Page 169 of Love in Riverbend
I love how easily she blushes.
Reaching across the table, I lay my hand palm up. Slowly, she places her hand in mine. “The chef, who is also one of the owners, is one of my best friends. I called him today.”
“Today,” she says in amazement.
“This was planned only for you.”
We’ve opened a bottle of wine, and we’re sharing a plate of calamari. We’ve ordered our meals but asked for the waiter to take his time. The sky overhead is dark and beyond the stringed lights, other lights reflect on the reservoir’s mirror-like surface.
“Did you hear what the hostess called us when she brought us back to the table?” I ask.
Devan nods with a grin. “Mr. and Mrs.”
“I never thought there would be a Mrs. Sheers. I mean, other than my mom.”
“Now?”
“For the first time, I see the possibility.” I shake my head. “I’m not rushing you, Devan. I’m just overwhelmed…and you should know it’s because of you.” I lower my voice. “You decide the speed. I’ll wait as long as you want.”
Pink intensifies on her cheeks as Devan looks down. When her gaze meets mine, there’s a spark simmering in her light brown orbs. “I have a secret.”
“You do?”
She nods.
“Are you going to make me guess?”
“No. I wasn’t planning on telling you until later in our dinner…” Her words come faster. “Well, if I told you at all. That is part of the debate. I’m not sure if I should, but now I’ve started and…”
Again, I reach across the table. “Whatever has you this nervous can wait if you want.”
Devan covers my hand with hers. Her voice is so soft I strain to hear. And when I do, I wonder if I heard her correctly. “Excuse me,” I say.
Her neck and face are now the color of a fire engine. “You heard me.”
Shit, my dick is growing. “Tell me again.”
“I’m not wearing panties.”
Lifting my hand, I call, “Check please.”
“No,” Devan says with a giggle. “You brought me to the best restaurant in the state. I want my filet.”
“Nope, sorry. We’re leaving.”
Her embarrassment fades into humor as she takes a drink of her water.
“Sir,” our waiter says, appearing from nowhere. “Is there a problem?”
“Yes.”
“No,” Devan corrects. “We’re great.”
I nod. “We’re great, but the kitchen can hurry with our order.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I may have to take mine to go,” I say after he leaves. “I can’t think of anything else other than what you just said.” I look around. “On second thought, we’ll be here all night. I’m afraid without a moving tote, I may never be able to leave this chair.”
