Page 63 of Howling Night

“Ah, yes,” the young woman said, grabbing two menus. “This way, Mr. Black.”

As we walked to our table, both men and women shot looks our way, some doing double-takes. The hostess led us to a secluded table near a stone fireplace. Soft jazz played in the background, and candlelight flickered across the golden tablecloths.

“This might be the nicest place I’ve ever been,” I said, looking around.

“Red or white?” Ryder asked, studying the wine list.

“Whatever you prefer,” I said, still taking in our surroundings.

He ordered the most expensive bottle of white, and the waiter seemed impressed. When it arrived, we clinked glasses, his eyes never leaving mine as we sipped.

“Wow, this is delicious,” I said, licking my lips.

“Better be,” he said, smirking.

The food was exquisite. The scallops I’d ordered were light and buttery, cooked to perfection. Ryder ordered the filet mignon. We both ate slowly, savoring each bite between easy conversation and laughter.

“I can’t eat another bite,” I said, pushing my plate away.

“We’ll take the rest to go,” Ryder said, signaling for the waiter. “It’ll make the best midnight snack.”

After settling the bill, Ryder took my hand as we walked out into the cool, dark night. He stopped beside my door, setting the bagged food on the edge of the truck bed. The moonlight caught in his gorgeous blue eyes, making them sparkle.

“I know I’m supposed to wait until I drop you off,” he said, his voice low and rough. “But I don’t think I can wait that long. May I kiss you?”

My heart hammered against my ribs. “Yes.”

He stepped closer, one hand sliding around my waist while the other cupped my cheek. Slowly, he lowered his mouth to mine — his lips soft and gentle.

My back met the cool metal of his truck as he leaned into me, his body warm and solid against mine. A deep rumble erupted from somewhere deep inside, and he pushed himself back to look into my eyes.

“Movie, dancing, or a walk?” he asked, his chest rising and falling.

“Is my place an option?” I asked, biting my lip.

Ryder reached around me and pulled the passenger door open. “Let’s go.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

The ride back to Birchwood Hollow felt endless. Twenty-four miles of tortuous anticipation stretched between us and my little house. Ryder kept both hands firmly on the wheel, his knuckles white from gripping it so tightly. The silence between us crackled with electricity.

I stared out the window, watching the dark shapes of trees blur past. My heart hadn’t stopped racing since we left the restaurant parking lot after Ryder’s kiss. Every time he turned the wheel, even the smallest amount, the muscles in his arms tensed.

“If I haven’t said it already, you look so incredible,” Ryder said, his voice rough. “That dress… shit, it’s killing me.”

I turned to look at him, catching the heat in his gaze when he glanced my way. “Thank you for dinner and the wine. It was absolutely amazing.”

“I’d rather be tasting you right now,” he growled.

My breath caught in my throat. The intensity of his words made heat pool low in my belly. I shifted in my seat, my thighs pressing together as desire built between them. I tried to think of anything else, but everything led back to Ryder.

After about five minutes of this delicious torture, Ryder’s deep voice broke the silence. “Hey, why don’t you slide over?”

I hesitated only a second before unbuckling my seatbelt. I moved across the bench seat, sliding until my hip pressed against his. The truck suddenly felt much smaller, filled with his masculine scent — fresh pine, earthy musk, and something distinctly Ryder.

He lifted his right arm and wrapped it around my shoulders, pulling me even closer. I nestled against his side, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing and the solid warmth of his body. Without thinking, I placed my hand on his thigh, feeling the powerful muscle tense beneath my touch.

His hand began tracing lazy patterns on my bare shoulder, sending shivers down my spine. His fingers slipped beneath the thin strap of my dress, testing the boundary between fabric and skin.

---