Page 47 of Recon Rendezvous

Pushing in her chair, I take my seat across from her at the small, round table. “I can’t wait to spread your… pages.”

She howls before saying, “I can’t wait for you to spread my pages again, andreadme like your favorite book, from front to back.”

“Don’t tempt me here, unless you want to disrespect another restroom.” My voice dropping an octave at the thought of sliding in between those thighs.

Her scrunched nose and little headshake are all the answers I need.

“Then, let’s play a little game,” I say as I begin pouring us a glass of her favorite white wine. “I want to get to know you better. How about Truth or Drink?”

Leaning back in her chair, she considers me. “Sure, but we’re going to need something stronger than this delicious wine,” she says as she turns to gain our waitress’s attention.

Watching on, I take a sip of the wine and she’s right, it is delicious, the perfect amount of sweetness, and the desire to taste it on her lips is strong. She rattles off an order of vodka, tequila, and even rum shots before adding several orders of appetizers.

“Actually, would we be able to move to a bigger table? Preferably a booth?”

My head shoots up at her question and the waitress nods and runs off to prepare for our transition. I take another sip, eying her before rising when the waitress beckons, and follow London to the circular high-backed booth tucked away in the back corner. Taking a look around the restaurant, many of the small dark wood tables are surprisingly empty but the circular booths lining the walls are occupied.

My eyes rake over her face and that soft smile that I hope is just for me. “We do need a little more privacy, don’t we?”

She lifts one shoulder in a little shrug. “It couldn’t hurt. Shots make me wild… or sleepy. I just may end up dancing on the table or under it.”

I stifle a groan as vivid images flood my mind. Her standing tall and confident above me, her stunning body moving under the spotlight, everyone watching, wishing they were me, wanting what’s mine.

Sliding into the booth, I get nice and close, whispering in her ear, “Where is that waitress? We need those shots stat, but let’s make them doubles.”

“Doubles? It’s a weeknight. With me not having a job, I’m essentially on vacation. What’s your excuse? Don’t you have to work in the morning?”

“Eh.” I shrug. “I make money in my sleep, it’s that easy. Besides, I’m the boss. I can be late or maybe I’ll be too busy enjoying you to even go in tomorrow.”

Her hum and tentative smile give me pause as I run my eyes over her perfect face, all high cheekbones and full lips.

“You’re a mystery. But I’m not giving up until I know everything that brings a genuine smile to your lips.”

“Persistence. A noble trait. But if you play your cards right…” She gestures to the tray of shots the waitress sits down. “Ask the right questions, and I’ll be an open book.”

Rubbing my hands together, I scan the tray before turning to the waitress. “May we also have water and whatever juices you have. My pretty girl needs a couple mixers, or she will be stumbling out of here.”

She nods before rushing off and London’s gaze is riveted to me, but I can’t decipher what the crease at her brow means, so I push it aside and start with the hard-hitting questions.

“Let the games begin,” I say. “How’d you get into photography?”

Her brows shoot up. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that question. You and your surprises, Mr. Grant. My love of photography started when I was young. My parents love travel, and the sense of adventure and exploring is ingrained in me. They gifted me my first camera when I was ten.”

The soft expression and smile on her face as she reminisces pulls at something in my chest.

“Tell me a favorite childhood memory.” Resting her chin on her hand, her eyes are soft as she watches me.

My smile lifts easily because this is an easy one. “One of my favorite memories were my summer’s here in the city. I grew up in Colorado, but my mom is from here. Spending time with my grandparents, in the home where she grew up, my grandparents made sure to pass down our family traditions and so many memories…” I trail off, lost in those comforting feelings.

“Tell me about your summers with Ty and Eli? Were they as annoying as they are now?”

I lean in, mesmerized by her smile and the light in her eyes as a memory surfaces.

“They were so annoying.” She laughs. “Always following me around. But I wouldn’t have changed it for anything. We allwished for a sibling, but we had each other, and my summers with them are some of my most cherished memories.”

She gives herself a little shake and lobs an easy question my way, but I can’t wait until it’s my turn again.

“Where do you like being kissed most?”

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