Page 39 of Inked Persuasion

Jacob let out a mock gasp. “Well, it’s over,” he said, and I laughed. The waiter joined in on the laughter, but there was a little nervous tension, as if he didn’t know whether we were kidding or not. Since I was getting to know Jacob, as well, I didn’t blame the man.

“They have a tasting profile here,” Jacob began. “What do you think? It should be enough for two, right?” Jacob asked, and the waiter nodded. “That was what I was going to suggest. As long as you don’t have any allergies, we can make this work easily for you. And you’re both already drinking the wine I would have suggested for it, so we’re winning there.”

“That sounds wonderful, then,” I said, handing the menu over. “Is that going to be enough?” I asked.

“I’m pretty sure you’re going to have leftovers, even with tapas,” the waiter said before he moved away.

“I don’t think he realizes how hungry I am,” I said dryly.

“Oh, I’m pretty sure we’re going to eat every single morsel.”

Jacob held up his drink, and I did the same with mine. We clinked glasses. “To taking an evening off,” he said.

I sighed. “I love the sound of that. Although I do have to go to work tomorrow.”

Jacob shook his head. “Really?” he asked.

We each took a sip of our wine, and I swallowed, letting the light pear flavor settle over my tongue. “Yes, we have a huge project coming up for the family, and many of us are still working on individual smaller projects, as well. It’s a little time-consuming right now, and Dad wants us to come together to talk it all out, on top of our regular meetings.”

Jacob frowned. “I thought that Beckett was the project manager, and Clay worked with him.”

I played with the stem of my glass. “Yes. But our father is still technically in charge of it all. He doesn’t have a title, other than to say he’s the final authority on everything. After all, it’s his family business.”

I hadn’t even realized the bitterness in my tone until Jacob’s brows rose. “Really? Is that working?”

“Clearly, it’s not. It was for a while, but since Montgomery Inc. down in Denver is doing so well and becoming known worldwide, my dad feels like we need to compete with them, even if we’re not technically connected to them at all.”

“That’s got to be complicated.”

“I don’t even want to get started because I want to enjoy the evening and however many tapas show up on our table. Let’s just say I’m going to have a hard week ahead of me.”

“I have court most of the week, and one of my paralegals is finally coming back from maternity leave after having moved up here with us, so it’s going to be a tough week for me, as well.”

“They moved with you?” I asked.

“Not everyone did. Some of them stayed with the old practice or found other jobs. I didn’t require any of my staff to move with me. I asked, hoped, and it worked out. I got the best of the best, and I know some of them will stay long-term. Some will move on when the time is right, but we’re making it work for now. I’m just a little shorthanded.”

“I would offer to help you, but I’m not quite sure I know how to help with any of that.”

“And it sounds like you’re a little busy yourself,” he said.

“Just a little,” I joked.

Our waiter came back with the first small plates, and my mouth watered.

“Is that bacon?”

“Candied bacon, as well as a few other delicious items.”

He started to explain our meal, and as I laughed and joked over small, beautifully presented plates of beef and chicken and sea bass with vegetarian options on crisp greens, and little pieces of fruit to whet our palate, I knew I might pass out later from gastronomic joy.

When we were through, we made our way back to Jacob’s car, our fingers tangled, and I leaned against his shoulder. “You may have to lower me into your car. I’m exhausted,” I joked.

Jacob turned then and pulled me into his arms, sliding his thumb over my mouth. I swiped out my tongue, and he grinned before lowering his face to mine, his hand moving to cup the back of my head. I moaned, kissing him back with the same ferocity he approached the embrace.

“I think I would do anything you wanted tonight, Annabelle. I’m yours to command.”

I went wet at that and pressed my thighs together. The damn man knew what he was doing. “I thought it was just dinner and drinks tonight,” I nearly panted.

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