Page 55 of About Last Knight

Izzy attempts to change the subject. “I wish I was coming with you guys on Saturday night. I have a date though. Someone I met online.”

Cassandra holds up a glass. “Here’s to hoping it’s successful enough to require dog piss pads.”

Tonight, we’re having dinner with Rayne and Grant. Declan’s clearly nervous as we walk to the restaurant. He’s been silent, squeezing my hand, walking at a rapid pace. I turn to him just before we enter the front door. “What’s wrong with you?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing. I know I’m a handful at times. I just want your friends to like me. I know she’s your best friend and her opinion matters to you.”

He’s such a dichotomy. He’s so sure of himself in certain areas, and so insecure in others. I stop him and turn his body to mine. I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck as I look him in the eyes. “There’s nothing not to like.”

He smiles. “There’s plenty not to like, but as long as you still like me…”

Before he can finish, I pull his head down and softly kiss him. He returns my kiss, and before I know it, his tongue is in my mouth and he’s pulled me tight to his body. The kiss is getting deeper and I’m completely absorbed in it. I’m absorbed in all things Declan McGinley.

After a few moments, I hear a familiar female voice, “Oh no, they’re one of those couples.”

I smile against his lips and then eventually turn to see Rayne and Grant standing there grinning at us. I wink at Rayne, and she smirks at me.

I introduce them to Declan, and we make our way into the restaurant. Rayne mouths to me, “He’s hot.” I nod in agreement. She leans over and whispers, “And you can officially no longer complain about Jackson and Darian’s PDAs.”

I laugh as Grant grabs her hand and kisses it before leading her through the crowded restaurant.

Rayne and Grant met just after college. I was home with a toddler, and Jackson had just started working. I watched with mixed emotions as they got to fall in love completely naturally. Admittedly, I was both happy for and jealous of my best friend. They have an incredible marriage and two beautiful children.

We get to our table. It’s one of those tables with a booth on one side and chairs on the other. Declan turns to Rayne and Grant. “Do you mind if we sit in the booth? I have a bad back.”

I glare at him. He has no back issues. He can fuck me holding me upright leaning against nothing. He smirks at me. Oh boy. He’s got something in mind for tonight.

Rayne and Grant are blissfully unaware of my man’s dirty intentions and happily acquiesce.

We sit down and chat as we look through the menu. Rayne tells us about the young man her daughter Quinlan is dating. Apparently, it’s getting serious. Grant shakes his head in disgust, but Rayne is clearly excited about it.

The waiter comes over. He’s young and attractive. He smiles warmly at both Rayne and me. Declan immediately stiffens.

The waiter goes around to get the drink orders. When he gets to me, he says, “What will the pretty lady be having?”

Before I can reply, Declan interrupts, “She’ll be having a waiter that doesn’t drool all over her. Keep your eyes on your pad of paper, not my girlfriend.”

I sigh. Rayne giggles. The poor waiter looks shocked. He stammers, “I’m…I’m…I’m so sorry, sir. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

“Well then, keep your eyes away from her. She’s mine.”

I look up at the waiter. “I’m sorry. He’s not fully evolved. I’ll have a double Patron on the rocks, please.”

He keeps his head down, writes everything, and quickly leaves.

I turn to Declan. “Is the caveman routine really necessary? He’s young enough to be my son. He was being friendly. He didn’t mean anything by it.”

“I don’t like other men looking at you.”

Rayne interrupts. “You better get used to it, Declan. She’s always gotten looks from men. She always will.”

I roll my eyes at her. “Stop it. That’s not true. Look who’s talking.”

Declan turns to Grant. “It doesn’t bother you?”

He shrugs and looks over to Rayne and smiles. “I know I have a beautiful wife.” He strokes her face. “So what if men look at her? I can’t control that. I don’t blame them. She’s gorgeous. I’m not going to complain that I have a wife that men want to look at. I trust her though, so no, it doesn’t bother me. They can look all they want. I know they won’t ever get to touch her.”

Rayne reaches over and softly kisses him. They have such a healthy, loving marriage. I can’t help but smile. I’m so happy for them.

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