Page 58 of Unexpected
“Just trying to make sure you have everything you need.”
I held her chin between my fingers, leaning in close enough so my lips brushed against hers when I spoke. “The only thing I need is you.”
“Can I get you anything else?” the waiter asked, suddenly appearing.
I turned to him and forced a smile. “Just the check, please.”
When he returned with the check, Alexis reached for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I teased, placing my hand over hers. “This is on me.”
“Preston.” I sensed her hesitation.
I shook my head. “I’m a bit traditional when it comes to dates, I’m afraid. I invited you, which means I pay.”
“Yeah, but…” She studied me with concern. “Are you sure? I really don’t mind.”
She released her grip on the check, and I slid the bill before me. “Positive.”
As she settled back into her chair, I could tell something was on her mind. Still, I paid and left a generous tip, eager to get her out on the dance floor.
I stood, holding out my hand for her. “You ready?”
“I don’t know. Are you going to step on my feet? I’m rather fond of these gorgeous T-strap shoes.” She drew up the hem of her dress, pivoting one of her feet to give me a better look. “Where did you get them, by the way?”
“First of all,” I said, helping her out of the booth and twirling her into my arms so her back was against my front. “I’m not going to step on your toes.”
I spun her back out, enjoying the look of surprise on her face. “And secondly, I have a friend who works at a costume shop that caters to period films.”
“Let me guess—Kate?” she asked, and I nodded. “Tell her she has good taste.” She smiled, and unlike the last time we discussed Kate, I sensed no jealousy, no…reservations.
I led Alexis out to the dance floor, standing tall as I pulled her into my arms. She’d attracted the attention of other men all evening, but she didn’t even seem to notice.
We spun and swayed, and I could honestly say it was the best date I’d ever been on. And the fact that Alexis hadn’t glanced at her phone once all evening told me she was enjoying herself too. She rarely put it down, even at home. Though I’d noticed her trying to make more of an effort lately to unplug. I didn’t know whether it was at my suggestion or just an attempt to spend more time with Sophia, but I was glad.
When we finally made it home hours later, my feet ached and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. As she led me toward the stairs, our fingers intertwined, I asked, “What are three things you’re thankful for today?”
She paused at the bottom step, turned to face me, and smiled. “Nate.” I growled, but she merely laughed. “For giving us this opportunity to be together.”
I lifted my chin as understanding dawned on me. “Good. I was wondering why you were listing another man as your first item.”
She cupped my cheek. “You’re the only man I want.”
Her eyes were filled with such a look of adoration, I felt emboldened. “What else?”
“Sophia. And you, of course. What about you?” She smoothed her hands over the lapels of my tuxedo.
“How about three words, instead?” My heart was pounding so fast, I was positive she could hear it clanging against my ribs. I’d been holding it in so long, I was afraid I’d burst if I didn’t say it. “I love you.”
We stood there for a moment as if frozen in time, and I was afraid I’d made a terrible mistake. Even if she didn’t say it back, I couldn’t bring myself to regret telling her how I felt.
“Preston.” She stared at my chest, gripping my lapels. Every second seemed to stretch for hours, and I held my breath, awaiting her answer. When she finally met my eyes, I braced myself for rejection.
Shit.I’d pushed for too much, too soon. I’d been convinced she felt the same, or maybe I’d just wanted so badly for her to feel the same about me.
“It’s okay,” I rushed to add. “You don’t have to say it back. I just…needed you to know.”
She pulled me to her, fusing her lips to mine. I told myself even though she couldn’t say the words, I knew she felt them. For now, I’d have to be content to let her actions do the talking.
Chapter Seventeen
