Page 35 of Protected Hearts

Oaks rolled his eyes. “That was one woman, and I wasn’t even dating her. By the way, you and I are having a serious talk later.”

“Oh great. I bet I know what porcupine got into your shorts. Anyway, I’ve got work to do. Talk to you later,big bro.”

Shiloh’s face heated again.

“Bye, Shiloh.” Without more, Willow tossed a wave over her shoulder and was off in a whirlwind of denim and dark hair.

Oaks pinned Shiloh in his gaze.

She wanted to sink into the ground rather than own up to that bit of jealous behavior she’d just exhibited. “Ugh.I’m sorry about that. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. I’ve just been in hiding so long. I’ve gone nowhere, haven’t spoken to anybody, not even the people who delivered my groceries to the apartment. I’m really a people person, and being alone made mesounhappy. Shopping was really nice, being out with you and Layne, around other people. I actually felt real again. I couldbreathe.”

He eyed her. “I understand. It’s not very different from some of the positions I’ve been in. Hunkered down for long stretches of time, waiting for my enemies to pop up.”

She nodded, feeling even more of a connection spark betweenthem.

“Maybe we can get out more.”

She blinked. “Where?”

“What do you say to dinner?”

“Out?”

He nodded.

“At a restaurant?”

He nodded again.

Suddenly so light and carefree she felt she could fly, she bobbed onto her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. Not on his lips—that was still a little out of her comfort zone. But the smile he beamed on her told her that he was very pleased.

* * * * *

The heels of Shiloh’s new boots tapped on the pavers of the sidewalk as they approached the restaurant. Oaks held the door for her, and she stepped inside with a soft sigh.

When she took a step toward the host’s station, he caught her arm and urged her toward a second door leading to the kitchen.

Her pale brows pinched. “We’re not sitting?”

“We are, just not here. I’ve got a special place planned for us.”

He could see by her crestfallen expression that she thought he was going back on his word to treat her to a meal out. But he couldn’t exactly flaunt her in plain sight either.

Marrying her had gotten her out of the hands of the Russians, but she was still hiding from them.

She still had information she wasn’t sharing with him, but he suspected that her ex wanted all along.

The place oozed sophistication. The warm glow of candlelight and the low murmurs of diners in the restaurant added to the allure of the experience. She would probably prefer to sit out there with other customers. He only hoped this would satisfy her need to get out—and feel real, as she said.

“This place is really stunning.” She looked around at the wood beams that were original to the barn that had been transformed to a restaurant.

He dipped his head in a nod. “Come on. Let’s see what you think of this.”

With a hand on her elbow to guide her, he pushed open the black swinging door leading to the kitchen. The rich scents of grilled beef and savory herbs filled the air. A chef and other kitchen workers bustled around the space.

“Um, are we lost?” Shiloh whispered.

He smiled at her. “No. This way.” He led her to a special table in the corner of the kitchen. A bottle of wine already chilled in a bucket of ice, and a single candle made the china and flatware gleam.

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