Page 16 of Power Play

“It’s really good.”

Dane flashed her a sexy grin. “Good. Now to continue your education.”

Chapter Six

Dane hadn’t enjoyed a meal like this in a long time. Regina was a breath of fresh air. She embraced trying new and different cuisine. This week with her had been eye opening. She matched his enthusiasm for adventure, and he was enjoying being with her.

His mother had called him last night. She wanted him to come home for his brother’s engagement party next week. He hadn’t planned on attending, but his mother insisted he be there.

He’d wait to see how things went with Regina tomorrow and Saturday before deciding. He could always ask her to go with him. Maybe. That was moving a little fast, even for him.

They finished their meal, and the waiter brought kulfi, their dessert.

“It looks like ice cream,” Regina said.

“Right.” He held the treat up to her lips. “Milk, sugar, cardamon, with pistachio pieces.” Her lips closed around the treat. His cock hardened. How would it feel to have those lips wrapped around…

Dane fought his body’s reaction to his thoughts. Soon, he promised himself. They were almost there, but he had to keep everything under wraps, or she’d bolt. He’d seen it in her. If he moved too quickly, he knew she’d retreat. But he’d kept a steady hand and hadn’t pushed, and she’d relaxed and allowed him to kiss her.

He’d never moved so slow in a relationship before, but with Regina, it was different. He wanted to gain her trust, not that he hadn’t with his other lovers, but they’d been more one-night-stands, sometimes convenient arm candy. He didn’t feel that way about Regina.

Regina filled a need in him that had been missing for years. Her smile could light up his world. They might not have known each other long, but she’d become very special to him.

They finished dinner and chatted about normal things over tea.

Later, when they were seated in his vehicle, he turned to her. “Is my place okay?”

“Yes.”

He relaxed. While she’d agreed earlier, it didn’t mean she couldn’t change her mind. He drove carefully back to his place.

“Nice area,” she commented as he turned into the subdevelopment.

“It is. I was lucky to be able to rent a house.” He pulled into the driveway, helped her from the car, and held her hand as they walked to the front door.

“Come on in.” Dane pushed open the wood and glass door, stepped back, and gestured for her to enter.

“Someone rented this out?” She glanced around.

“Yes.” He liked the place. It was tastefully decorated. If he decided to settle in Pleasant Valley, he might ask the owner if they would be willing to sell. The house was fairly good sized, but he liked the privacy it afforded him. “Would you care for something to drink?”

“Not right now.” She moved into the family room. “How are we going to do this?” Her fingers twisted together. She was nervous.

Dane took a breath. “I’m sure you’ve dated before and gone home with your date.”

“Yes, but it’s been a couple of years.”

“Sit down.” He kept his gaze on her as she settled herself on the dark brown sofa. “Why haven’t you dated?” He sat next to her.

“Work mainly.” She turned toward him and blew out a breath. “I’m going to be honest. I have some abandonment issues.”

“I see.” Dane tried to process the information. Who would abandon this woman?

“You’re here temporarily, Dane, so us getting involved outside the club is probably the wrong thing to do.”

“Someone has been overthinking.” He wasn’t surprised. She’d been a bit reluctant to date him, but he thought they were past it.

“Yes.” She pressed her lips together. “I’d like to play with you in the club, but I’m not sure about this.” She waved her hand around.

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