Page 47 of Purr For Me
Chapter Fourteen
By the time dessert arrived, their banter had loosened up Jared, and Kade was pleased to see Lexie enjoying the evening.
Lexie ordered the filet mignon, roasted asparagus, and potatoes. She’d devoured her meal with a combination of proper etiquette and ravenous appetite.
Watching her enjoy her food had increased Kade’s enjoyment of his own. The way she savored her ginger layer cake with wine-poached pears and cream cheese frosting was erotic. She closed her eyes when she took a bite, slowly drawing her fork from between her lush lips.
Damn. He could almost taste the sweetness of the decadent treat mixed with Lexie’s own taste. He wanted to feel her in his arms, and—
Kade put the brakes on those thoughts when his groin tightened. It was hard to control himself around Lexie, but he didn’t want to scare her off. So, for now, he settled for watching her and biding his time.
When the last bite of her dessert disappeared, Lexie laid her fork down and regarded him with a contented expression. “That was amazing. I’m about ready to burst.”
Kade said, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
She reached across the table to lay her hand over his. “I enjoyed everything; the food, the ambiance—but most of all, I liked spending time with you.”
From experience, Kade knew that alcohol loosened lips and allowed people to say what they truly felt. As he turned his hand over and curled his fingers around hers, Kade suspected that this was the case with Lexie, but he hoped that it was also the truth.
“Same here, honey. I’m so glad you came out with me.”
Lexie squeezed his hand. “Me, too. Thanks for showing me such a good time. I don’t remember when I’ve had so much fun.”
“I’m glad it was with me.”
“So am I.”
When Lexie’s eyes misted over, Kade knew that it was time to leave before she started crying. He stood up and held his hand out to her. “What do you say we get out of here?”
“Great idea.” She took his hand and rose to her feet.
Kade steadied her when she took a shaky step. “Looks like it’s time to get you home,” he said.
Lexie giggled and held on a little tighter. “I guess so. That wine has a sneaky kick to it.”
Kade had only drunk a glass and a half before switching to water. He was glad he’d appointed himself as the designated driver, since Lexie was in no condition to get behind the wheel.
“Whoa, there,” he said, putting an arm around her waist.
Lexie’s eyes were a little glassy as she smiled up at him. “Thanks. I guess I drank more than I thought.”
Kade chuckled as he started guiding her through the dining room, keeping her from bumping into tables along the way. Jared caught up with them, carrying the check portfolio.
Lexie held out a hand to the waiter. “It’s been nice meeting you, Jared. I’ll come back sometime, and I’ll ask for you.” She gave his chest a friendly poke. “Because you’re the guy I want waiting my table. Not Barney, or Vivian, or Edward, just you.”
Where did she come up with those names,Kade wondered?
Jared grinned. “It’s been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing you both again.”
Kade took out his wallet and gave Jared a credit card. “Jared, you turned out to be a pretty cool guy.” He handed some money to the waiter. “Take this for all the great service tonight.”
Jared stared at the hundred Kade held out to him. “Sir, that’s too generous.”
Lexie snatched it out of Kade’s hand, tucked it into Jared’s lapel pocket, and gave him a peck on the cheek. “No, it’s not. Buy yourself something nice.”
Jared turned deep pink and cast a wary glance at Kade. “Thank you, Lexie. I will. I’ll be right back with your card.”
Kade smiled at the way Jared hurried off. Who could blame him for developing a little crush on Lexie? After all, he’d had one ever since he’d met her. He’d been able to hide it, especially since he made himself scarce a lot once she and Jason had gotten engaged. He’d never cheated on any of his girlfriends, but these past few weeks, he’d learned Lexie was the reason he’d married none of them.
