I’m relieved that he doesn’t ask how I found out about Riggs and his huge house that he occasionally rents out to friends of friends. I’m not sure why, but I don’t want Kingston to know –not yet at least – that I’m a directionless rich girl who has no idea what she’s doing with her life.
As we glide past the endless trees and rocky outcroppings, I feel like I’m flying again. Especially since Kingston seems to be watching me admire the scenery.
“It’s a cool house,” he says as we pull up in front. “Even if it’s a little big for just you.”
After he helps me get my buckets and bags into the foyer, Kingston pulls out his phone. “May I get your number? And pick you up in an hour for dinner? We can go anywhere you like, but I’m really in the mood for Jim’s Pizza, if that’s cool with you.”
I can’t believe he’s paying me this much attention. Nobody ever has before. Everyone’s eyes are drawn to my tall, slender sisters who look like supermodels. Or my mother, who is always wearing some designer thing direct from Paris that other people find impressive. Not that I’ve seen her in ages.
When I hesitate slightly, Kingston’s eyes grow wide and he looks mortified. “You’re right. I didn’t do this properly.”
He takes my hand, sending another zing of electricity through me as he leads me to the center of the foyer, right under the chandelier, and drops to one knee.
“Dearest Sierra, most gorgeous explorer of my mountain, may I please escort you to the town’s finest pizza establishment in a noble quest to get to know thee better?”
I’m already laughing, which makes his eyes dance even more. “Yes, just give me about an hour to shower quickly.”
My stomach tightens as his lips drift over the back of my hand. Is he reading my mind? Can he tell I’d rather shower with him?
Whoa. That thought is completely unlike me. Getting naked with a stranger is not something that’s ever occurred to me before. Now I’m craving it with a brand-new longing.
“Perfect.”
He stands, placing my hand on his chest. His wide, warm, extremely firm chest. Another shower of sparks rains through me as I realize I might honestly have trouble breathing when I’m alone with him for an entire dinner.
“See you soon.” He flashes me a wink before walking out and closing the door softly behind him.
I take a deep breath, then turn to face the stairs. What on Earth can I wear that looks both small town charming and like I dressed up for our date?
Kingston is incredible, and I love the way he’s not exactly shy about his interest in me. Realistically, there’s no way this…whatever…will last more than a short while, but I want to make the most of it.
He’s the only man who has ever made me genuinely hot with desire.
3
KINGSTON
I’ve never spent this much time thinking about an outfit. Even when I was presenting to that board of directors in Munich a few months ago, I just threw on one of my Brioni suits and figured “good enough”.
I study myself in the mirror. I’m being ridiculous. This is fine. Black shirt and suit pants, no jacket. Dressy casual, I hope. I’d love to switch out the watch but Sierra has already seen this one and for some reason I don’t want her to know I’m a collector quite yet.
I don’t want to take the pickup on a date. She’ll be more comfortable in the Lexus SUV anyway, since the suspension handles the rough roads better.
When I pull up in front, Sierra is already walking out the front door and locking it behind her. She’s changed into a charming dark green dress that brings out the auburn in her hair.
“Stunning. Just stunning,” I breathe, taking her hands. We simply stare at each other, enjoying this moment of connection, this acknowledgement that we already know the date is going to go well.
I keep holding her hand as I help her into the SUV, then as we drive into town we chat about the best kinds of music for cruising through forests. After a lively debate of options, we agree that a faint lo-fi jazz chill-hop is super mellow and will allow the bird calls to be heard over it.
I park right downtown and take her hand again as she steps out onto the sidewalk. I don’t want to let go, and when I hesitate for a split second, she squeezes my fingers, telling me that it’s okay.
I love how easily we communicate already. How open we are together.
I also love that people are noticing me with her. By tomorrow, thanks to the grapevine, the entire town will know that this lovely girl is with one of the Wolfe men. That will bring her automatic protection, even though this town is completely safe.
Luckily, Jim’s Pizza isn’t too busy yet, so we have our choice of seats. Sierra looks around on the way through the building, then smiles when I head for the patio. “Cool, do you like eating outside too?”
“Always. Well, until the snow starts to fly.”