Page 45 of Purr For Me
Kendra broke into laughter. “I know exactly what you mean.”
Lexie sobered as she remembered the main reason for her call. “So, I’m short on cash, and I have nothing in my closet to wear to a swanky place. Do you have anything I could borrow?”
“Hmm. Let me think,” Kendra said. “Yes! I have some things that would work.”
Relief loosened the knots in Lexie’s stomach. “You’re a lifesaver. Can I come over now to pick something? Kade is picking me up at seven.”
“Absolutely. We’ll make you look drool-worthy.”
“Thanks. You’re the best.”
“I know,” came Kendra’s cheeky reply.
Lexie chuckled and said goodbye. She ended the call and took the next left. During the fifteen-minute drive, she allowed her excitement about going out with Kade to grow. It had been forever since she’d gone out to dinner with anyone she fancied, and she intended to make the most of every minute.
* * *
Kade pulled into the parking lot of Lexie’s building and turned the key to cut the engine. It seemed a little odd to be going on a date with Lexie, even though they’d kissed several times. But this felt more official, and he hoped things wouldn’t be awkward between them at dinner.
He got out and straightened his suit jacket as he looked at Lexie’s building. The pewter-gray structure with white shutters was attractive and seemed to be in good repair. He was glad to see that she lived in an okay neighborhood. Striding to her door, Kade used the silver knocker to announce his arrival and waited.
It had been a long time since Kade had been struck speechless, but when Lexie answered the door, she looked so incredible his brain ground to a halt and blood fled south.
The deep purple spaghetti-strap dress she wore showed off just enough cleavage to tantalize him. It clung to her hips and ended a few inches above her knees. Her long legs, toned yet shapely, were pure femininity. He didn’t stare at her long enough to be creepy, but he trailed his gaze up Lexie’s body, taking in every luscious inch until he locked eyes with her.
“Stunning.”
Her eyes traveled over his gray linen suit and pink shirt and dark gray tie. “Likewise,” she said.
Lexie’s sexy grin made Kade want to rip off that dress with his teeth.
To break the silent tension, she said, “I'll get my purse.”
Kade stepped closer. “We could always order in.”
His meaning was clear, but although he could see it tempted her, she resisted. “Oh no. You’re not getting off the hook that easy, buddy. I’m not missing out on a fancy meal. Besides, I put too much effort into dressing up to stay home.”
“You’re right. I want to show you off.”
Lexie got her purse and locked up. “Okay. Ready.”
Kade offered his arm. Lexie took it and let him lead her to the car. He opened the door and shut it for her once she was seated.
On the way to the restaurant, they chatted about everything but what was important—what the hell were they both doing and where was tonight going.
The fancy eatery, Chez Ramone, intimated Lexie as soon as they got out of the car at the valet station. It had been years since shed been to such a swanky place.
Kade warned the valet dressed in his crisp uniform that there would be dire consequences if anything happened to his car. The young man’s eyes had gone wide when he realized he’d get to drive the beautiful sports car, but he hastily assured Kade that he’d take excellent care of the vehicle.
Taking Kade’s arm again, Lexie felt proud to be with him as he led her inside. They were shown to their table after only a few moments, where Kade helped seat Lexie. She wasn’t used to anyone doing that for her, and it felt a little awkward. Nice, but strange.
She felt like a princessas she looked around. Small crystal chandeliers hung throughout the dining room, and candles were lit on almost all the tables. The lighting was low, and the candle flames created a warm, intimate ambiance. White tablecloths with gold lace overlays covered the tables, and silverware gleamed on their surfaces.
Any moment now, she expected the manager to show up and give her lessons on which silverware to use for each course. That thought prompted her to run a fingertip over a fork lying in front of her.Thisisthe salad fork, right?
Through her eyelashes, she looked across the table to see if Kade was watching her. To her surprise, he was also studying the table settings. He looked just as perplexed as she was. His left eyebrow arched as he picked up the tiniest fork, which tickled the hell out of her. A giggle slipped out before she could suppress it.
Kade looked over at her with a sheepish grin. “I’ve never understood why the hell they use so many forks. One is all I need.”
