Page 49 of Housebroke

He took you on a trip to another city, Hazel. That’s got to mean something, right?

She supposed it did. What exactly it meant, she didn’t know, and it wasn’t like she planned to bring up the status of their relationship over dinner. This was a fun trip. Business for him, total relaxation and touristy stuff for her. Whatever else happened would just... happen. Right now she was looking forward to a relaxing evening of cocktails and dinner and hopefully an amazing view.

She came out of the bathroom, and Linc was dressed in black pants, a black-striped button-down shirt, and a jacket. He looked... Damn, he was a fine-looking man no matter whether he was in dusty jeans or dressed up like this.

“Wow,” he said, walking over to her and taking her hands in his. “You are gorgeous.”

“You’re full of hyperbole.”

“Not even lying. You look beautiful, Hazel.”

“Thank you. You clean up nice, too.” She laid her palm on his chest. “I guess we’re both beautiful tonight.”

“I’ll take it. Shall we go?”

“I guess we shall?”

She grabbed her wrap and slung it over her arm, then slid herother arm through Linc’s as they made their way downstairs to the lobby. Admittedly, she felt kind of special as she walked with Linc, certain that the people they passed by were staring at him. After all, he was tall and good-looking, and dressed up like this he was kind of perfect. But then she realized that couples were staring as well, so maybe it was both of them.

“People are staring,” she said as they made their way through the lobby.

Linc looked around, then down at her, smiling. “Because you’re hot as hell and have amazing legs.”

“I don’t think they’re all looking at me.”

“And I don’t think they’re all looking at me.”

“Some might be.”

He laughed. “Okay, I’ll take that. How about everyone thinks we make a spectacular couple?”

She thought about that as they reached the doors, looked up at him, and grinned. “And I’ll take that.”

Their car was waiting for them outside, which was perfect timing. Linc held the door for her and she slid inside the back seat, Linc following her.

She had no idea where they were going. Since he was more familiar with the area, including places to eat, she trusted his judgment. Plus, she liked food in general, so she was up for anything. Mainly, she enjoyed the ride, sitting next to a hot man while taking in the incredibly beautiful city.

They ended up at Ghirardelli Square, right near where they’d been earlier in the day, at a restaurant called McCormick & Kuleto’s. The restaurant was warm and atmospheric, and they wereseated near the full windows that lent an incredible view of the bay, the boats swaying in time with the water.

“This is incredible,” she said after their hostess left them with menus.

“I thought you might like a view. Plus the food here is amazing.”

“I’m a fan of food.” She opened her menu and started perusing, her stomach doing flip-flops over the amazing selections.

Their server came over and discussed drink orders.

“Would you like a bottle of wine or something more specific, like one of their craft cocktails?” Linc asked.

Hazel looked at the cocktails, immediately intrigued. “Hmm. I’m thinking I might like to try the prosecco sangria.”

Linc nodded. “Good choice. I’ll have a Guinness stout.”

Their server nodded and disappeared.

“Thank you for taking me to dinner,” she said. “This is lovely.”

“I want you to enjoy this trip. San Francisco is all about good food and great sights.”

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