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“No.” I hesitate for a second and then mutter, “I’ve only ever been with one man.”
He lifts his head from my neck. “You’re a good girl, huh?”
I nod. “So, it’s important to me that we take this slow. I don’t want to rush into anything until we’re both sure that this is going to work out.”
Duke turns me around until we’re facing. “I like you.” He slides his finger beneath my chin until our eyes meet. “And sex is not what’s keeping me around.”
“I know,” I say, peeking up at him. “I want it to mean something.”
“It will,” he says. “Because you mean something to me. You’re the only person alive who knows the real me, and for some reason, you’re not terrified.”
“Why would I be? The real you is pretty great. You should let more people in.”
He gives me a genuine smile that illuminates his handsome face. I reach up to touch his cheek, and he grabs my hand, holding it in place. We stay this way for a few seconds before he kisses my hand.
“My name will only hold our table for so long,” he says. “You ready to go?”
Smiling like an idiot, I grab my purse from the couch. I can’t believe I’m going on a date with Duke Baldwin. None of this feels real. I had my doubts about this date, but when we’re together, all of my concerns tend to fade away.
* * *
The hostess seats us at a table in the far corner of the restaurant, where we have less of an audience. Several people noticed Duke on our way inside. Duke is a big dude. He’s hard to miss, even in a crowded restaurant.
After our waitress arrives to take our drink orders, Duke slides his chair closer to mine. He hooks his arm around my back, and I lean into his chest, cradled by his warmth. He smells like spicy aftershave and mint. I love Duke’s natural scent when he’s sweaty and dressed in jeans and a tee. Hell, I like him any way I can get him. There’s something so undeniably sexy about him. He’s like catnip to me. Once I get a taste, I can’t stop myself. So, I’m thankful he’s planning to stick to my rules. I think I need them more than he does at this point.
“At least a dozen people saw us together,” I say. “I thought you’d pick somewhere more… private. Some of the people had their phones out, taking a picture.”
“No one cares.” He waves his hand dismissively. “They probably thought you were a puck bunny.”
I snort. “That’s reassuring. And thanks, by the way.”
He takes my hand and rests it on his thigh, giving it a quick squeeze. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re the one that pointed out that I’m never seen in public with women. No one knows you’re my therapist.”
“They might think I’m your girlfriend.”
“You are my girlfriend.” His tone is serious, possessive. I’m his.
I glance up at him and smile. “I must’ve missed that conversation. Was I unconscious?”
He laughs. “You’re my girl, Lila. I don’t give a shit what anyone has to say about it. Therapy or not, nothing will pull me away from you. Unless this isn’t what you want.”
“It’s most definitely what I want.” I run my thumb along his bottom lip. “I want you, Duke Baldwin.”
Duke drags his long fingers down my arm, and it sends chills down my spine. The waitress stops by the table to take our orders, interrupting our private moment. We order steak and potatoes. Like me, Duke is a simple eater.
I lift my wine glass and tap it against Duke’s frosty mug. “To us.”
The corner of his mouth turns up into a cocky smirk. “That wasn’t much of a toast.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “I’m a doctor, not a public speaker. Take what you can get.”
He bends down to kiss my neck, torturing me as he leaves kisses that burn my skin. A moan escapes my lips. I cover my mouth, hoping no one heard me.
“Keep that up,” Duke says, his voice husky and low, “and I won’t make it until the second date. You should know by now that I like breaking the rules.”
I grin like an idiot. “Who said you’re getting any on the second date?”
“It was implied,” he says against my mouth.
