Page 73 of Designs on You

“This is really cool,” he said, staring down at the watch before looking up at her. “Thank you, Natalie.”

He leaned over and brushed a gentle kiss across her lips.

“You’re welcome.”

He grasped her hand in his. “You surprised me. That rarely happens to me.”

“You should get surprised more often.” She lifted up and kissed him. “I’m going to go get ready for dinner.”

“Okay. Me, too.”

She went into the bathroom, smiling as she got dressed.

The night was starting out perfectly. And it was only going to get better.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Eugene looked in the dining room mirror and adjusted his tie. The blue suit looked good. And the watch? Still a damn shock.

He’d gotten birthday and Christmas presents, sure. But an out-of-the-blue gift from a woman? He had to admit that was a first. That Natalie thought enough about him to choose something so personal made him feel…

Hell, he didn’t exactly know how he felt other than really good.

“You look amazing.”

He looked up and caught sight of Natalie in the mirror.

Whoa. He turned around and saw her coming toward him, wearing a short, cream-colored dress that showcased every single one of her incredible assets.

“Wow. You look…stunning.”

“Well, thank you.” She turned and reached for her bag before moving in front of him. Eugene didn’t know whether to look at her amazing legs, the way that dress showed tantalizing hints of cleavage, or the way it cupped her incredible ass. But her knowing smile? The one that said she knew she looked damn fine? That wasthe killer, especially with her lips painted that irresistible shade of hot pink.

He teased his fingers along the column of her throat, down her arm, and took hold of her hand. “You sure about going out for dinner? Because I could get that dress off of you in about ten seconds.”

Her lips curved. “Oh, we’re definitely going out, and you can wait for…dessert…until later.”

He heaved in a breath, let it out, and said, “If you insist.”

They took a car to the restaurant. He’d made reservations at Le CouCou. He’d eaten there before on previous trips and the food and atmosphere were excellent.

“This place looks really nice,” Natalie said as they were seated at a table against the wall. The server came over and offered up the wine list, asking if they wanted something else to drink. Eugene looked to Natalie.

“I’ll have water for now, but I think I’ll definitely want some wine.” She looked to Eugene, who asked for the same.

He perused the wine list, then handed it over to Natalie.

“Choose something that looks good to you,” he said.

“Okay.”

She studied it for a few minutes, then sild the list back to him. “The zinfandel looks good. What do you think?”

He nodded and closed the list, ordering a bottle when their server returned with their water.

They looked over their menus and talked about all the items, whether they wanted appetizers or salads, and what they might be in the mood for.

“I’m thinking the Dover sole,” Natalie said. “Or maybe the halibut. Though the sea bass looks good, too.”

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