“I’ll be home in a few hours, Mom.” Harper grabs her keys from the island and gives her mom a quick hug.
“Dinner and a movie?” Jennifer’s gaze returns to me to make sure I don’t lie to her.
Harper takes my hand, and I glance down at where we’re connected as sparks travel up my arm. Fuck.
“Yes, dinner and a movie.”
Jennifer lifts an eyebrow at me, because I must look like an idiot standing here completely enamored with her daughter. “It’s a school night. Be home early.”
CHAPTER 37
The Intelligence Gathering
Eli
We make it to the woodfired pizza place. It’s nicer than Crusty’s and makes individual pizzas with fresh ingredients. Harper likes pizza, so I figured it would be a safe bet she would like this place.
Taking her hand, I help her out of the car and keep hold of it, leading her into the restaurant. The host seats us in a booth in the back corner away from everyone else.
As we walk that way, I notice a group of basketball players, including Trace Masters and Ashley’s Homecoming date, Alex.
I didn’t know they’d be here. It’s a coincidence but at least, I have eyes on some of the guys tonight.
Those guys are part of Zach’s crew. There must not be a meeting tonight. I already feel bad our guys are all working tonight and we’re out on a date, but the others have gotten time with Harper. Tonight is my turn.
When we sit across from each other, she drapes her napkin on her lap and picks up the menu. But her gaze seeks me out.
“We good?” she asks.
I blow out a breath. “Yeah.”
She sets the menu to the side and folds her hands in front of her. “If you want to do a raincheck and join the guys to help, I’d be okay with that. I asked Luke earlier and he said we should go out.”
I put my hands over hers. I can see the guilt in her gaze as well. “Maybe we’ll cut it short and go over there after we eat?”
She brightens. “That sounds like a good idea.”
The server stops to take our drink orders and we look over the menus. When the server returns, we place our orders and he leaves us alone again. I sit back in the booth and take in Harper.
Her warm eyes lift and my heart does a little flip. She glances around.
“Now seems as good a time as any to discuss ‘things.’” She shifts in her seat and crosses her legs.
I cock my head as if I’m unaware that she wants to discuss my sexual nature. “Things?”
Her cheeks flush and she plays with her straw in her drink. “You and I haven’t really gotten to play alone much. Obviously, if you were willing to entertain Ashley’s request, you’re missing something in our relationship.”
I lean forward and take her hand. “I wanted information, kitten. That was my motivation for bringing it up. Not a need to have something different.”
“But she does give you something I haven’t yet?” There’s curiosity in her eyes and that intrigues me.
I turn her hand over in mine and hold her wrist while I trace the intricate lines on her palm with my fingertip. Her pulse quickens beneath my thumb and her face softens with desire.
“What you give me is different than what Ashley does.” I smile. “Your softness and kindness draw me like no one ever has before. I’m sure there will be times I’ll need you in a way we haven’t gotten to, but we have time.”
She sighs and frowns at her hand. “I don’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“I’m taking things slow with you, kitten. We’ll get there, but I’m not going to go from spanking you to caning you. Even if I think you can handle it, it’s best if we keep testing your limits. Not just throw you in the deep end and see if you sink or swim.”
