Page 37 of Do Me
She laughed softly. “Still having problems with that spontaneity thing, huh?”
Braxton lifted a brow. “You’re saying that after what happened last night?” He had never done anything as impulsive as he’d done last night. When she’d sent that text, it had been all he could do to keep his sanity long enough to get to her office. He’d been in such a hurry he was halfway down the block before he remembered the condoms. He hadn’t lied about breaking speed limits and was lucky that the cops hadn’t spotted him. As far as spontaneity went, Braxton had never,everhad sex in an office.
“Okay, okay, I’ll let you off the hook for now.”
He smiled. “You can tempt me later.”
“You’ve got a deal, love.”
Every time she used an endearment made his heart shout for joy. Braxton knew he was probably grinning like an idiot, but he didn’t care. Once in his car, he got them underway and ended at another expensive steakhouse.
They continued laughing and talking after being seated and their orders taken. It was as if their declarations of love had freed them. It had certainly freed him in ways he had yet to understand. Her eyes met his and revealed passion and something he’d never seen before—love. Braxton had a hard time concentrating on his meal because the hunger he felt had nothing to do with food and everything to do with the beautiful woman sitting across from him.
“My parents want to meet you,” Londyn said, halfway through dinner.
“Okay.” He figured it was probably time for him to meet them anyway.
She eyed him. “You’re okay with that?”
He shrugged. “Yes, why wouldn’t I be? Besides, you’ve met mine already, so it’s only fair.” He chuckled at the confused look on her face. Reaching for her hand, he said, “Londyn, I love you, and I’m in this for the long haul. It’s time your parents knew this, too. See what their schedule is like for next weekend. Maybe we can all go out to breakfast. My treat.”
She squeezed his hand. “My mom is going to lose her mind over you.”
Laughter poured out of him. “I hope so.”
Shaking her head, Londyn went back to her dinner.
When they finished, Braxton took a deep breath and grasped her hand again. “Londyn, I—” Londyn gasped, her eyes widening as if she’d seen a ghost. Her hand trembled in his and she bore an expression he’d never seen. Frowning, he glimpsed over his shoulder and saw a man of average height approaching.
“Well, if it isn’t my long-lost fiancée.”
Fiancée?Braxton whipped his head around and stared at Londyn.
She shot the man an angry glare. “I’m not youranything!” she snapped. “Get away from me.”
The man took a step closer and Braxton came to his feet, towering over him by a good five or six inches. “You heard the lady. Leave!”
He looked Braxton up and down and an evil grin curved his lips. “Did she tell you about her little problem in the bedroom? That she can’t please a man?”
Londyn looked stricken.
“Don’t say another word to her,” Braxton whispered harshly. “You have one second to leave this table, or I’m going tokick your ass!”
“Yeah, right.”
The words were barely out of the man’s mouth when Braxton snatched him by the throat and said with lethal calmness, “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear. You are leaving this restaurant now. Walking or carried out, your choice. My temper’s not real good right now, so I don’t think you want to test me.” Braxton tossed him aside—none—too gently and the man stumbled backward, crashing into a diner at a nearby table. Every person in the room was focused on them, and he saw a manager rushing toward the table. Braxton apologized for the disruption and took his seat. He could count on one hand the number of times he’d lost his temper and each of the instances had to do with someone threatening someone he loved. He dragged a hand down his face. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you, Londyn.” That was his only regret.
Londyn, stared at him, her expression the same. “I…I…”
He caressed her hand. “Sweetheart, are you okay? He’s gone.” He had about a million questions running through his head, but Londyn was his only concern at the moment.
“Take me home, Braxton,” she said with tears filling her eyes, her voice barely audible. “Please.”
“Of course, baby.” He led her to the front, caught the attention of their server and gestured for the bill. The young woman seemed to understand their plight and quickly brought it over. Braxton paid it, leaving a generous tip, then escorted Londyn to the car. She sat almost curled up and so close to the door that if it opened she’d fall out, and didn’t say a word. She wouldn’t even look at him. He could feel her withdrawing from him minute by minute and it broke his heart. By the time they made it to her house, she still hadn’t said anything.
Londyn dropped down on one corner of her sofa without removing her coat and curled up in a ball.
Braxton squatted in front of her and stroked her cheek. “What do you need me to do for you, Londyn? Tell me how I can help you.”
