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I told Meg to wait while I ran around to open her door for her. I wiped my hand on my pants before reaching up to help her. Her small hand was warm and fit perfectly in mine. I didn’t let go as we walked to the restaurant.

It was upscale but not too formal. I chose it because the dark stained wood panels on the pale green and ivory walls, and soft lighting from simple chandeliers and wall sconces, gave the place a romantic vibe.

Meg’s head darted right and left and back again as she took it all in. “This place is amazing.”

I wondered if this was her first romantic dinner. It was petty, but I felt honored to be the first. She deserved to be spoiled. If she’d let me, I’d spoil her every day.

I walked behind Meg as the host showed us to our table. The way her skirt hugged her ass and swished across the back of her knees as she walked was mesmerizing. Her emerald dress fit snug at her breasts and waist, then flared out. It highlighted her soft curves and was the perfect balance of flirty and sexy. The soft lace peeking out at the bottom of her knee length dress matched the lace at the sleeves and neckline, adding to the allure. My pulse quickened as I imagined Meg wearing a lace bra and matching panties underneath. My eyes wandered down her fit legs to her feet. She was wearing black pumps with short, thick heels. I wondered what she’d look like in four inch fuck-me heels?Think about something else. I forced my gaze up to her thick straight strawberry blond hair, which flowed like a pink waterfall down her back. All I wanted to do was run my hands through it and pull it until her head tilted back and exposed her neck to me. I needed to rein in my imagination before it ran away with me.

It was an ego boost to realize she finally felt safe with me as I pulled out her chair and she didn’t hesitate or glance over her shoulder as she sat. I sat across from her and made sure I had a clean line of sight to the door. I expected her to glance over her shoulder. It surprised when she only did it once or twice before our wine and appetizer arrived. Maybe she finally believed I could, and would, stop any threat.

I appreciated her simple makeup and how it let her natural beauty shine through.If I’m lucky, I’ll get to smudge her shiny pink lip gloss at the end of the night.

Our conversation flowed easily while we waited for our food. I answered her questions about my older sister and Jamie’s twin, Madeleine, and my youngest brother, Jaden, who were both still serving in the military. “Madi’s a Navy Corpsman stationed in Louisiana. She’s getting her MSN so she can be a nurse practitioner when she retires.”

“MSN?”

“Master of Science in Nursing.” She nodded her thanks. “Jay’s a Marine, stationed in the middle east.” As a Marine Raider, he couldn’t always tell us exactly where he was or what he was doing.

Meg talked a little about her grandmother, who had helped raise her. She blinked back a tear when she told me her grandmother had died when she was fourteen. She didn’t talk about anyone else in her family. I knew enough to understand why so I didn’t ask. I wanted her to relax and enjoy our date. She was sharing a little more each time we got together, and I trusted she’d share more when she was ready.

After the meal, I encouraged Meg to order desert. She said she was too stuffed to eat any more, so I ordered a piece of their famous Death by Chocolate cake and asked the server to pack it up to go with two forks.

“Their cake is to die for. We can enjoy it later.”

My insides melted when she laughed at my pun.

We had to park several blocks away from the already crowded area. I opened Meg’s door and helped her out before grabbing a blanket and a small red cooler from the back seat.

The side road wasn’t well lit. I took her hand when she tensed up and whispered into her ear. “I’ve got you.”

Chapter 24

Meg

Jack slowed down as a group of boisterous teens walked around a corner, headed in our direction. They pushed each other back and forth, hooting and hollering, and throwing pumpkins they most likely stole from a nearby porch. When they noticed us, they crossed the street to have a little fun, cat-calling and whistling.

I clutched Jack’s hand, my feet glued to the sidewalk.

Jack pried my hand out of his and stepped in front of me, putting himself between me and the rowdy teens.

From my position behind him, I could see two of them, clearly the boldest of the bunch, as they separated themselves from the group and aggressively closed the distance. My heart started racing and I couldn’t get enough air in my lungs.

“It’ll be okay.” Jack whispered as put the cooler and blanket on the ground. “Stay behind me.” He kept his eyes on the advancing teens as he spoke.

I did my best to calm myself down, but I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs. The metal clasp of my purse dug into my hand as I clutched it in a death grip.

I watched as the teens stopped short in front of Jack, their eyes suddenly bugging out of their heads. I followed their focus and saw Jack’s right hand hanging at his side, near his pistol and Private Investigator ID. His jacket had been concealing his pistol until he slid it back.

“Duude, you a cop?” One of them asked, slurring a little as he pointed at Jack’s waist.

Jack answered with a question. “Have you boys been drinking?” Jack’s deep, authoritative tone caused them to take a step back. I saw the moment they realized they’d picked the wrong guy to fuck with.

“Nah man, we’re cool, just having a little fun.” They backed away, with their hands up, towards their already fleeing friends.

Jack waited until they were out of sight before turning his attention back to me. “You alright?”

I nodded but couldn’t answer. I needed a few minutes to get my heart rate back to normal.

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