Page 57 of From the Moment We Met

Jacob grasped her hands again, pressing her palm against his lips. “After Victoria, I swore I would never let another woman close to my heart—”

“Numerous romps and meaningless sex, I remember.” Lilly bit her lip, her stomach in knots. “That’s not really my scene, even for a man of your caliber.”

“It’s not mine either. Can we consider this our first date?”

The noise of the restaurant faded away as Lilly gaped at Jacob. “I thought you didn’t want to date anyone.”

Another kiss, this time to her fingertips. “You changed my mind.”

If I don’t calm these butterflies, I might vomit. “Since I’m so all-fired powerful, can I make one request?”

Jacob’s sultry smile made Lilly want to climb across the table and rip the clothes from his body. “Anything your heart desires.”

A dangerous proposition. I’ll let him slide…this time. “Can we get this food to go?”

His smile broadened, his fingers trailing up and down her forearm, his gaze locked on her face. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time.”

∞∞∞

They arrived at Jacob's house thirty minutes later with two bags of food and a bottle of sake. He led her into his kitchen and started laying out a myriad of containers, while Lilly attempted to look casual surrounded by his priceless furnishings.

"You're not going to break anything."

Lilly smirked. "Don't count on that, I’m not known for my grace. Remember the dog run incident?"

His smile was pure, unadulterated sex. "I remember catching you in my arms. It was the highlight of my day."

Damn me and my fair skin, I spend all of my time around Jacob blushing as red as a lobster.

He handed her a glass of sake, turning on some old school jazz. "I'd like to propose a toast."

"Actually," Lilly interjected, "would you mind if I did it?"

"Not at all. Should I be scared?”

Lilly giggled, raising her glass. "I think you're safe. I'm borrowing a quote from one of the greats, Oscar Wilde." She noted Jacob's look of surprise. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. To the man who came into my life in the most unexpected fashion and reminded me to look up. Thank you for bringing the stars back into my life." She teared up, her words and emotions laid bare. "To you."

She raised her glass to toast, but Jacob grabbed it from her hands, pulling her to him in a kiss that spoke volumes, holding nothing back. His fingers tangled in her hair as his embrace set fire to her body.

Lilly released a low moan into his mouth, his arms wrapped around her like a vise, lifting her off the ground and enveloping her in the warmth of his affection.

Jacob offered her a smile that reeked not of Hollywood, but of humility. "I pray to one day be the man you believe me to be."

Lilly stroked his jaw, pressing kisses to the corner of his mouth. "You already are, Jacob."

He set her back to the ground, his hands sliding to her waist. "How did you know about Oscar Wilde?"

"Umm...I'm not the only person familiar with his works—"

Jacob chuckled. "And there's the smart ass I know and love—"

"Had to make an appearance," Lilly giggled.

"His plays set me on my course as an actor. He inspired me to strive for a life of creativity. The fact that of all the writers in the world, you chose the man who changed my life is beyond serendipitous." He kissed her fingers, massaging her hands. "But then again, so are you, Lilly."

“Do you have a favorite Oscar Wilde quote that might fit the evening?" Lilly sipped her sake, resting her hands on the counter to keep them from trembling.

Jacob nodded, moving around behind her. He hugged her from behind, pressing his chest to her back. "You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear." His lips nuzzled her neck, dropping kisses along her shoulder. "I hear the music with you."

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