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But I was awed. How could I not be? Not by the city, I’d been there before. But a helicopter ride that ended at sunset? And now a driver to take us to dinner?
Who was this man and how was it possible he’d wandered into my salon?
We arrived at the restaurant and things only got better. The ambiance was elegant without being garish. Soft music played in the background and the low light made everything feel luxurious and intimate. We ordered drinks, appetizers, dinner. Preston encouraged me to try the scallops, and it was one of the best things I’d ever eaten in my life.
It was, hands down, the best first date I’d ever been on. And it wasn’t even over.
Preston was charming and attentive, the setting was romantic, and I couldn’t help but feel swept away by the entire experience.
After lingering over drinks and dessert, the same driver picked us up outside the restaurant and took us back to the building where the helicopter had landed. We took the elevator to the top and Preston once again guided me gently to the aircraft. His chivalric gestures never ceased—the soft touches, the hand to help me in.
I loved it all.
The ride home was quieter. I was full and relaxed from the wine. Preston didn’t seem to need to fill the silence. He just held my hand. Once in a while, our gazes would meet and he’d give me a subtle, contented smile.
It was late and the little airport was deserted when we landed in Tilikum. We went to his car and he drove me straight home.
He parked in my driveway and opened the door for me, then led me to my front door. His eyes sparked with heat, but I could already sense he wasn’t going to ask to come in. He was too much of a gentleman for that.
“Did you have a good time?” he asked.
“Yes, more than a good time. It was incredible.”
His mouth twitched, puckering his dimples. “Good. Can I see you again tomorrow?”
“Definitely.”
“I have a lot going on, so we’ll have to stick closer to home. But I need to see you again.”
“I’d love to.”
He leaned in and I tilted my chin up to meet his kiss. His lips pressed against mine, soft but firm, emphatic but not forceful. I could feel the tension in his body, as if he were holding himself back. The display of self-control only made him sexier.
“Goodnight, Marigold,” he said softly.
“Goodnight.”
He took a step backward and I felt a little tug of relief. Despite the heady evening, I wasn’t ready for him to come inside. Maybe I was old fashioned when it came to sex, but I needed a level of trust even a romantic whirlwind of a date couldn’t supply.
I was glad he seemed to understand that.
When I went inside, I shut the door behind me and my knees nearly buckled. Had that been real? If I’d dreamed up the perfect date, I wouldn’t have come close to the reality of my evening with Preston Bradford. I spun around and leaned against the door, sighing. It had been real. He was real. And he wanted to see me again tomorrow.
I hoped no one would pinch me, because if this were a dream, I didn’t want to wake up.
CHAPTER 9
Zachary
“Marigold, this is going to come as a surprise to you, considering what an ass I’ve been all these years. But you’re the most beautiful, amazing woman I’ve ever known and I think I’ve been subconsciously in love with you for a really long time.”
A horn honked behind me. Shit. I pulled through the intersection to get out of the way and checked my reflection in the rearview.
“Nice one, Z. Real smooth.”
Was I really practicing my potential make-Marigold-fall-for-me speech in the rearview mirror while I drove up to my parents’ place?
Yep, that’s exactly what I was doing.
