Page 26 of Wine & Whiskey
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Chapter Four
On Saturday eveningpromptly at six o’clock, the doorbell rings. Shae squeezes her favorite silver clutch, trying to hide her shaking hands. A swirly combination of excitement and fear flutters in her stomach. She‘s been looking forward to this night all week, succumbing to Nick’s contagious anticipation of their first real date.
Now that he’s here, she pushes down the panic rising in her chest. He said he was kidding. It’s just dinner, nothing else. Yet, she can’t stop thinking about the something else. She may not have the willpower to tell him no.
Carrie smiles at her before she opens the front door.
Shae’s breath catches in her throat. Nick stands in the doorway, wearing a sleek black suit and holding a single pink rose. He’s sexy and thoughtful and utterly terrifying. All the emotions stirred up from their kiss in his kitchen bubble back to the surface.
Her best friend looks back with a mischievous smile and winks before calling out, “Shae, your deadbeat boyfriend is here!”
Nick laughs while Shae shakes her head. “Carrie!”
“I’m kidding. Just trying to lighten the mood. Hi Nick, I’m Carrie.” She holds out her hand to him.
“Nice to meet you.”
With legs wobbling like rubber, she walks toward him and accepts the flower he offers. He lowers his head and brushes her cheek with his lips, warmth spreading across her skin from his soft touch. “You look beautiful.”
Up close, a slight scratch trails his jaw where he must have cut himself shaving. Faint red circles flush each cheek. His smile is almost hesitant. She can’t believe it. He’s nervous too.
Crossing her arms, Carrie leans against the doorframe. “So, where are you two kids off to tonight?”
He takes Shae’s hand, seeming to ignore the slight tremble of her fingers as they squeeze his. “We’re going to Bernard’s on the Water.”
Carrie lets out a low whistle. “Wow, that’s a fancy place. Are you sure you can afford it, Nick? It’s pretty pricey, you know.” Another mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Speaking of which, Shae’s precious cargo. Do you have a safe vehicle to transport her in? And, what are your intentions after dinner? She’s a respectable young lady, so she’s not going to tolerate any unwanted advances.”
Shae leans toward her, giving her sternest look to dial down the crazy. “What are you doing?”
Carrie shrugs her off while Nick rolls with laughter, playing along with her inquisition. “I assure you, ma’am, my intentions are honorable. I believe I have adequate funds to purchase dinner, and my car is in proper working condition.”
“Very good. But let’s talk about your sexual expectations? Shae has a reputation to uphold, you know.”
Oh, my God. She did not just say “sexual expectations” to Nick. Shae loops her arm through his. “Come on, it’s time to go.” As they walk past, Nick tells Carrie good night, and Shae laughs and shakes her head. “You are so embarrassing.”
Carrie swats Shae on the bottom and whispers in her ear, “I love you too. Now, enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” She shouts after them. “Have fun, kids! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
Outside, Jacks opens the car door for them. She smiles at him before climbing inside. “Thank you.” As they ride in the limo, she turns to Nick. “I’m sorry about Carrie. I don’t know what got into her. I told her what you said about the third degree, and I guess she wanted to give you a hard time.”
“I can see why you’re best friends. It did help to take the edge off. I hate to admit it, but I was a little nervous.”
His confession confirms her suspicions, yet still catches her off-guard. This rich, powerful, maybe even dangerous, man feels nervous about spending the evening with her. All the while having no idea of his impact on her, unaware the effect his attention has to her heart. She smiles before tucking her hair behind her ear. “Me too. But I feel better now.”
He squeezes her hand before bringing it to his mouth and kissing it. “I’m starving, so I hope this place is good.”
“I hope they have Bananas Foster.”
His laughter echoes through the car as they pull into the restaurant parking lot. Arm-in-arm, they enjoy a short walk on the pier leading to the entrance. Once inside, expansive windows provide a breathtaking view of the ocean from every direction. The lights twinkle on the rolling waves like stars.
Once they’re seated, he orders champagne. A string quartet plays quietly in the corner as tuxedoed waiters move unobtrusively throughout the room. The epitome of elegance, they sweep away crumbs with tiny brushes and hang finger towels over their arms when they serve food. Even traveling across the world on her tour, she’s never experienced a sophisticated setting quite like this.
“It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Thank you for saying yes.” The earnestness of his expression conveys a message of more than coming to the restaurant. As if she gives him something beyond sharing a meal together.
After their drinks are poured, Nick raises his glass. “To real dates.”
