Page 26 of His Determined Bear

“I’m so happy you think so, Cooper. I can’t wait to give you your prize,” I replied. We both broke out into soft laughter, delaying our sexual tension for a little while. It was as plain as day to both of us that we wanted each other in the most carnal way possible. We just had to finish this meal.

Our evening carried on much the same as we talked and laughed, and I watched my mate relax and become more comfortable with me.

When our appetizer course was served, Cooper tasted the beef carpaccio and moaned as the contrasting flavors of the buttery beef and bitter arugula burst on his tongue. The orgasmic look on his face made my cock plump up at the filthy sounds he was making as he savored the first bite. When he came down from that high, he did the finger-waving thing and warned me not to get cocky. There were still three courses to go.

When the salad course arrived, he waved me off with the excuse that it technically didn’t count even though he enthusiastically ate every bite of the Balsamic squash with avocado, arugula, beefsteak tomatoes, purple onion, and almonds drizzled with avocado ranch dressing.

When our entrees were served, me with a medium-rare cut of Prime Rib and Cooper with Lobster fra’ Diavolo, I didn’t even bother to hide my smirk at his moan at the taste of the tomatoes and fresh lobster.At this point, he no longer tried to mask them from me. It was pure bliss for him and my cock.

“Hmm,” I mused thoughtfully as I swallowed the first bite of the goat cheese risotto, “I wonder where our second date will be?”

Cooper shot me a glare that lacked heat even as he lifted his fork to his lips. And for the second time in as many days, I found myself envious of fucking cutlery. I wanted his tongue wrapped around— don’t go there, Graham.At least not yet.

How much jail time would I get for throwing him over the table and taking him right here

for God and everyone to see? Good thing my brother is the sheriff.

Chapter 10

Cooper

I didn’t want this night to end. I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having. Graham was surprisingly easy to talk to and sexy as fuck. Those piercing eyes and neatly trimmed beard did things to me like no other man had before. He was flirty, sincere, and looked at me like he knew something I didn’t.

We lingered over dessert and a glass of Reisling. Graham was proud to inform me that he had actually made our decadent torta barozzi. He had every right to be proud of the dark chocolate and coffee brownie because it was absolutely delicious. We’d ordered tiramisu as well. We’d shared both of them, and there was something incredibly intimate about eating from the same plate. This no longer felt like a first date but more like the fifteenth.

We talked about his family and about how he started baking. He wanted to know about my travels and what I liked most about my job. We both enjoyed the sensual relationship between food and love. It was easy. It was intimate. We could have been sitting in the restaurant completely alone, and I wouldn’t have noticed. I couldn’t get enough of him. He made me feel like I was on edge and had butterflies in my stomach, just like any first date with someone you were attracted to. But I also felt comfortable around him.

My body hummed from the visceral reaction to him. My pulse was elevated, my pupils had to be blown wide open, and my body craved his touch. This train had definitely left the friend zone.

“So, what do you think of my torta barozzi?” he pressed again, giving me puppy dog eyes since I’d refused to rate his dessert.

I shrugged, “I may need to sleep on it,” I replied, doing my best to keep a straight face.

He groaned and pouted. Yes, all six foot two of the very handsome alpha pouted.

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Okay! Okay! “ I finally said. “It was amazing and one of the best I’ve ever had. You already know I love your cakes. I wasn’t exactly shy about taking four home with me today.”

Graham shot me a megawatt grin, “So I guess it’s just my regular brownies that disappoint you. I’ll have to make sure the next time you put me in your mouth, it makes you moan with pleasure.”

What did he just say? Okay, seriously, was he serious?Did I hear him correctly?

The look on his face would have been comical if my mind weren’t rapidly supplying some seriously x-rated images of him in my mouth, and I wasn’t talking about baked goods.

“I meant my brownies. The brownies won’t disappoint you next time.” His beautiful high cheekbones slashed with color.Oh, Graham. You are playing with fire, and I’m the fireman.

Our waiter picked this heated moment to approach our table. Maybe he could tell we needed to move this to another venue.

“Can I get you anything else, gentlemen?” he asked, holding our check in his hand.

“I think we are ready for our check,” Graham replied, never allowing his eyes to leave mine.

“Certainly, Mr. Halljborn. I have your check right here. I’ll be happy to take it when you’re ready. Thank you for dining with us tonight.”

Finally breaking my gaze from him, I turned and looked around only to realize that we were the last patrons there. How had that happened?

I turned back toward Graham again, and he looked as disappointed as I surely felt. “I guess we should get going so they can close up for the night.”

“Yeah,” I agreed and reluctantly reached for my wallet. I opened my mouth to offer to pay, but he cut me off before I could.

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