Page 40 of Sparks Fly
“Two king crab salads to start, truffle macaroni cheese for mains. Keep the wine coming and a jug of water for the table.”That was his order.
The waiter nods and then disappears. Creed reaches for his wine and takes a large mouthful, seeming to wet his tongue.
“So.” I hum, awkwardness kind of settling into my stomach.
“I know you probably feel uneasy out with me, Royce’s dad, your ex-boyfriend… but I couldn’t bear the thought of you sitting at home, when you should be out seeing Monaco,” he says, placing his glass back on the table as his elbows rest on the edge.
“I have seen Monaco.”
He laughs softly and it is a beautiful sound. “You’ve seen bits… you haven’t truly seen Monaco.”
“And I am going to do that by sitting in the restaurant with you?” I nibble on the inside of my lip, occasionally touching my glass.
“Touché.” That smirk I have become to like dances across his lips.
Dragging my glass towards me, I drop my eyes for a moment and have a mouthful, the wine exploding on my tongue.
“Let me take you out tomorrow.” His voice is like silk, blanketing my skin.
“Creed.” I blink up at him, hovering my glass by my lips.
“Come on, let me take you out, show you around. Take you to all my favourite places.”
“We shouldn’t really, it’s not fair on Royce…” I trail off and advert my gaze to the side, searching for the waiter.
“How? He broke up with you… Why can’t I spend the day with you? Neither of us are doing anything wrong.”
I swallow down the truths that spill from his mouth.
“I know…” I whisper bringing my glass closer to my lips, desperate to have something coating the dryness in my mouth.
“Then let me.” His voice is barely audible as he leans across the table, his mouth parted, his eyes dropping to my lips.
“But…”
“No buts…”
“But—”
“No, Ace.” He shakes his head and I crinkle my nose at the nickname. It’s not that I didn’t like it, but it threw me a little bit. I had no idea why he called me that or where it came from. “Let me spend the day with you.”
He looks at me, his eyes locked on mine. I don’t miss the way they burn into my soul. It doesn’t matter how hard I try to look away, I can’t.
“Please, one day… that’s all I ask.”
Before I can even try and fight back a little, I find myself nodding.
“There’s a good girl.”
Chapter Nine
Creed
The evening was perfect.Not only did I manage to sign Cowan, I also managed to get Anaïs to agree to spend the day with me. I wasn’t sure why I was so insistent, but there is something about her that intrigues me. Leaves me wanting more. It’s not like I haven’t spent time with her before, but there was always Royce in the way. I would be lying if I said I never found her attractive, I did. Always had. But I always knew she was out of bounds. But now, she was there, teasing me in a way that only she could. I have never been one to be tempted to take a bite of something I know I shouldn’t, but she left me practically drooling. To sink my teeth into the soft flesh of her skin… to feel the way her tongues dances with mine, to trace my fingertips over her body to mark a trail that only I can see.
My stomach twists as we ride back to the apartment in silence. I direct my gaze to her occasionally, she is facing the window, watching the world go by. We haven’t spoken since we left. She thanked me for dinner after I wouldn’t let her get the bill, pouting and sulking which only made me smile harder than I already was. I’m only here for a short while, but I want to make the most of it before I head home after the break. It’s never long enough, but for some reason, it felt even worse this time. I lovemy job, love my team, and I’m grateful to be in the position I am, but sometimes you crave for something a little less.
The car rolls to a halt and I thank the driver before stepping out and walking to her side. Opening her door, her wide eyes blink at me as I hold my hand out for her to take. After a moment of hesitation, she does, her hand fitting perfectly inside my palm. I hold onto her but as soon as both feet are on the ground, she slips her hand from mine. I ignore the disappointment that swirls in my stomach but push the feeling as far down as possible. It’s not a new thing to me. Disappointment or pushing feelings to a place where they can no longer reach me. I know it’s not healthy, and sure, one day it’ll bubble to the surface but today is not that day.
