Page 49 of Rescue Us (Next Generation 7)

Shaking my head, I stared out the window, but I couldn’t meet his gaze. I didn’t want to see the pity in his eyes or the look of concern and regret.

“Ainsley.”

I chewed my bottom lip.

Cyrus cupped my jaw, turning my head to meet his intense stare. “Whatever you are thinking, I am not going to hurt you. I’m just going to take you out for some food and that’s it. Nothing more. Understand me?”

I nodded, munching on my damn lip.

His eyes dropped to the movement, his nostrils flaring. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, leaning toward me.

The air crackled around us and just when I thought he was going to kiss me, he cleared his throat and released me instead. A sense of loss washed over me that his hand was no longer cupping my jaw but at the same time, I appreciated it just the same.

Cyrus pulled the car out of the parking lot and drove us to our location. I didn’t know where we were going. A restaurant, I presumed, but I wasn’t sure which one.

Much to my surprise, we ended up at the same deli the first time Cyrus kissed me. I looked up at him then, wondering what he was thinking and why we were there when he had asked me if I liked Italian in the first place.

He caught my gaze, giving me a wink. “This place is actually slow at this time, even though it’s a Friday night. They also have the best milkshakes in the area and a friend of Piper’s makes the yummiest cherry pie.”

My mouth watered at the thought.

“Does that sound okay with you?” he asked, running his thumb along the side of my hand.

I nodded. It did. It sounded perfect actually. Cyrus would quickly learn that I didn’t need fancy meals. My apartment was in a richer part of town but that was only because it was safer.

“I know we’re dressed up, but I want you comfortable, Ainsley. The Italian restaurant I was going to take you to might have been too busy for you.”

My heart warmed at the thoughtfulness coming from him. I gave him a small smile, tightening my hold on his hand that was resting on my lap. The fact that Cyrus focused solely on me and my comfort alone, spoke volumes.

“Alright, pet.” He brought my hand up to his mouth, placing a soft peck on the back of my knuckles. “Let’s get you some of that pie.”

We left the car and walked hand in hand toward the diner. Until we reached the door, Cyrus kept my fingers locked tightly between his. Even though it was something small, it forced a piece of my outer shell to shatter away. He told me to trust him before I even knew him and now, I found that I could. Maybe not completely yet, but I had a feeling that he could knock down all of my walls I had built, over time.

“After you, pet,” Cyrus said, holding the door open for me.

I walked into the establishment, waiting for him to follow.

All eyes turned toward us, probably wondering why we were dressed the way we were at a deli.

Cyrus came up to my side, placed his hand at the small of my back, and led me to a nearby table.

“Well, don’t you two look nice,” a waitress said, coming up to us as we sat. She placed two menus on the table. “Going somewhere fancy?”

“Nope.” Cyrus winked at me. “Just staying here. We dressed up for the milkshakes and pie.”

The waitress laughed. “I love it. First date?”

“Yes.” Cyrus reached across the table, finding my hand. “And hopefully the first of many.”

My cheeks burned, a wide smile spreading on my face.

“I remember the first date my husband took me on. Was to a place similar to this and then we went roller skating after.” She sighed. “It was perfect.” She shook herself. “Anyway, what can I get for you both?”

“Two strawberry milkshakes and a cherry pie, please,” Cyrus told her.

“A whole pie?” The waitress raised an eyebrow. “We usually only sell it by the piece.”

“We’d like the whole pie,” Cyrus told her. “I’ll pay extra if needed.”

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