Page 60 of Mess With Me
13
French food to the rescue. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief because Ally was enjoying herself so much. The place was intimate with lots of tables for two covered in white tablecloths with a glowing candle and too much silverware. Ally exclaimed over every course, which was a lot. They both got the prix fixe menu with a bunch of tiny courses. Ally got hers with a glass of wine, her cheeks glowing, from wine or sex he wasn’t sure, but he soaked her in greedily. His life had never seen so much sweetness and light as it had since she came into it. He’d been so worried he’d screwed up earlier, fucking her rough before their date and not even using protection. He knew better, especially after she’d confided in him about her lost pregnancy. He had to be more careful with her physically and emotionally. He was embarrassingly inexperienced at this love stuff. But, dammit, he would die trying.
They shared a chocolate soufflé, which Ally looked so orgasmic over, he purposely slowed down eating to let her have more of it. She sped up correspondingly and finished it off with a blissful sigh that made his chest fill with warmth. Her happiness was everything.
She wiped her mouth carefully with a napkin. “I’m glad we went to dinner. This was wonderful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He considered his next steps. He wanted to spend the night with her, even if it didn’t involve sex, and he didn’t want another desperate negotiation to convince her. “What’re your plans for tomorrow morning?”
“Lauren’s bachelorette brunch. Actually, it’s not far from here.” They were in the wealthy town of Greenport. “So no strippers, as you can imagine.” She made a small pout.
“I could show up as a cop stripper,” he offered with a straight face.
Her eyes widened. “That would be awesome!”
He shook his head, laughing. “I was kidding.”
“I’d bet you’d earn a lot of money as a side gig doing that,” she said enthusiastically.
“Thanks?”
She laughed.
He leaned across the table and lowered his voice. “Tell me why you’re against spending the night.”
Her smile dropped and she fiddled with her napkin. “I’m not against it per se. I just don’t want to make it a habit.”
He straightened, figuring he could work with that. “Once a week isn’t much of a habit. What time’s your brunch?”
She leaned across the table and whispered, “Why do you want to spend the night together? I can’t imagine you’re in the mood after our screwup.”
He leaned close and whispered back, “I’m always in the mood, but that’s not why. I like waking up to someone who makes me smile.”
Her lips curved into a small smile, her eyes soft. “Eth.” She swallowed visibly. “That was so sweet.” She kissed him and straightened. “Okay, you can stay at my place. Brunch is at eleven, so I’ll probably be up around nine.”
He relaxed, glad he’d said the right thing. It was the truth too. “Works for me.”
“Did you guys do anything fun for Alex’s bachelor party? Lauren told us you all went into the city last night.”
“No strippers there either.”
“Bummer, right?”
He shook his head, smiling. She was probably the only woman in the world who’d feel sorry for them not having strippers. “Doesn’t do much for me anyway.”
“Su-ure,” she said with a big exaggerated nod. “You’re the exception.”
He flashed a smile. “That’s right. We went to Chelsea Piers and did the batting cages, driving range, and rock-climbing wall. Then we headed over to Marcus’s bar to hang out in the private room. Played some pool and poker.”
“Lame-o.”
He snorted. “It was fun, really, but definitely not your typical bachelor party.Andhe called her twice because he missed her. So whipped.”
She cocked her head. “I don’t know, I think that’s kind of sweet. Did you get him a present?”
“We all chipped in for Chelsea Piers and his drinks. Was I supposed to get him something else too?”
“I don’t know how bachelor parties work, but definitely for a bachelorette party. We’re all getting her naughty lingerie.”
