Page 49 of Restore Me

I nod but say nothing as I watch her go. The door clicks behind her and everything goes quiet around me. I know I won’t be able to hear anything going on downstairs, but I still try to listen. After a few moments, I turn to the full-length mirror and shrug out of my robe.

Smiling at my reflection, I admire how perfectly the black lace lingerie set I picked up yesterday fits. I adjust the garter belt and the lacy black cuffs wrapped around my thighs then grab my dress off the bed and slip it on. Zipping the back to the top without help is a bit of a challenge, so I wait for Mal to come back up to do it. I slip into my heels and walk over to the mirror to fasten my earrings and pick out a necklace. I’m clasping it on when Mal walks back in with the biggest smile on her face.

“Sloaneeeee!” She squeals when the door closes behind her. “He looks so good, and he’s even nicer than I remember.”

“That’s great, Mal. Are you sure you don’t want to go on a date with him?”

“Nah. I’m good. I already have plans for the night.”

She zips up the back of my dress and smacks me on the ass. I shoot her a death glare.

“Oh, yeah?” I turn to face her. “You didn’t tell me about any plans.”

“I’m telling you now.” She straightens my necklace and smiles at me. “Plus, I didn’t want you to cancel on Ash to come with me, especially when I’m going to Reign.”

The mention of the popular nightclub makes my pulse kick up a bit. She’s right; I might be nervous about my date with Ash, but I don’t think I’m ready to be in a nightclub right now either.

“I could have canceled and stayed right here in my bed.”

“Sure, but your vibrator needs a break, babe.”

Mal starts pushing me towards the door, and I choose to let her comment about my vibrator slide. When we reach the landing, Ash is standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting with a huge smile on his face. Mal was right. He does look good—over six feet tall, with light brown skin and curly hair that he keeps short. A muscular frame poured into a black polo and slacks. His brown eyes are warm as they take me in, raking over my body with a subtle look of appreciation before he steps forward to offer me his hand.

“Wow. Sloane, you’re breathtaking.”

“Right?” Mal exclaims from behind me. “I told her that dress makes her boobs look incredible.”

Ash flushes and clears his throat, making a show of keeping his eyes on my face, and I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you, Ash. You look nice tonight as well.” He smiles pleasantly at me, giving my hand a light squeeze before letting it go.

“Are you ready to get going?”

“Yes, just let me grab my purse.”

“Already got it!”

Mal pushes my bag, keys, and phone into my hand and shoos us out the door like she owns the place. Ash and I step out into the thick night air, and as we walk down the driveway towards his car, a sleek Audi convertible, his hand finds its way to the small of my back. I hold my breath, waiting to feel something besides the weight of it. A zip of electricity. A tingle of awareness. Something to indicate an underlying current of attraction between us, but there’s nothing.

Ash opens the passenger door for me, and I slide in. The inside of his car smells nice—like sandalwood and vanilla. It’s a good mix, but it doesn’t compare to the warm spice and buttery leather of…. Don’t do that. Ash rounds the car and gives me an easy smile as he slips into his seat and watches me secure my seat belt.

“All set?”

“Yes. I’m good to go.”

“Perfect.” He runs a hand over his hair, and I wonder if he’s nervous. “I made reservations for dinner at Hill House. Have you ever been?”

Fancy. Hill House is one of the most exclusive restaurants in town. My parents like to go there for special occasions, and I think the last time I ate there was on my mom’s birthday a couple of months ago. They don’t require reservations, but I appreciate Ash going the extra mile to make one. It’s a thoughtful gesture, especially for a first date. Who needs sparks and electricity when you have thoughtfulness and intention?

“Yes.” I smile at him, surprised to find it’s genuine. “I love their truffle fries.”

“Ah. A woman who likes to eat. I think we’ll get along just fine.”

And we do. The ride into downtown flies by with us talking about my work and his. We discover that we have some mutual friends beyond Mal and his hideous ex-girlfriend, who I don’t dare bring up because talking about past relationships isn’t a smart thing to do on a first date when you’re a widow. Ash is friendly and open, talking to me like an old friend rather than a virtual stranger, which helps the conversation flow easily. By the time we reach the restaurant, I’m relaxed and happy I didn’t cancel on him.

Hill House is busy—even for a Friday night—so despite our reservations, we have to spend twenty minutes at the bar waiting for our table. Ash orders water for himself and a glass of white wine for me. I’m wrestling with my feelings about him ordering for me when I hear a familiar voice call my name from somewhere over my shoulder.

I turn around, surprise stamped across my face, and find my parents standing behind me. My mother’s angular features are alive with delight as she takes in the picture of me standing next to Ash. I haven’t seen or talked to her since that awful dinner last week, but you would never know it from the tight hug she envelops me in while my dad shakes Ash’s hand.

“Darling.” Mom purrs in my ear. “You didn’t tell me you were seeing Ash Strickland. The man is even more handsome in person.” I curb the urge to roll my eyes and paste on a fake smile as I disentangle myself from her arms.

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