Page 14 of The Love Bargain

Opportunities like this don’t come around every day, and I need to know if Ryland feels the same way.

Ryland

Sabine sounded surprised before accepting my dinner invitation, but I heard the excitement in her voice. She’s all I’ve been able to think about over the past couple of days, but finally, it’s date night.

I tried to convince Sabine to let me pick her up, but she insisted on meeting me at the restaurant. I love her independence, but I wish she'd let me take care of her.

I arrive early, and the maître d’ ushers me to a corner table. The dim lighting and subtle music set the perfect tone for a romantic evening.

I wait for Sabine, anxiously drumming my fingers on the table. When that gets old, I check the starched tablecloth for wrinkles.

Finding none, I peruse the menu, constantly looking up in search of her.

Sabine turns heads when she enters the restaurant. She’s a beautiful woman and has every right to feel proud of herself.

She’s a sight to behold in an emerald dress split high on the thigh, displaying enough skin to draw attention from other diners.

I can’t stop people from gawking at her, and as long as no one touches her, everything will be fine. If anyone dares come closer—heads will roll.

But all that is about to change. If everything goes to plan, Sabine O’Neill will be spoken for very soon. As soon as tonight.

My eyes remain fixed on her. Goddamn it, she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen, with her long dark hair, pouty, thick lips, and dark-eyed stare.

Her dark silky strands are piled high on her head and pinned up in a twist to emphasize her swan-like neck.

Would she enjoy it if I laid soft, lingering kisses across her collarbone, along the smooth column of her throat and up to her ear?

My desire must be written all over my face because she puts a little extra sway in her hips as she approaches the private table in the quiet corner.

My mind wanders and begins fantasizing about all the ways I could give her pleasure. I imagine her sexy body under my hands as I slowly caress her smooth, naked skin.

I’d lick a path from her neck all the way down to her belly, driving her wild with need and making her beg for more.

I stand and greet her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Ryland,” she whispers.

My name on her lips sounds so damn good. I love the way her voice goes all raspy when she says my name.

The instant I hear it, my imagination fires, and all I can hear is, more, harder, please, now, yes, yes, yes.

I shut down my vivid fantasy as Sabine takes a seat. She smiles when she sees the single red rose in a small vase in the center of the table.

My eyes snap to the server, who has appeared beside the table out of nowhere. He introduces himself, hands us a menu, and tops up our water glasses.

Sabine peruses the menu, her face animated by the offerings.

I’m a man of simple tastes when it comes to food. I don’t care what I eat, but scan the delicacies on the menu, hoping something suitable jumps out soon.

The server, dressed in a crisp black uniform, politely clears his throat.

“Madame and monsieur, the chef’s specials this evening.”

Sabine flashes him a warm smile. I hope she doesn’t develop a taste for fine dining because I don’t understand most of the ingredients.

Looking at the size of the meals being served around me, I’ll be ordering a club sandwich from room service or going to sleep hungry.

“Artichoke broth with smoked yolk and winter leaves.” The server pauses for a beat before adding, “We also have Halibut, oyster, and seaweed. The third special of the evening is Monkfish, spiced aubergines, black quinoa, burnt lemon puree.”

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