“You’regonnaneed one of these,” he said as he grinned. “I guessed the size, hopefully itfits.”
It took me a moment before I reachedout to grab it. “Thank you,” I replied, shocked at the gesture, and put it onover my blouse. It was a tight fit over my ample chest, and I gave him a wrysmile. “I’m guessing that wasn’t an accident.”
“Nope,” he chuckled, his eyes lightingup as he took me in. “It suits you.”
“We’ll see,” I muttered, waving good-byeto Kat and following him outside.
“Where are we going anyway?” I askedas I put on the helmet he’d handed me.
“Dinner,” he answered simply with awry smile, turning the bike on as I wrapped my arms around his waist.
I was surprised when we pulled intoGunny’s, a very well regarded steak joint just outside of town. It was on thepricey side, so I’d never eaten there, but I’d certainly heard about it.
“Am I dressed okay for this place?” I asked a bit worriedly, running a handnervously over my blouse.
“You look beautiful,” he assured me,taking my hand and leading me inside with a confidence I found incrediblyattractive.
The host showed us to a quiet boothalong the window and I suddenly felt nervous as we sat across from each other.I hadn’t been on an actual date in years and I started to feel unsure ofmyself.
“You look nervous,” Cole observed whilegrinning at me, completely at ease and in his element, which seemed to be thecase no matter where we were.
“I guess I am a little,” I admitted.
“Why?”
I shrugged. “It’s been awhile since Iwas on a date,” I admitted.
“How long’s awhile?” he wanted to know,eyeing me intently.
“Years,” I murmured.
His brows rose to his hairline. “Years?How is that possible?” he demanded.
There were a lot of ways to answerthat question. “I’m picky,” I said, settling for the easiest. It was true.
He chuckled. “Well I’m glad to hearit.”
I was tempted to quip that I wishedhe’d been picky as well, but I bit my tongue. Damn that snarky side. He seemedto bring it out in me.
The waiter came and we ordered ourdrinks. I ordered a cocktail and Cole stuck with beer.
“We’re having a barbeque at the clubtomorrow, you should come,” he said as I sipped the drink that had just beenplaced in front of me.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ireplied resolutely.
“Why not? You know I’d never letanything happen to you right?” he asked, staring at me intently.
And oddly enough I did know that, Ijust didn’t understand it. Nor was that my main concern about the barbeque. Itook a deep breath before plunging in. “Listen Cole,” I began, choosing mywords carefully, “I grew up in a club just like you. I know how things work, andI know how the men in the club are,” I told him, ignoring the narrowing of hiseyes. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” I finished with a shake of my head.
“So you’re just going to throw me inwith that lot?” he demanded, clearly frustrated.
I pegged him with a knowing stare.“And you’re going to tell me that you haven’t had countless women in your bed?”I demanded. “That you have more one- night stands than not? That’s just not forme,” I shook my head.
“That’s a hell of an assumption,” hegrowled.
“Am I wrong?” I countered with raisedbrows.
He sighed and I knew I’d hit my mark.He was silent for a moment as he regarded me intently. “It’s different withyou,” he said finally. I had to admit that his expression was utterly sincere.
