What a Candy-ass. French cuisine.
As if Sara would be impressed because he was taking her to some fancy, shmancy restaurant. As she brushed by, he inhaled the fresh clean vanilla scent of her. It took all of his self-control to stand aside instead of pulling her into his aching arms.
* * *
Sara could see the tension tightening Nick's broad shoulders. His face was an imperturbable mask, but annoyance flashed from his expressive eyes. She’d missed him the last couple of days. Had thought they were at least going to be friends after the lunch they’d shared. She wished now she’d called and cancelled her date, and hoped the rest of the evening would go better than the start. Ty did look nice, she had to give him points for that. But standing next to Nick's dark splendor, he faded into the woodwork.
Nick wore a pair of well-loved jeans and a much-washed soft looking button down shirt, the color an exact match to his cobalt eyes. He looked incredible, even with the scruffy stubble along his jaw, which had set her skin tingling. If only he’d been the one to ask her out.
Overwarm, she turned to Ty. “Yes, I’m ready. I’ve been looking forward to this. Your aunt tells me you’re a terrific dancer.” Forcing a smile for Ty she slipped first by Grace with her knowing eyes, and then Nick, inhaling his unique maleness on her way past. Man, if they only learned how to bottle that smell, there would be some very happy women in the world.
Glancing up as she passed, she met his intense gaze, and paused at something she thought she saw in the crystalline depths. Then the moment passed and he gave her a lopsided smile that failed to reach his eyes. “Have a good time.”
“I will,” she said, her heart not in the game. “See you tomorrow, Nick.”
“Yeah, you will.”
Feeling as though she’d made a grave error, but not sure what to do about it, Sara continued down the walk, her hand on Ty’s arm. Before sliding into his fancy car she stopped to look back and wave at the two on the porch, but Nick was gone, leaving only Grace smiling and waving.
As they drove to La Lune in the sporty little coupe, she gave herself a stern lecture, only half listening as he described his day. She could tell Ty had gone all out tonight, the car sparkled and he looked very handsome. He’d booked them into The Hot Spot in Tidal Falls. He deserved her complete attention, and she was determined he would get it.
Pushing aside all Nick related thoughts, she was pleased when Ty hopped out, strode around front of the vehicle and opened her door for her. Manners, check. He guided her over the uneven cobblestones to glass entry doors, intricately etched with a harvest moon. Gesturing for her to enter, he spoke briefly with the maître d’ before they were led to a secluded, candlelit table. Both men waited until she seated herself, the headwaiter then passing them menus and an extensive wine list.
After first deferring to her, Ty chose a Pinot Noir and they perused the exquisite menu choices as “Night and Day” by the great Ella Fitzgerald played from the nearby dance floor. She gazed after an elderly couple moving slowly around the room, eyes only for each other, and Sara’s chest swelled as tears threatened to fall. Their love was almost tangible, wrapping them in protective layers of happiness and security. It was beautiful. She reluctantly turned back to the table only to find Ty watching her, a speculative look on his face.
“Nice couple. Kind of reminds me of my parents. They’re always doing stuff like that, dancing around the kitchen, or sitting together on the couch, holding hands and hugging. It's kinda cute.”
“You’re lucky to grow up in a nice family, Ty. I think Tess mentioned you have a couple of sisters and a brother?”
“Yep, I do. All older and married off with kids now. I remember when we were youngsters though, whenever they wanted to play dress-up they’d rope me in—usually to play the baby.” His smile said he hadn’t really minded all that much. “But you’re right; I wouldn't change a single day of my childhood. How about you, is there some family out there somewhere? I assume you and your husband are divorced?”
Sara looked down at the thick menu. “I have Jessica. She is my family.” In the uncomfortable silence that fell over their table, she could hear the intimate murmurs of the other guests over the clink of fine crystal.
Ty changed the subject. “What looks good?” Pointing to the richly embossed paper she’d been staring at without actually reading, he laughed. “I have to confess, I've never heard of half of this stuff.”
Relieved he’d let the subject of her marriage drop, Sara smiled as she tried to guess what some of the items were. “Me neither. I think I'll stick with a steak, though the Coq au Vin looks interesting. It’s a beautiful restaurant Ty, thank you for inviting me.”
Their server reappeared, and after placing their orders, Ty stood and held his hand out to her. “Dance with me, Sara?”
She placed her hand in his and as he led her out onto the dance floor “Home” by her favorite artist, Michael Buble, began to play. As they twirled around the room, she had to admit Ty knew what he was doing in the romance department. This should have been the perfect date. If only she could get a certain blue-eyed devil off her mind. Why had he shown up at her door tonight? She’d heard nothing from him for two surprisingly long days. Not that she cared where he’d been—or with whom.
Sure, you don’t.
Ty's voice near her ear startled her. “Are you having a good time?”
Flushing, Sara answered with more enthusiasm than the question warranted. “Oh yes, I am. It's been a long time since I've been out dancing; you’re very good by the way.”
“Sisters, remember? They always dragged me along to dance classes with them. Guess I picked it up there. I do a mean two-step too,” he joked, pretending to dip her.
“Oh no, Mr. Garrett, this is my limit.” She giggled, enjoying herself more than she’d expected.
“Okay.” He laughed. “But you’re missing out on some serious fun.”
They’d gone a couple more trips around the small area, weaving between the other couples when she noticed something had caught his attention behind her. “What’s wrong? Someone you know?”
“Are you sure there's nothing between you and that Nick guy?”
“Of course I'm sure. Why do you ask?”
“Because he's here, and if looks could kill I'd be a pile of ash by now,” he said as he twirled her around for a look.
Her heart gave a kick in her chest, and she forgot to breathe as she searched the room for him. “Why in the world would he have followed us here?”
“Oh, I think I can guess,” Ty said dryly. “He’s the big ugly one, over by the bar.”
Sure enough, it was Nick all right. And he wasn’t even pretending he was there for any other reason. Full of attitude, arms resting behind him on the bar, he was staring straight at her. Looking at his grim visage Sara should probably have been worried. Instead, excitement coursed through her veins. He’d followed her.
Did it mean he was jealous? She dropped a hand to her fluttering tummy, uncomfortably aware of how close Ty held her.
He sighed against her warm cheek, before releasing her and stepping away. “You know it's kind of providential he’s here. I was going to have to cut this short anyway. I’d forgotten about an important appointment I have to keep. Unavoidable, I’m afraid. Maybe if I asked, he could give you a lift home?”
Distressed that he thought he needed to make excuses, she refused. “No, Ty, if you need to leave, I'll go with you. It’s fine.”
“Really, I insist. Stay and enjoy the meal. It's the least I can do for standing you up.” He led her back to their table, and bending down, kissed her full on the mouth. “I had a good time tonight, Sara.” He gave her a smile laced with regret before ambling across the dance floor to Nick.
Leaving her wondering what had just happened.
* * *
Nick was more than ready for pretty boy as he made his way across the dance floor after taking Sara back to their secluded little tête-á-tête table. It had been
all he could do to remain in his seat as the asshole dipped and dallied with her out on the floor.
Garrett fired the first word as he came into range. “Listen, I don't know what you’re doing here, but if you ever hurt that lady over there, you'll answer to me, got it? I must be out of my mind, but I’m going to leave now. The door’s open. Do. Not. Screw. It. Up.” Sketching a quick salute across the dining room, Ty turned and left the restaurant.
A little stunned that he was getting another chance, and calling himself all kinds of a jerk, Nick made his way over to the woman who had him tied up in knots. He had no excuse. He’d been compelled to follow them. Seeing them on the dance floor, the perfect couple, had about killed him, but he couldn’t have stayed home tonight. Whether Sara wanted to admit it or not, there was something special between them, something he wasn’t willing to walk away from.
The moron was lucky he’d been able to walk out of the building after kissing her like that. Nick had been ready to bust some kneecaps for a few minutes there. Seating himself awkwardly at their cozy little table, he was still working out how to explain breaking up their date when Sara beat him to it.
“Nick, what are you doing here?”
Yeah, Nick, what are you doing here?
He needed his head examined. He had no business showing up here tonight and ruining her date. He’d tried to go home after they left together in that POS, make himself supper and find something to watch on the boob tube. Nothing worked, she stayed front and center in his mind. Finally he’d given up and decided to take a little drive, blow off some steam. Yeah sure, that worked well. Next thing he knew he was parked in the La Lune parking lot, watching fancy dressed couples making their way inside.
Since he was here anyway, he might as well go in for a beer, right? The place was nice, he had to admit. Dining patrons encircled a gleaming hardwood dance floor. Soft lighting highlighted an elderly couple drifting to an old-time melody. No sign of Sara yet, so he made his way over to a polished mahogany bar, found a seat, and ordered up a drink from a cute little barmaid. Turning to face the room, he rested his arms on the counter and scanned the room until he found them.
Scowling, he noticed studdly had reserved them a private little table for two with candlelight and wine. He grabbed his beer and took a long pull, annoyed with the little green monster riding his last nerve. The feeling intensified tenfold when the guy got up and invited her to dance.
They looked good together. She moved with grace, head tipped up smiling at her partner. The soft lighting caught in her hair, turning it to burnished gold. Beautiful. He watched as the bastard dipped her and she came up laughing like a schoolgirl, and something twisted inside, his jaw clenching on the pain.
“You okay there, buddy?”
The bartender. Shit. He needed to get out of here.
“Yeah, I’m good. Be out of your way in a minute.”
“No problem. Take your time.”
That’s what got him into this mess in the first place. He’d been so busy trying to deny what he felt that he’d missed what was right before his eyes. Fuck.
He almost growled when the asshole led her back to their table and kissed her. Slugging back the rest of his beer he set it on the counter, when he wanted nothing more than to wing it across the room. Throwing some cash down, he was about to leave when he saw Garrett cutting across the dance floor, headed his way.
And now here he was, sitting like a tongue-tied idiot while the woman of his dreams waited for an explanation. “I was restless, thought I’d come check out what all the hype was about.”
“Really? You thought you needed to see how popular La Lune is? Tonight?” Sarcasm laced the words.
Well, at least she hadn’t thrown her glass of wine in his face as soon as he sat down. That was promising. “You’re right, I followed you. I guess I just wanted to make sure your ‘date’ behaved himself.” No way was he admitting how lost he’d felt when she’d driven away with the guy.
“He was the perfect gentleman, you didn’t need to worry,” she said, gazing across at him with undeserved warmth, her eyes reflecting the candle’s glow. “Besides, I can take care of myself, Nick. I have for a long time now.”
“I know you can, but maybe you shouldn’t have to.” He decided to switch topics before he totally ruined the night for her. “What were you planning if he tried anything, stepping on his foot with those killer shoes you’re wearing?” He smiled to show her he was teasing.
“That's not what I meant and you know it.” The sound of her laughter popped in his chest like bubbles of champagne. “But thank you for watching my back, I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, and your welcome. Now what's for dinner?” He sat back and savored the moment. The music, candlelight, wine, and the beautiful woman sitting across from him.
Sara chuckled, her eyes still sparkling with mirth. “Your incorrigible. I feel terrible. Ty went to a lot of trouble for tonight.”
He loved her laugh. Whole-hearted and husky, it slid its way down his spine like warm syrup. The candlelight highlighted her lovely heart-shaped face and those honey-colored eyes. Her hair was twisted up in a complicated knot and a few loose tendrils had fallen out to caress the side of her neck. Giving in to the temptation, he stretched out and gently tucked the silky strands behind her ear, his pulse rioting when she leaned in to his touch like a purring cat.
“What are we doing, Nick?” The soft yearning in her voice made his chest tighten even as his thighs hardened in reaction. Good question, what were they doing?
He tugged the bottom of her ear before reluctantly letting go, satisfied as a visible shudder coursed through her. He sat back and contemplated whether to give the easy answer or an honest one. “I suppose we're here to enjoy this fabulous meal.”
Easy, it is.
The server arrived with impeccable timing. “Brought together by the powers that be, I think a toast to good old Ty is in order, don’t you?”
She gazed wordlessly at him for a long moment. Disappointment turned her mouth down at the corners and wiped some of the sparkle from her eyes. He was about to throw caution to the wind and admit how much he wanted to be there with her when she straightened her spine and tossed her head before replying, “You’re right. A toast then, to a perfect meal.”
She lifted her glass to touch his with a faint ting before taking a sip of the fruity tasting wine. “This is nice. A relaxing evening with a friend, no expectations.”
Which one of them was she trying to convince? She could call what they had together friendship all she wanted, but it wasn’t going to change a damn thing. Nick wanted her, and he was pretty sure she wanted him back.
He wanted to tell her about his past. He just didn’t want to bring it up right now. Not with her looking like a dream come true in the softly flickering light. Tomorrow. He’d tell her tomorrow, for sure.
“Nick, tell me something about you I don't know.”
Startled at how close their thoughts coincided, he kept it light, wanting to see that sparkle again, “Well let’s see now…I shave in the shower. Kill two birds with one stone, right? And I abhor broccoli, actually anything green. If we were meant to eat green shit, we would be walking on four legs, that's my theory.”
“Nick!” She chuckled, her lips tilting up so that her cheeks rounded out like two plump apples, and her eyes crinkled at the corners. “Don’t tell Jess that, vegetables are very good for you. Makes a body strong, you know.” Then, as her gaze wandered over him just long enough to make him sweat, “Okay, maybe not everyone needs them.” She admitted, admiration glinting from her glorious eyes. “And what you do in the shower is your business. I was talking about something from your past. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are your parents still alive? Have you ever been in love?”
It was easy to think they were two people out on a date, enjoying each other’s company with no obstacles between them. He only wished that were true. “You should be a reporter. Okay seriously, I thought I was
in love—once. It never worked out.” His hands fidgeted with the wine glass. “No brothers or sisters. My old man ran off years ago, no loss there. And my mom lives in a senior’s condo in Florida. She loves it; they have weekly Bingo nights, craft nights, singles nights. She never has time to get bored, it's good for her.”
Wanting a chance to hold her close, he stood. “I'm not nearly as smooth as Romeo there was, but give me a chance and I'll try not to step on your toes?” He hadn’t danced in years, and hoped like hell the music would be slow.
Hesitating only long enough to stop his heart, she smiled, and grabbing onto his hand, pulled him out to the floor as a great old song his mom loved, “Till We Meet Again”, by Doris Day began to play.
She settled his arm securely around her waist and holding his other hand close between them, rocked from side to side, doing interesting things to his equilibrium.
“Listen for a minute. Do you hear that?” She hummed along with the melody, her sweet voice stroking him from the inside out. “That’s what we’re going to move to.” She nodded towards an older couple he’d noticed her watching earlier. “Like them.”
After a somewhat rough start, Nick began to focus on more important things than where to set his feet. Her body tucked up close to his, so close he could smell the citrusy fragrance of her shampoo as her hair tickled his chin, a couple of strands catching in his stubble. Her bare back, soft and silky as he ran his fingers up and down the gentle curvature of her spine. His other hand resting in heaven, enveloped between the pillowy softness of her breasts. It was all he could do to concentrate on where his feet were supposed to be. Wow, if he’d known dancing could be like this, he might have taken it up sooner.
“You’re doing great. Not so hard, is it? I just love these old songs; they lend themselves to rhythm.”
Nick could think of a few other rhythmical moves he’d love to be practicing right now. “Yeah, it's not so bad. Thanks, Teach.”
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