Page 11 of Mr. Right Now
Jayana resisted the urge to fan herself. It took everything in her not to tell him he was free to taste any place he wanted. The look in his eyes and the slow grin that spread across his face said he knew exactly what she’d been thinking. “Okay, so not the best choice of words. I’ll save them for later…when we know each other better.” She slung her tote on her shoulder. “Tonight, will be dinner and conversation.”
Still chuckling, Dante said, “I like you, Jayana Cole.”
“Ditto, Mr. Right Now.” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “My bad. That’s supposed to be for another time.” She lifted one finger. “Lemme just tip on out this office before I get into more trouble.”
He threw his head back and roared with laughter. “Yeah. Good idea.”
They were still laughing as the locked up and headed out to her car. Jayana asked, “Should I follow you?”
“No. We’ll drop your car off at home first and take mine.”
Her gaze went to the late model Audi parked a few feet away. “Nice ride.” She wanted to argue that it would be a waste of gas, but the look on his face let her know it would be a waste of time. Besides, it was nice to be out with a man who exhibited just a little chivalry for a change. “Okay. I live in Carson.” That had been another perk of her new job. It only took fifteen minutes to get to the center located in Gardena. Back home in Atlanta, her commute took forty-five minutes, on average.
He held the car door open and waited for her to get in. “I’ll be right behind you, so try not to be a speed demon and lose me on the road.”
“And miss out on a date with you? Please, I’ll be driving as slow as molasses.”
Dante shook his head and smiled. “I see this is going to be an interesting evening.”
His smile made her pulse skip. “Interesting is good. Beats a boring date any day of the week.” She wiggled her fingers in a little wave. “See you in a few.”Let’s see if you’re really ready for me, Mr. Powell.
CHAPTER4
Dante had made reservations at Fleming’s Steakhouse in El Segundo before asking Jayana out. Fortunately, she’d said yes. He hadn’t done anything this impulsive since…never. She had him so outside his comfort zone, he didn’t know if he was coming or going. After handing the car off to valet, he escorted her up the steps and into the restaurant where he gave his name to the hostess.
“It’s pretty crowded in here,” Jayana whispered. “Hopefully, the wait won’t be too long.”
“We shouldn’t have to wait at all, since I made reservations.”
She glanced up at him. “Before or after asking me out?”
Dante hesitated briefly, studying her and trying to determine what she might be thinking. But her expression gave away nothing, which probably served her well in her profession. “Before. I figured I could always cancel if you said no, but I didn’t want to take the chance of us having a long wait.” Some women would think it presumptuous of him, but he considered it planning.
“I like a man with a plan,” Jayana said, echoing his thoughts.
Before he could respond, the hostess called his name and showed them to a booth. She handed them each a large black folio containing the menu, then departed with a smile.
She opened the menu. “I’ve never been here. What’s good?”
“Depends on what you like.” When a teasing smile blossomed on her face, he realized what he’d said. “Food. We’re talking about food,” he said.
Jayana stared at him innocently. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Dante laughed softly. “Uh huh.” Her easygoing personality was one more thing on a growing list that drew her to him.
“Have you tried the scallops?”
“I have, as well as the lobster tails, and they’re both good. I’m guessing you like seafood.”
“You guessed right.”
He loved seafood, as well, and wondered what else they had in common. A young man appeared at the table to take their drink order.
“I’d like a pineapple lemon drop,” Jayana said.
“And I’ll take a brown sugar old fashion.”
“I’ll be back with those drinks shortly,” the young man said.
