Page 14 of Heart Set on You

I reach for my phone, typing a message to my assistant Georgia, asking her to have flowers sent to Rylee. I wish I could do it myself but using my name and my credit card is a risk I can’t really take. If the delivery leaked to the press, I’m pretty sure Rylee would be scared off and there’s no way I’m taking that chance.

Georgia responds with a thumbs up emoji. Then she sends a second text with a cheeky message. Don’t think I’m sending this girl flowers for you without knowing who she is. I’ll be expecting details tomorrow.

I laugh to myself, setting my phone on the nightstand. Seven o’clock tomorrow can’t come quick enough.

* * *

My date with Rylee has been all I’ve been able to think about. I’m sitting in the backseat of a town car on my way to her hotel, consumed by thoughts of this girl.

She’s waiting outside when the car approaches. I do a double take. She’s wearing a fitted black dress that ends at her knees. The straps are narrow, highlighting her shoulders and collarbones. Her legs are perfectly tanned. The sight of her makes my mouth water. I suddenly realize this is the first time I’m seeing the shape of her body. A rush of adrenaline courses my veins. She’s incredible in every way.

When the driver parks in front of The Executive, I can’t wait to get to her. The car has barely come to a stop when I open the door and step out.

“Hi.” I lean in and kiss her cheek, leaving my lips on her skin for a few seconds too long.

“Hey,” she says, sounding a little breathless. “Thank you for picking me up.”

“Of course, and you look amazing.”

Her gaze shifts to the ground for a second and I let my eyes move over her. She’s clearly uncomfortable when I compliment her. She meets my eyes, a shy smile on her face. “Thank you. You look very handsome.”

“Here, let me get the door for you.”

When we’re both in the car, I am all too aware of her proximity to me. We’re sitting so close her knee brushes against mine and even that little bit of contact is enough to set me on fire. It’s quiet in the car, but not uncomfortable. I fight the urge to touch her, to take hold of her hand. I want her comfortable and at ease with me. I want to make a good impression but the scent of her perfume filling the back of the car isn’t helping. The desire to get my hands on her intensifies, but for now, I settle for sneaking peeks at her when I can.

The drive takes minutes, and soon I’m holding her hand, walking her into the restaurant.

“Good evening, Mr. Bennett,” the hostess greets us, then escorts us to our table. The restaurant is dark and moody, with suede upholstery and soft jazz music spilling out through the speakers. Candles flicker around the room, white linen tablecloths and crystal water glasses fill the space. We are led to the table at the back, which I asked Georgia to reserve for us.

“It’s so pretty here,” Rylee says as she takes a seat. Her dark hair is tucked behind her ears and it’s the first time I notice her earrings. She has two small hoops in each ear. They suit her.

Our waitress glances at me, then not-so-subtly takes a second look. She welcomes us to Cardero’s and it’s obvious she recognizes me. She seems nervous, her voice taking on a higher pitch.

“It’s our first time here,” I say, looking her straight in the eyes. She tells us about the menu, but I don’t really hear any of it. I’m too busy looking at Rylee and the way her skin glows in the candlelight. How her long, slender fingers play with the ends of her hair as she listens to our waitress. I notice the dip of her cleavage and the slender column of her neck. I would give anything to run my tongue down it. Snap out of it, Miles.

I order a bottle of wine, and our waitress leaves to grab it. Rylee fusses with her silverware then picks up her napkin.

“Thank you for the flowers,” she says, placing the white linen napkin across her lap.

“I wondered if you got them.”

“They’re beautiful. I love them, but I’m worried you didn’t leave any for anyone else in the city.”

I laugh because I may have gone a little overboard. “I told them I wanted all of their roses. Was it too much?”

“My hotel room smells like a garden. It’s nice.” She smiles and her eyes sparkle behind the flicker of the candle between us.

Just then our waitress interrupts us with our bottle of wine. After pouring us each a glass, she tells us about tonight’s features, disappearing again once we’ve ordered.

“You’re not wearing your baseball hat,” Rylee says, picking up her water glass. “Aren’t you worried about people noticing you?”

“Not really,” I reply, grinning. “No one on my team tipped off the paps, so the coast is clear. Besides, the driver will pick us up right in front of the door. I think it’ll be okay.”

We made it easily into the restaurant, but I am aware of the other diners in the restaurant glancing over at us. I’ve grown use to the attention over the years, but I’m sure it’s all kinds of wild for Rylee. Having strangers stare at you is something that takes years to get used to. I pick up my glass and clink it against hers. Rylee licks her bottom lip before taking a sip of the rich, dark red, and my eyes follow the motion. I’m dying to taste the Merlot on her lips. But of course, I don’t. I behave like a gentleman. I am, however, curious about something.

“Can I ask you a question?” I lean in closer to her across the table, my elbows resting on the surface.

“Okay.”

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