the line, Tamara looked down ashamedly at her clothing. Josh hadn’t warned her it was a fancy affair. Some of the women present wore dresses she couldn’t fathom even trying on, much less purchasing. Tamara drew closer to Josh and tugged at his hand several seconds before the hostess lifted her head and looked up at Josh.

  “Oh, hi. I didn’t recognize you. What are you doing here?”

  Josh pointed to her seating chart.

  “I believe you have a reservation for two by the window.”

  The hostess gathered up a couple items, saying, “Yes, I do. Let me get you a menu.” A man started to approach her stand and she looked up at him apologetically. “Sir, I’ll be right with you.” She motioned to Josh and said, “Come this way, please.”

  Tamara raised an eyebrow suspiciously as they strolled by the lounge, with long, leather seats and an electric blue color streaming throughout the entire area from several pendulum lights. It started from behind the bar and illuminated down to the floor. One elongated, curved bench with a high back seated several busty women and a few roguish looking men. Tamara couldn’t help judging who was going home with whom as her heels click-clacked past them.

  The hostess set two menus on the table with a smile. “Here you go. Your server is David, and he’ll be right with you. Enjoy your dinner.”

  The hostess nodded pointedly to Josh before departing. He didn’t seem to notice and pulled out a chair for Tamara and then himself.

  Tamara glanced back in the direction the hostess left and asked, “Do you know her? She seemed really friendly.”

  “Honey, this is a well-established restaurant. I’m sure they’re friendly with everyone. Besides, they want your business. It’s a charity event tonight.”

  “Oh, okay,” she mumbled under her breath.

  A few of her past boyfriends fell for “friendly” women yet, apparently, Josh wasn’t worried. Tamara glanced out at the majestic view surrounding the back of the restaurant. The lake view was stunning. That, along with the low lighting of the restaurant, the lit candles on each table, and the sparkles emitting from the plenitude of lights outside, was enough to sweep any girl off her feet.

  “Josh,” she started with a worried expression. “I think I’m under-dressed. This is a charity event, and you didn’t warn me. I feel really out of place. The other diners are dressed way more formally than I am. I wish I’d known so I could’ve dressed up too.”

  He shook his head with a smile plastered across his face. “No, Tamara. You look fabulous. Besides this restaurant doesn’t require formal attire.”

  A dark-haired man in a suit approached their table. “Welcome to Clair de Lune. My name is David, and I’ll be your server t
his evening. What can I get you both to drink?”

  Josh peered over the menu at Tamara. “What would you like? If you want, they could make a virgin version of an alcoholic drink. It’s actually more common than you think.”

  “Really?” she exclaimed. “In that case, yes, I’ll have a virgin strawberry daiquiri and a glass of water with lemon. Thank you.”

  Josh ordered himself a dry martini, and David left shortly afterward.

  ***

  Later in the meal, Tamara leaned forward, affording Josh a magnificent view down her dress. He drew in a sharp intake of breath and strove to tamp down the sudden indecent, suggestive thoughts, which urged him to take action.

  Josh was entranced. He should’ve looked away, but he couldn’t stop marveling at the provocative view. He shifted in his seat and forced himself to turn away from the enticing temptation, she unwittingly offered.

  “Everything is so fancy here. Where did you find this place? With the prices they charge, I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to afford anything on the menu. Even if I did, I’ll have to wash quite a few dishes afterward just to pay for the meal.”

  He winked and strove to keep his view of her above her neckline. “Don’t worry about the cost. Dinners on me tonight. There’ll be no washing dishes under any circumstances. However, if you insist on making it up to me, I’m sure we can come up with an arrangement.”

  Tamara giggled as she looked out across the lake. “You’re terrible.” A few moments later, she turned back to Josh and asked, “What does Clair de Lune mean anyway?”

  “It’s French for moonlight.”

  “Moonlight,” Tamara mused. “That’s beautiful. You know what? I would never have known this place existed if not for you. Thanks for bringing me here. It really is beautiful.”

  “Not half as beautiful as you are,” he responded with a grin. “I couldn’t have asked for better company.”

  He moved his glass toward her, indicating he wanted to toast their night. She smiled as they clinked their glasses together.

  ***

  Tamara watched as Josh stood up and straightened his jacket before excusing himself from the table. He urged her to review the menu while he was away. She smiled lazily before opening her menu and uttering a silent cry of alarm. The double-digit numbers, she assumed were dollar amounts, were far more than she expected, including the appetizers.

  Who could afford these prices?

  She flipped through the eight pages of the menu, shocked with the ad inserts in between. She dropped the menu onto the table and covered her mouth from embarrassment.

  Josh returned from wherever he’d run off too and scooted back into his seat. “Hey, Sweetie. Did you decide what to get?”

  “Have you seen how much they’re charging?” Tamara demanded. “Did you know about this?”

  He nodded.

  “But Josh, everything is so expensive. Are you sure you want to be here? I mean, I know it’s for charity, but…”

  He placed his hand on her arm and interrupted her. “I wanted to share this night with you in one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Please, don’t worry about the cost. I want you to enjoy yourself. Get whatever you want for dinner.”

  “Are you sure? You don’t have to take me to a fancy restaurant to tell me you love me. I don’t need that; I just want to spend time with you.”

  The corners of his eyes crinkled, and his smile widened. “I love you, Tamara. And I love spending time with you, too.”

  She gazed up at the pendulum light above their table and glanced about the room at the foliage placed around the restaurant. David returned with their drinks as she stared up at the intricate design of the ceiling. She giggled and looked at David as he placed her drink down in front of her.

  “Oh, sorry. I was just admiring the glass ceiling.”

  “That’s quite alright, Ma’am.” Glancing at Josh, he added, “The owner came up with the design after he named the business Claire de Lune.”

  Tamara nodded thoughtfully. “Moonlight…”

  David smiled. “Yes, Ma’am. He wanted the patrons to be able to glance up at the stars.”

  “Well, he did an amazing job. It’s absolutely beautiful, and I can imagine very romantic.”

  “That was the desired effect. Are you both ready to order?”

  Tamara was about to respond when a voice piped up behind them. “Can I butt in?”

  They all turned to find a young man with a camera in his hands. He pointed to Tamara and said, “Excuse me, Miss. I’d like to take a picture of you, if you don’t mind. We use them for future advertisements for the restaurant.”

  “Me? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. We often do charity events, and this will help with our publicity.”

  Tamara looked over at Josh. He shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “Can my date be in the picture with me?”

  Josh shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “Honey, I don’t think it would look as good with me in it. Let him take one of you.”

  She was about to protest, and frowned at the photographer, but eventually gave in with a shrug of her shoulders. “Okay. I guess if you really want to.”

  “Now, are you ready? Smile.”

  Reluctantly, she straightened up in her chair and smiled. The clicking sound indicated the cameraman was done and she sighed in relief, hoping the picture came out all right.

  The cameraman gave a nod to her and then to Josh. “Thank you, Miss. And you, Sir. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

  Several minutes passed, and Josh asked if she was ready to order. When Tamara nodded, he motioned for the waiter.

  Josh glanced back at his menu. “Go ahead and order.”

  “Well…I’ll have the Chicken Marsala. Thank you.”

  She closed her menu and Josh’s head jerked up, his eyes narrow. “Are you sure?”

  “About the Chicken Marsala? Yeah.”

  He watched her in the silence.

  “What? I like Chicken Marsala.”

  “David.” Josh waved him away. “Please give us a minute.”

  She turned to Josh with a confused look on her face. “Why did you do that? Why did you send him away? I was fine with my order.”

  “Why are you ordering the second least expensive thing on the menu when there are many other choices available to you?”

  “But I like Chicken Marsala.”

  “Are you sure? I mean, if that’s what you want then I’m not going to stop you. However, there are other options as well and I don’t want you to limit yourself simply because of the cost. Would you like to try something you haven’t had before?”

  Tamara opened up her menu and turned a few pages before she spoke. “Well…I was looking at the seafood platter. It looked good, but seafood is pretty expensive.”

  “Which one are you most interested in? The chicken marsala, or the seafood plate?”

  “I’ll take the seafood plate then. Do you think they could substitute scallops instead of shrimp?”

  Josh grinned. “I’m sure they can. Now, did you also want an appetizer? They have your favorite: New England Clam Chowder.”

  She widened her eyes and smiled. “Yes, please. That would be wonderful.”

  He motioned for the waiter and ordered for Tamara. “She’ll have the seafood plate with scallops instead of shrimp. Actually, make that a double order of scallops to go with the entree.”

  Tamara shook her head and mouthed a protest, which he disregarded. She tried speaking to him through telepathy, instead. Please, Josh, don’t spend too much on me.

  He ignored her protest and ordered the clam chowder for himself, completing his order with a medium-rare steak and mixed vegetables.

  She shook her head and sighed with an indulgent smile. “Thank you, Josh. This is really amazing, being here with you. I’m having a really good time.”

  “Anything to win your favor.”

  She murmured. “You’re trouble, aren’t you?”

  “If you o
nly knew.”

  - CHAPTER SIXTEEN -

  Later in the evening, Tamara lifted from her seat and thanked Josh for the wonderful dinner before excusing herself to the restroom. On the way, she marveled at the delicate beauty of the exquisitely decorated tile floor. A row of smaller matching tiles lined the walls of the restaurant, and she found the same echoing theme inside the bathroom. She stared in awe at the elegance of the modern, above-counter sinks and the immaculate cleanliness she found everywhere she looked.

  Afterward, as she made her way out of the restroom, nodding politely at a few guests when they passed by. Tamara smiled at a waitress as she stepped outside, though it promptly fell into a frown when the woman blocked her from moving forward.

  She spoke to her in a giddy, girlish tone. “You’re here with Josh Carrigan, right?”

  Tamara hesitated in her reply. “Um… yes.”

  “Isn’t he just wonderful?” the waitress gushed.

  Tamara widened her eyes with surprise. “Yeah, he’s pretty great…”

  She giggled again. “You’re so lucky. He’s the best.”

  Tamara frowned, narrowing her eyes at her infinitesimally. Wonderful? The best? These words definitely described Josh, but it also begged some unanswered questions. The first time she saw Josh again, at the bar when she was out on her date with Keith, it seemed women couldn’t stop coming up to him. Was this a regular thing or did it happen only on occasion? The times she’d been out with Josh women smiled at him, but she never questioned it because nothing else happened. Maybe it was because she was with him? If left alone, would they swarm him like a wolf pack to their alpha? Still, who was this waitress to him, and why was she pointing out his traits to Tamara? While on that subject, in what way was Josh wonderful? She knew he was but how did the waitress know?

  Was she a former girlfriend? If she were, the girl probably wouldn’t say he was the best or wonderful unless she still had feelings for him. That made Tamara nervous. Her shoulders tensed reflexively and stiffened. That tension began to spread throughout her body, feeling restless and uncomfortable.