Page 58 of A Whirlwind of Color (The Light to My Darkness 2)

I watched his Adam’s apple rise and then fall. Was this love? I didn’t know. Maybe it would be someday. But today? He knew me, but I didn’t know him. It was like he was waiting for me to say something. I just had no idea what. I wanted him to kiss me. To hold me. To tell me everything was going to be okay. But I wasn’t sure if that was what he was offering.

“I don’t know…” my voice trailed off. “What did we do here on our first date?” Maybe he could recreate the whole thing for me. I wanted to remember now. I wanted to wake up and know who I was again.

His chest rose and fell but I didn’t hear a sigh. “We talked,” he said.

“That’s it?” I felt as naïve as the 19 year old I thought I was. I kind of thought he was going to say he banged me in front of the fire.

He leaned back in his chair, a memory taking over his mind. “The taste of you was better than any dessert they serve here.”

Oh my God. I melted into my chair.

“And I fell harder for you in a few hours than I had ever fallen for anyone else in my entire life.”

“I guess the sex was good then?” I was startled by my own words. I grabbed my wine glass and took a huge sip.

He laughed. “Stars in your eyes good. But we have always had more than just a physical connection, Penny. I can be patient when I need to be. And I know you’re not ready, despite how badly I wish you were.”

That was a subtle way to turn me down. I took another sip of wine and lowered my voice. “Did we have sex in this room?”

Again his Adam’s apple rose and fell. The action made me cross my legs under the table. So fucking sexy.

“It depends on your definition of sex.” His voice was husky. He wanted me again. Maybe as much as I wanted him.

I thought his Adam’s apple was sexy. But his voice? Kill me now. I could barely even focus on what he was saying. “What exactly is your definition of sex?”

Jerrod found that moment appropriate to walk in carrying two dessert menus. "Are either of you interested in dessert this evening?" He placed the menus down in front of us.

“I’ve heard the dessert here isn’t very good,” I said.

James laughed.

But Jerrod frowned. “Mrs. Hunter, you love the chocolate lava cake. It’s the best in town.”

Do I? Hmm. “Actually, that does sound pretty good. Do you want to share a slice?” I asked James.

“That sounds perfect,” James said. “We’ll split one chocolate lava cake.”

“Very good, sir.” Jerrod collected the menus and walked back out of the room, leaving us in silence.

I couldn’t get James’ words out of my head. He thought I tasted better than any dessert here. Had he actually just meant a kiss? Or did he mean something else? I could actually feel the silence as it settled around us. I wanted to break through the awkwardness. I wanted to taste him. But I had no idea what to say.

“Do you want some fresh air?” James asked.

It was like he had handed me a get out of jail free card. “Yes.” I tried not to sound too excited. “That sounds perfect.” I didn't know exactly what he had in mind, but I grabbed his hand and let him pull me to my feet. It was easy to follow him, like I had done it countless times before. He kept my hand in his as he led me out of the private dining room. It seemed like everyone in the restaurant turned to look at him again as we walked through. He squeezed my hand and smiled down at me. God was he sexy. I found myself thinking I would follow him anywhere.

We exited the restaurant in the back and stepped onto a huge terrace. Even though it was summer, the dusk had brought a chill. There were only a few people standing by a fire with glasses in their hands, enjoying an after dinner drink. James escorted me past them and we made our way down a set of stairs. His strides were longer than mine and it was hard to keep pace with him. If I walked any faster I'd be jogging.

We reached a row of golf carts. He leaned in and turned the key. "This will do." He smiled at me.

"Are we allowed to use those? We're going to get in trouble." I looked both ways, waiting for someone to stop us.

James laughed and got behind the wheel. "Get in."

Of course he could use them. He could do whatever he wanted here. He owned the place. I climbed in next to him and as soon as my butt hit the seat he pressed down on the gas pedal. He stuck to the small paths and wooden bridges on the course for awhile and then veered off into the grass. We rolled up next to a small waterfall and he cut the engine. Lightning bugs flittered in the darkening sky around us. It felt like I was in a dream. And even though we were surrounded by fresh grass and beautiful flowers, all I could smell was his sweet cologne. Every inch of me felt alive when I was next to him.

I got out of the cart and walked over toward the little waterfall. The water splashing against the rocks was surprisingly loud. I saw James’ reflection in the rippling water as he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I stopped breathing as he moved my hair to one side and kissed the back of my neck. My whole body tensed. It was exactly what I wanted him to do when he had zippered my dress. His lips felt better than his fingers. Oh my God, he wants me right here. In the middle of the golf course. Fuck this is hot. Why do I think this is so hot?

“I’m sorry.” His lips were off of me almost as soon as they had landed against my skin. He took a step back from me, like he was appalled by himself.

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