Page 36 of Protected Hearts

He drew out a seat and waved a hand for Shiloh to sit.

Suddenly, her eyes rounded, matching the rounded oval of her rose-colored lips. “Oh! This is a chef’s table.”

“Yes. I’ve never had the honor before, have you?”

She shook her head, soft blonde hair swishing around her shoulders as she sank to the seat. When they shopped, she had picked up mostly practical clothes—jeans and simple tops. But Layne talked her into a long skirt that hugged her body all the way to her ankles. Shiloh paired it with a long-sleeved top that also fit her slim torso like a lover’s hands on her body.

She had no jewelry, but she didn’t need any. She was stunning just as she was. Her sparkling blue—or were they gray?—eyes were better than any jewels.

Damn, he was really off his game with Shiloh. Keeping a professional distance with her had been a battle from the minute he decided to chase after her on the street. But marrying her created a level of confusion, as if his mind actually believed it.

He took the chair next to her, so both of them faced the kitchen. It was a unique experience to watch the chefs prepare their creations.

Shiloh turned her head to look at him. “This is unexpected, Oaks. And very special.”

Why did his chest warm at her words?

The polished oak table was settled in the corner. Private enough that Oaks could slide his hand over her thigh beneath the table. Maybe tug up her skirt and feel the sleek muscle of her toned thigh.

A vase of fresh herbs on the table didn’t mask the light vanilla scent of Shiloh’s body. His cock hardened at the memory of his promise to suck her nipples until she came for him, and to bury his tongue inside her sweet heat and taste her.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said simply, in opposition to the war taking place inside his body.

A tall man in a pristine chef’s coat approached the table, his smile as inviting as the aromas around them. “Good evening. Welcome to Prairie Ember.”

“Hello,” Shiloh responded.

Oaks nodded in greeting.

“Welcome to my kitchen. I am Chef Laurent. Tonight, I will take you on a journey through food to many regions, beginning with the wine. May I pour you each a glass?”

He felt the fizzle of excitement running through Shiloh. It was contagious. Though he was more of a bar food and beer kind of guy, he found himself getting excited about the experience too.

After the chef poured wine into their glasses, he swirled the liquid in the glass before he handed one to each of them. They sipped, savoring the flavors as the chef set two small plates before them.

“For your first taste, an amuse-bouche.”

“A what now?” Oaks eyed the small dollops that looked like mashed potatoes to him.

“Truffle-infused potato foam with just a touch of caviar.”

He waved at Shiloh. “Ladies first.”

She picked up the spoon and gave it a taste. Her face lit with her smile. “Incredible.”

He tested the dish as well and was surprised by how good it was, considering it was just a fancy mashed potato.

After the chef promised to return with more dishes to taste, Oaks and Shiloh settled with their wine.

“Thank you for this, Oaks.”

“Not a problem.”

“I know you had to find a way to take me out and keep me safe at the same time, but really, it’s such a special treat.”

She’d told him about her parents cutting her off, saying she was getting above her station. He could understand how she was pulled in by her ex. William carried himself with an air of importance that would easily sweep a woman off her feet. And he’d obviously seen the talent for technology in Shiloh and used it to his advantage. Maybe he even dragged her into his dangerous games without her knowing it. Once she realized, it was too late. She was mired in it.

She set her glass on the table and shot him a trepidatious glance.

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