Kneeling down in front of him, she held the waist band so he could slip his legs into the dark navy dress slacks. “Stand up, let me button you up.” Her knuckles brushed against his taut abdomen. He sucked in his breath sharply. She looked up at him through her lashes.
“Here you hold the top while I tug on the zipper.”
He touched her silver hooped earring before brushing his fingers through her hair, “I’m glad you wore your hair down.”
“Um okay, there you go. Now where’s your shirt?” He nodded toward the closet door.
“That would be the white linen dress shirt with a thousand buttons? Buttons? Are you serious?”
“Yes, I wanted to look good for you. Plus, I need to feel a sense of normalcy. Humor me.”
She held out the short sleeved linen dress shirt so he could slip his injured arm through first. Her fingers fumbled on the top button as she brushed against his chest hair. He felt soft and sexy as hell and the heat under her knuckles as she looped the buttons branded her.
He leaned down to sniff at her hair, “It was worth every cent.”
“Don’t push your luck,” she said through gritted teeth, finishing with the last button.
“We don’t want to keep the chef waiting. He can be quite the diva.”
“Ready when you are.”
He sat back down on the edge of the bed to slip on his brown Italian leather loafers.
“Here let me help you with your sling,” she said, wrapping it around his neck and sliding his arm through. She grabbed the cane propped against his bed and handed it to him. He grimaced slightly as he took the first step. He moved cautiously and very slowly, reminding her of how far he still had to go. Ella walked closely beside him as they made their way to the formal dining room.
10
The polished mahogany table with centerpieces of small potted greenery seemed to glow from the long-tapered candles. A fire blazed in the two-way fireplace at the far end of the room, creating a cozy elegance. The crystal chandelier hung centered over the table which was set for two but could probably seat twelve. Soft instrumental jazz streamed through the sound system.
A waiter in a black and white uniform stood next to the table awaiting their arrival. He pulled out a white cloth chair for Ella, while Kyle seated himself next to her at the head of the table.
“Wine, sir?”
“Yes,” raising his eyebrows at Ella he said, “If my nurse says it’s all right for me to imbibe.”
“One glass shouldn’t kill you.”
“One glass it is. Have the chef select whatever compliments the meal.”
“I’ll be right back with that Mr. Bennett.”
“This is so beautiful. Breathtakingly so. I honestly feel like I’m in a fairy tale.”
“Can I be your prince?”
The corner of her mouth quirked up, “More like Lord Voldemort.”
His jaw tightened, “Thanks a lot.”
Suppressing a smile, she said, “You’re welcome.”
The waiter appeared with the wine and poured them each a glass of the amber liquid. “Sauvignon Blanc to go with your snapper entree tonight, sir.”
“Beautiful,” he said approving of the selection.
“Your appetizers will be out shortly. I’ll bring the bread and dipping oil.”
“Thank you.”