Page 27 of Outside The Wire

“Oh…whew!” she chuckled. “Because I was beginning to wonder. So…howdidyou mean it?”

Yeah, I didn’t have a good answer for that. “Just that…”My last wife was hideous.Nope, that wouldn’t work.We only had a sexual relationship.That wouldn’t be a good answer either.

I cleared my throat and grabbed my water, taking a nice long drink.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked,” she said, saving me from answering.

“No, it’s fine. It’s just…been a while.”

“I understand. Really, I do.”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything more. That could have ended very badly. I would have to watch myself if I didn’t want to screw myself over.

Luckily, the waiter came by and saved us both as he took our drink and appetizer orders. After that, things returned to normal. I actually found myself enjoying our dinner, not paying attention to the time or what else was going on. It was just the two of us, and it was really great.

“So, what do you think of the wine?” she asked, taking another bite of her steak.

I loved to see a woman with an appetite. She was nearly done with her food, almost licking the plate clean. I grinned as I drained the last of my glass. “It’s not bad. Not my favorite, but I could get used to it.”

She shook her head. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t just get what you like.”

“I like to try new things. How was the steak?”

Her eyes rolled heavenward. “So good. I loved the buttercream on top. And the mashed potatoes were delicious. But then, I’m a sucker for mashed potatoes.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” I grinned.

I’d been saying shit like that all night without realizing it, basically saying I’d be around for longer. Not that it was a problem. I already knew every fucking word was true. I could see myself with someone like Holly—spending my nights with her and doing shit together during the day. I couldn’t imagine ever getting tired of someone like her.

“Would you like dessert?”

She leaned back in her chair, laying her hand on her belly. “I don’t think I could eat another bite. I’m so stuffed.”

I chuckled, letting the waiter know we were done. I didn’t want the night to end, though. It was still early, and I was enjoying her company too damn much. That wasn’t something I ever thought I would say.

The problem was, I didn’t know of any place other than bars to take her, and I didn’t want that to be a part of our first date.

After paying the check and grabbing our coats, we headed out and bright blue lights caught my eye right across the street. A jazz club. Gripping her gloved hand in mine, I pulled her across the street, careful of the melted snow since she was in heels.

As soon as we entered, her face lit up. I would pay nearly anything to see that smile on her face every day. She looked up at me, excited and oozing happiness.

“I’ve never been to a jazz club before!”

“Neither have I.”

“Let’s find a seat.”

Where? I looked around and it was standing room only. Except at the bar. I took her hand and pulled her through the tables, around the customers enjoying their cigars and whiskey. Thankfully, we got the last two barstools available. I helped her take her coat off and slung it over my arm, then tucked her hat and gloves in the sleeve.

“Are you gonna hold that all night?”

“If I have to,” I smiled at her.

“You don’t have to,” she said, reaching for it.

I pulled it away from her, then turned to the bartender, who made his way toward us. “Beer. Whatever’s on tap.” Then I turned to Holly.

“Martini!”

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