“It’s silly, really. But I’ve always dreamed of owning my own bakery, ever since I was a little girl. As you can see, I’m quite partial to an occasional cupcake or two.“ My laugh sounds brittle.
“Amber. Look at me.“
My eyes find his bright blue ones. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you.“
For the first time in our short acquaintance, I’m lost for words. Part of me still thinks he couldn’t possibly be interested in me, that he’s only being nice to me because of Alex. But with every compliment, every smile, that part of me shrinks. So, instead of worrying about his motives, I decide to simply enjoy going out to dinner with the most handsome man I’ve ever met.
“Thank you, Connor. You don’t look too bad yourself.“
His mouth curves into a smile. “I’m relieved you don’t find me hideous.“ As if anyone could ever find Connor anything but breathtakingly handsome. “Tell me more about that bakery you want to own someday.“
And so, while we eat lobster ravioli and sip on our wine, I tell him all about my childhood dream. How I want to sell the best baked goods in the city, how I hope that my employees would love to come to work, and every customer would leave with a smile on their face.
“I have no doubt they would. With a boss as kind, funny, and passionate as you, how couldn’t they? You’ll be great, princess. I have no doubt about that.“ The pet name makes butterflies dance in my stomach. I look up at him from under my lashes, trying to look sexy. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, my prince.“ I hope he can’t see the blush creeping up to my hairline in the dim light of the restaurant. I’ve never been all that good at flirting, but I have to at least try. And when his eyes sparkle and he reaches across the table to lightly touch his fingers against mine, I’m glad I did.
“Can I be honest with you, Amber?“
My mouth suddenly feels dry. Is this the moment where he tells me that he was just being nice and that we won’t see each other again after today? I give him a stiff nod.
“I know Alex treated you terribly, and I really hope this evening could make up for it, at least a little bit.“ I pull my fingers back and let my hand drop into my lap, clenching it into a fist. I knew it. “I don’t want to be inappropriate, but I think you’re amazing. And I want to take you out again.“
My eyes widen. “Really?“
“Really. So how about you give me your phone number, and then I’ll take you home?“
He wants to see me again. I can’t stop grinning. Not when I type my number into his phone, not on the drive to my apartment, and certainly not when he walks me to the door. I fish my keys out of my handbag, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye. Is he going to kiss me? I really hope he does. When he clears his throat, I look up at him. He cups my face in his hands and smiles down at me. “I’m going to kiss you now, Amber.“
Without waiting for a reply, he closes the distance between us. His lips brush softly against mine. To my shock, a moan escapes me as soon as he kisses me, and I part my lips for him. He pulls me in closer, his hands exploring my body. A thrill of excitement shoots through me as I feel his hardness against my stomach. I start to rub myself against him, but he suddenly pulls back, breathing heavily. “I should go. If I don’t, my self-control is going to crumble. Good night, princess. I’ll see you tomorrow.“
***
Connor
I didn’t want to go. I wanted to follow her into her apartment, wanted to tear off that sinful dress and make love to Amber. It took every ounce of willpower to walk away from her. As soon as I told the driver to bring me home, I wanted to yell at him to stop, to bring me back to her. But I need to be cautious. She’s been hurt by my son, maybe even by other men. If I move too fast, I might scare her off. But the way she rubbed her soft, curvy body against mine… It was hard to resist her. The memory is enough to make my cock twitch. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Amber is the perfect woman for me. I’ll just have to convince her that I’m the perfect man for her. And then she’ll be mine. Body, mind, and soul.