Page 14 of Unveiled

Rush choked on his water and laughed. Tatum couldn’t help but smile shyly at his expression. His handsome face was shocked and intrigued. It was a good look on him.

His features softened when he got his laughter under control. “That’s good to know, but I meant it a bit differently. Your shoulders rounded, your spine relaxed, and your face was a picture of pure bliss.” Tatum didn’t handle compliments from men well. Maybe because the only man who really ever complimented her without purpose was her dad.

“Also, did you know you wrinkle your nose when you’re concentrating, and it raises your ears just a touch?” His voice was huskier than normal, his words smooth. Intimate, almost. They felt more like words a man would say while lying in bed snuggling after a night of passion. Which made zero sense. . .right?

Or it could be because she found herself wildly attracted to Rush on more than just a physical level. He took another sip of water and she lost herself, watching his throat work as he swallowed. She found his neck particularly sexy for some reason.

Stavros set three small plates on the table and refilled her wine, which she hadn’t realized was empty. He left without a word.

“Here, try this.” Rush picked up something from one of the plates. “I don’t have a clue what the hell it is, but it’s one of my favorites.”

Without thought or question, she opened her mouth. Rush placed a small leaf rolled bite inside. As she closed her lips around the morsel, his fingers lingered for a split second.

As flavor exploded on her tongue, Rush licked the fingers that were just in her mouth, causing an explosion of a different kind. The fluttering in her lower belly intensified when he rumbled, a sound that signaled he loved what he tasted.

Tatum was unsure how long they sat and stared at each other, but it was longer than two people should who were certainly not on a date.

A clearing throat broke the spell they’d cast. “It is a beautiful thing, no? When the wine, the food, and the woman are all extraordinary. It is rare and magical.” Stavros placed aromatic dishes in front of them and clapped Rush on the back. “You should not take it lightly, my friend. Not every man is blessed with moments such as these. Appreciate what you have.”

Tatum wanted to protest and explain, but she found herself mute, especially when Rush simply replied. “You’ve never been more correct.”

Rather than over-analyze and put meaning to his words, she tucked into her dinner. Neither spoke while they demolished the amazing food Stavros served them. Tatum had the overwhelming urge to unravel the man who looked at her like she was treasured on the best non-date of her life.

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