Page 8 of Deadly Protector
“It is different. Luckily my stores are all run by capable managers.” He’d started his first hardware store when he’d decided to go legit, and things had snowballed from there. “As far as the work I do for Red Stone, I can’t give too many details, but we work as a team, targeting various weaknesses. It shows companies where they can shore up security issues.” Which, in this ever-changing world, was a smart thing to do. “They’re almost always surprised, but grateful.”
“That’s really cool.” She took a sip of her wine and smiled at him, her expression open and sweet, and God, he was still surprised she’d gone out with him.
He’d never dated a single mom before, had pretty much stuck to casual sex for as long as he could remember. But Zamira made him envision a different kind of life. One he was afraid to admit he wanted. His life was very orderly and he’d always been fine with that. But he wanted more. He cleared his throat. “Well, I’m a big fan of your job.”
She laughed lightly. “How are you feeling anyway? You seem to have no lasting effects.”
“I’m walking fine now. Jogging too.” He still wanted to kick his own ass for his stupidity.
“Climb any big ladders lately?”
“Ha ha, no.” He’d hurt himself by not properly stabilizing a ladder at one of his stores before he’d climbed on it. It was his own damn fault he’d gotten hurt and he knew it could have been a whole lot worse.
“I’m glad you’re doing well.”
“Me too.” His gaze fell to her mouth, but didn’t linger. He didn’t want to get caught up in thoughts of kissing her. That way lay distraction. “So what are your plans for the next couple weeks?”
“I took off work and I plan to do some boring house stuff, but I’m also planning to get a lot of uninterrupted time out on the water. And I’m pretty sure Mila wants to have a girls’ day at her and Lyosha’s place. So I’m definitely going.”
He grinned as he speared a piece of lettuce. “I don’t blame you.” He’d been friends with Lyosha for over a decade, and the man had a house in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Miami. Now he was married to Mila, Zamira’s younger sister.
“Oh, I’ve also been invited out on a friend’s boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. I don’t actually fish, but I love the idea of being on the water all day.”
Dimitri wondered if this friend was male, but shelved the thought. Mostly. Because he was very curious. “I hope to be able to take you out over the next couple weeks. More than once.” How about every day?
“I’d love that.” Her cheeks flushed slightly and she barely glanced at their waiter as he picked up their salad plates.
The most primitive part of Dimitri was glad. He wanted her eyes only on him.
Through the rest of dinner Zamira was relaxed, and he hated when it finally came time to leave. It was too soon for him to invite her to his place. Not for him, but too soon for her, he was certain. “When can I take you out again?” he asked, leaning back in his chair after paying. “It doesn’t have to be dinner. There are a couple art shows in the coming weeks we could go to. Or maybe you can teach me to kitesurf.”
Her eyebrows raised slightly. “Really?”
“Yeah, it looks fun.” Lies. It looked like something twenty-year-olds did, but he would get out there and try it, if it meant spending time with her.
“I’ve got enough extra gear that you could borrow…but no pressure. Kitesurfing isn’t for everyone. We can go kayaking instead or try one of those glow kayaking things.”
“Glow?”
“There are a couple rental places that offer nighttime kayaking or paddleboarding. The boats all glow and light up the area underneath and around you. It looks fun but neither of my kids has wanted to try it.”
“I’m in.”
“Great. How about Sunday night, then? I can’t tomorrow.”
His instinct was to ask why she couldn’t tomorrow but that was most definitely not his business. He’d never been a jealous man, but with Zamira… Yeah, he needed to lock down whatever those feelings were. She wasn’t his, even if he wanted her to be. And acting like a caveman wouldn’t win him any points. “Works for me.”
“Okay, well I’m paying for kayaking since I’m inviting you.”
He gave a soft snort as the waiter returned. He didn’t care if he was old-school, he wasn’t comfortable with a woman paying for a date.
“What does that sound mean?” she asked as he set the bill back on the table after giving a big tip. The guy might have been checking out Zamira, but he’d been good at his job.
“It means we’ll see.”
She let out a surprised laugh. “That’s what I tell my kids when the answer is no. You’re very sneaky.”
He just grinned and placed his hand on the small of her back as he led her out of the restaurant and into the waiting area. The place was large, with a plush bar that had filled up a while ago as people without reservations decided to brave trying to get a table. When Zamira stumbled, he slid his arm around her shoulders, but paused when he saw how pale her face had gotten.
