Page 88 of Hale Yes
“Wear your suspenders Friday night… Dr. Hale.”
I don’t miss his low groan, and when I climb into my car and back out, I’m pretty sure I see him adjust his groin as he watches me.
We may not have sex again, but flirting with Helix is something I don’t think I can stop. It’s too much damn fun.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Purple suspenders and fishnet hose
Nicolette
On Friday night, I look over my menu at Helix. “I just realized you’re not wearing your glasses.”
“You’re not the only one that has contact lenses,” he remarks, not looking up from his perusal of the pizza selection on the page.
It gives me time to look him over. He did indeed wear suspenders tonight, these a vibrant purple color, and I wonder how many sets he has. His shirt is white and must be custom tailored because it fits his form perfectly, showing off that broad chest and shoulders. Black trousers and loafers complete the look.
I, on the other hand, chose the black blazer dress that Gianna and Auburn gave me for my birthday, along with black fishnet hose. My waist was cinched with a wide black belt, and the red leather heels with matching earrings completed the outfit. Like Helix, I also went with contacts tonight.
“What are you getting?”
He flashes his blue eyes up at me for a second. “Not sure. So many good choices.”
Daddio’s Pizzeria is like taking a step back in time, the decor reminiscent of a 1950s diner, complete with red vinyl booths and a black-and-white checkerboard floor. But the menu is modern and fun with chef-inspired toppings.
“I’m trying to decide between the Italian Orchard and the Atlas.”
He reads the descriptions aloud. “Hmm, prosciutto and thin sliced apple or chicken, gorgonzola, and fresh basil. Both sound good.” He lowers his menu. “What if we get one of each and share?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
After the waitress in an old-fashioned diner uniform takes our order and departs, Helix leans his forearms on the formica tabletop. “What’s the worst thing you could put on a pizza?”
I purse my lips and think about it before answering with, “Uranium.”
That cracks him up. “Good lord, woman, I never know what the hell you’re going to say.”
Patting my hair, I sigh dramatically. “It’s part of my enviable charm.”
Both pizzas turn out to be delicious. The Atlas has a slightly sweet glaze that I love drizzled on top, but I think the apples paired with salty prosciutto takes the top prize for me.
The conversation flows easily. We flirt a little but keep it relatively harmless, and I can feel something changing inside me with every minute I spend with Helix.
As much as I try to tell myself it’s only physical attraction, I’m afraid I might be falling for him.
“Holy crap, this is gorgeous,” I say, my eyes darting around the space. It’s a refurbished old theater that’s breathtakingly opulent.
The theater chairs have been removed and replaced with tables arranged on four descending levels. Helix and I are led to the lower level where our table is situated front and center, directly in front of the stage. Background music fills the air with an upbeat tune.
“Looks like we got the best seats in the house,” Helix remarks as we sit on magenta padded chairs behind an hourglass-shaped illuminated table. All the tables are lit from the inside, the frosted plastic muting the rainbow of colors scattered throughout the seating area. Ours is a pretty blue color that reflects Helix’s eyes.
I buff my nails on my shoulder. “I don’t like to brag, but I know people.”
“I’ll remember that if I ever need a favor.”
My very naughty mind thinks I’d like to do him a favor or three. I avert my eyes before he can read the desire there and gasp when I catch sight of the ceiling. Helix automatically wraps a protective arm around my shoulders and braces a palm on the table like he’s about to jump up and kick someone’s ass.
“What’s wrong?” he barks.
