Page 67 of Between Two Shores

Now it made sense. Beth was conservative. “Where is my mother, by the way?” He angled his head to peer past her, then glanced at his watch. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of her later. We’ve got a reservation at seven. Let’s go.”

After he opened the car door for Beth, he hopped in his side and remembered his manners. “By the way, you look amazing.”

She adjusted her dress, pulling at the end as if to make it longer. “Your mother had a ball picking out accessories. She insisted on paying for everything. Such a sweetie.”

He bit back a laugh. Oh, mother dearest. Playing the matchmaker. He shook his head as he switched on the radio.

Ten minutes later, they rode the elevator. Lachlan read the poster about Atlanta Cosmo. Perched atop a skyscraper on the brink of downtown, the restaurant offers the most outstanding dining experience in San Diego.

Beth studied the photos a foot away from him. “The view will be breath-taking.”

His gaze wandered over her figure once more, and he agreed. How in the world would he focus on friendship with Beth dressed like that? Torture. At least at the table, he wouldn’t have to see those long legs. He raked his hand through his hair, willing the elevator to hurry up and get to level twelve.

As they entered the restaurant, a gush of air-conditioning hit his face. Good. Maybe Beth would get cold, he could offer his jacket, and cover some skin. He smiled to himself.

They checked in and followed the waiter to their table. Beth walked in front of him, flashing a bare back and shapely hips. He flicked his glance at the skyline. City lights of white, red and pinks, flittered through the floor to ceiling windows. The sky reflected shades of rich, eggplant purples onto the water of the bay. Mom had picked a classy place.

The tuxedoed waiter pulled out a padded Carolina blue highback chair for Beth. Lachlan drew back the chair opposite her. Perfect. He could gaze into her alluring eyes all night. Should he message his meddling mother and thank her for the setup he didn’t need right now? Surely Beth wasn’t interested in a romantic date. What was his mom thinking?

The waiter poured water into the goblet wine glasses and said he’d be back soon to highlight the specials.

Beth smoothed her hand over the white tablecloth. His mind ran away with a fantasy of her palm doing the same to his cotton shirt. He blinked to shut out the image.

“Are you okay?”

He pulled at his collar. “I’m finding it a little difficult to relax. Intense day at work—started at six-thirty in the morning, and we didn’t finish until an hour ago.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I might need a red wine tonight. Did you want anything?”

She flicked the menu over and traced her finger down the list. “A pine-orange juice for me, please.”

“I’ll go and order it from the bar, so we don’t have to wait.” And he could go to the bathroom first, and splash water on his face.

When he returned holding the two drinks, Beth faced away, admiring the view. Her hair looped in curls on top while a few wispy ringlets kissed her neck. She wore dangly diamante earrings which Mom must’ve bought to match the sparkling dress. When he cleared his throat, Beth turned with a megawatt smile that kicked his heart into overdrive. He might as well raise a white flag and surrender now.

Lachlan handed her the juice and sat down. “Picked anything from the menu yet?”

“It all looks delicious. Shall we go for the chef’s degustation?”

Dominated by French and Californian cuisine, the menu listed the impeccable eight-course sample dishes. If they chose this option, they’d commit to a long night. He searched Beth’s face. The candlelight flickered across her skin and brightened her eyes. Why should he hesitate? They were both single. Sure—not the right timing for him to make any moves, but she had seemed open to the idea of him going to Australia. And he’d made it clear he wanted to spend time with her. Mom could be right. Beth might come around eventually, and he’d be there waiting when she was ready.

“Good choice.” He let out a contented sigh and leaned back into the admission that he’d allow his heart to fall in love.

BETH

Beth placed an empty mussel shell on her appetizer dish and collected another crumbed-baked Provencale. She forked into the garlic and parmesan herb filling and let it tantalize her tastebuds.

“Mmmm. The flavors are exquisite. I must try to bake these back home. We have an abundance of fresh seafood in Fremantle.”

Lachlan propped an elbow on the table and leaned into his palm. “So, you love cooking, huh?”

“I enjoy cooking for my family and community dinners. Not much for myself.”

Lachlan gazed dreamily at her. “I like how you’ve done your hair tonight.” He reached over and gently tugged a lock. The brush of his fingers against her cheek sent tingles down her neck. “How do you get it to curl like this?” He let it bounce back into shape.

“I have a natural wave. If I scrunch it while it's damp, my hair goes curly. The locks form when I twist my fingers through.”

He collected another lock. “Like this?” He swirled his finger through the strands.

She smiled. “Yes, like that.” What was going on in that head of his? All of a sudden, Lachlan was studying her intently and making her heart thump. Why?

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