Page 12 of Do Me
“I know,” Monique said. “Deep and sexy like warm honey pouring over you.”
Londyn shook her head. “I can’t with you guys.” But she didn’t deny it. Every time she heard his voice, it had her thinking about things best left alone.
Felicia laughed. “But you’d better withhim.”
“I’m going to pay for my shoes.” She left them laughing.
After their visit to the day spa, Londyn picked up her car from Monique’s place and drove home. She still had enough time before Braxton’s scheduled arrival to make a pan of brownies for dessert—she preferred her own baking to that of most restaurants—and enjoy a soak in her Jacuzzi tub.
She applied light makeup and her favorite deep bronze lip color, then debated on whether to wear her hair up or down. In the end, she decided on the latter. Londyn slipped into the dress, then sat on the side of the bed to strap on her shoes. She winced a little when she stood. The ice she’d applied last night helped, but she still had some lingering soreness.
At exactly seven-ten, Braxton called to let her know he was in the lobby. She told him she’d meet him there, rather than have him come up. Taking a deep breath, she left and took the elevator to the first floor. Londyn spotted him immediately. The man looked better each time she saw him.
Braxton met her halfway and kissed her cheek. “You look amazing.” His gaze made a slow tour down her body and back up. “Amazing.”
The intensity of his stare sent a flurry of sensations through her and let her know the impromptu shopping spree had been well worth it. “Thanks. So do you.” And his walk—straight spine, broad shoulders and sexy with a hint of swagger.Mercy! He smiled. Placing his hand in the small of her back, he guided her out to where he’d parked. He unlocked the doors of the silver gray Acura sedan by remote and seated her before rounding the fender and getting in on the driver’s side.
As he pulled out of the lot and onto the road, he said, “Let me know if you want me to turn the heat up. How’s the toe?”
“I’m fine. And it’s still a little sore, but okay.”
Braxton slanted her a glance. “Glad to hear it.”
The warmth inside was a direct contrast to the outside temperatures that had dipped into the low forties. They conversed softly about everything except themselves and less than fifteen minutes later, they were escorted to a booth at Chops & Lobster Bar. She placed the napkin across her lap. “This is nice. I’d always meant to come here with it being so close to home, but for some reason, it never happened.”
“Well then, I hope you enjoy it.” A server appeared to take their drink order. “Will you share a bottle of champagne with me?”
“Yes.” Londyn waited until the server left before asking, “Are we celebrating something?”
“We’re celebrating the beginning of what I hope will be a beautiful relationship.”
She went still. He spoke with the assurance of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. She, on the other hand, couldn’t be sure if a relationship was something she could hope for right now. However, when she recalled how he’d behaved the first time they met and how he’d reminded her that she was indeed a woman, she wanted to take the chance. “I hope so, too,” she said with a smile.
Chapter 4
With difficulty, Braxton dragged his gaze away from Londyn. He hadn’t been able to stop staring at her in the alluring black dress that left her right shoulder bare. When she came toward him in the lobby and he got a glimpse of her toned legs and a hint of thigh from that front slit, it had been all he could do not to cancel dinner and go straight to dessert. The rhinestone heels added several inches to her height and made her legs appear longer. But he didn’t miss the slight hesitation in her voice when he mentioned celebrating the beginning of their relationship and he speculated on whether it had to do with someone from her past. He picked up his menu and studied it for a few minutes. “See anything good?”
Londyn chuckled. “I see several things. Unfortunately, my stomach wouldn’t be able to try them all.”
He glanced up. “You’re more than welcome to order a couple of things to take home for tomorrow, if you like.”
“Oh, no, that’s quite okay.”
She observed him for a lengthy moment in what looked like puzzlement, and he thought she might say something else. Instead, she, once again, buried her head in the menu. Braxton wished he knew what she was thinking. The server returned with the champagne and filled their glasses.
“Are you ready to order, or would you like a little more time?” their waiter asked after he placed the bottle in a waiting ice bucket.
Both were ready. Londyn chose a seafood trio, consisting of lobster, salmon and crab cakes, while he opted for the bone-in ribeye with a broiled lobster tail. They both added lobster bisque for an appetizer and agreed on sharing sides of green beans and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes.
“I’ll put this order in and be back with your appetizer.”
“Thank you.” Once they were alone, Braxton lifted his glass. “To the beginning of something beautiful and special.” Londyn touched the side of his glass and lifted it to her lips. His eyes never left hers as he sipped the sparkling beverage. He couldn’t explain it, but instinctively, he knew whatever he shared with her would be both of those things.
Over the meal, Londyn asked, “How long have you worked with computers?”
He finished chewing his steak and took a sip of his drink. “Since my first year in college, which would be almost twenty-two years.” He chuckled at her expression that went from surprised to confusion and knew she was trying to figure out his age. I had a part-time job at an electronics store that repaired computers. But I’ve always been fascinated by technology.”
“Are you an engineer?”
