Page 100 of Tease Me

“Oh, hey, luvvy, how are you?”

“I’m good—hungry though. I’m heading out for a meal. Has it been busy?”

“Yeah, crazy busy.We’re fully booked. Last weekend of the school holidays.”

I huffed. “Yeah, I know. At least the hours go quickly.”

“You’re not kidding.”

“Anyway, I’m off to eat. See you later.”

“Okay, make sure you have a wine for me.”

I laughed as I turned. “Okay then, just because you asked.”

She chuckled with me, and the sound echoed around the marble expanse. I strodeoutthrough the gap in the sliding glass doors and down the front steps. Deciding to walk along the beach path, I strolledin the opposite directionto the abundant holiday crowds that were a standard feature on Cavill Avenue.

People were everywhere,mostlyfamilies taking advantage of the setting sun.Down onthe beach, dozens of people were in the water, which I imagined would still be cool. Too cold for me, anyway. The ocean needed to be like bathwater for me to swim.

Unless a hunk like Corben tossed me in. The thought of my Mr. Universe contender raised my spirits. Life wasn’t all doom and gloom—I still had a few regular men willing to see me, and I was willing to see them. And who knew how many more men I’d meet before mywonderfulsexual challenge was over?

I took my time, enjoying the scenery and letting my thoughts flit from one sexy man in my life to the next. It was heaven, really, and a rare occurrence.Normally, my brain was a crazy scramble of frightening thoughts.

A young family walked toward me. The father was fit, tanned, and utterly beaming as he carried a small toddleron his shoulders. The mother looked equally happy as she walked hand in hand with a little girlcarryinga bright pink bucket and spade.

With the beach setting in the background and their four beautiful smiles, this young family couldeasilybe declared Gold Coast pin-up material.Iactuallyfelt blessed to witness their united happiness, and my contented feeling hit awholenew level.

Twenty minutes after I left my hotel, I arrived at Steakside andwas greetedby a young woman with a petite frame and a big smile. “Good evening. Would you like a table?”

“Yes, please. A table out the front would be nice.”

She grabbed two menus and turned. “Okay, follow me.”

Her choice of table was perfectto capture boththe distant ocean and the walking traffic.She pulled out a chair, and when I sat, she handed me a menu and placed the other one opposite me. “No need for the other menu.”

“Oh, sure.” She gathered it up again. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Do you have Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc?”

“Of course.”

“Excellent. I’ll have a glass of that, please.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

The second she left, I grabbed the menu and scoured the selection. The eye fillet on the right-hand side was like a flashing beacon, and my mouth salivated as I contemplated which sides to choose with it. With my decision made, I flipped the menu closed and settled back in my chair to enjoy the scenery.

My vista was magnificent, andother thanmy hunger pains screaming at me, everything was perfect.A man at the neighboring restaurant caught my eye. He was side on to me, also looking out toward the ocean. His smooth, dark hair reflected in the flames dancing atop the Tiki torches dotted around his restaurant. The man reached for his wine, and when he inhaled it, Iwas remindedof my disastrous encounter with the winemaker.

I cast that crappy thought aside, determined to maintain my upbeat demeanor.

The man turned toward me, and my heart stopped.

He’s David Lawson, one of Memphis’s repeat gentlemen.

I snapped my gaze away, hopeful he didn’t recognize me. After a couple of frantic heartbeats, I glanced in his direction. He was still in his seat, looking out over the ocean again. I let out a long, slow breath.

“There you go.” The waiter placed my wine on the cardboard coaster. “Can I get you something to eat?”

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