Page 59 of The Rebound
This man is a damn hero. “Actually, that’s—”
“Totally not necessary,” Kinley cuts in, shaking her head vehemently. “I’m gonna have to feed him again later anyway, so unless you have boobs, I’ll need to be here. Actually, it’s better if we just come right back after dinner.”
All right, so maybe getting Kinley to relax will be more difficult than I originally thought. I guess when you’re someone’s food source, you can’t just take the night off. Even if your boyfriend is desperate to get you naked.
“Thanks again,” I call over my shoulder, guiding a very reluctant mother out the door as Reeves waves good-bye with one of Caleb’s tiny, yet surprisingly chubby hands.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asks, her hand looping into mine and holding me back before I lead us too far down the hall.
“I actually think this is the best idea we’ve ever had. C’mon. It’ll be okay.”
I flash her the slanted grin that always makes her roll her eyes and giggle in equal measure. I’ve found that it’s easier to convince her of something when I use the traits that God gave me. It’s a winning smile, what can I say?
“All right. Where are we going?”
“Where do you think?”
Kinley gasps. “Is it the Thai place I like?”
I laugh in disbelief as we enter the parking garage. “We get Thai pretty much every other day. You really think I would take you to the same old place on our firstrealdate?”
She blinks, an amused smile stretching across her painted lips. “Oh my God, I guess this kind of is our first date, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. I’m treating you. And there’s nothing you can do about it.”
She raises her hands in gleeful surrender, hopping into the passenger seat when I open the door for her.
It’s a quick drive from the complex to the waterside restaurant I’ve picked out for this special occasion. It’s situated on the channel, close enough to the water that the lights are reflected on its rippling surface. We’re seated right away, and the first thing Kinley does is peruse the extensive wine list.
“Be honest with me. Is it bad if I order a white right now and then order a red for later?” she asks, chewing on her lower lip with the intensity of an archeologist reading an ancient document.
“It’s recommended,” I say, flagging the waiter down.
They’re very generous with their pours, so we’re both already a little tipsy by the time our shared platter of oysters arrives.
“Maybe we should take Reeves up on his offer to stay the night after all,” Kinley murmurs over the rim of her wineglass.
I feel her foot trace the line of my calf, pressing intimately against the smooth fabric of my dress pants. Wow, yup, I’m already getting hard. Which is ...sonot helpful.
“What makes you say that?” I ask, playing dumb.
Kinley smirks at me and gives me a soft look that I feel right in my groin.
Who knew watching a girl slurp down oysters would be such a turn-on? By the time our entrees arrive, I feel like I’m crawling out of my skin.
All of Kinley’s attention immediately turns to the glorious arrangement in front of her: broiled duck, arugula citrus salad, and roasted scallops. The moans that escape her lips as soon as her tongue makes contact with each savory flavor are downright erotic.
Lord help me.
On the way back to the car, she clings to my arm, giggling the whole way. Once we’re buckled up, she releases a heavy, reluctant sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not ready to go back yet.”
Hot damn. Here’s my opening.“We don’t have to go back yet.”
Kinley perks up a bit, turning to me and leaning on one arm so her cleavage deepens. “Where would we go? Hey, eyes up here, mister.”
