Page 81 of Watching Her

“Maybe. I guess you’ll need to wait and see.”

He wasn’t interested in obeying the speed limit, driving in a way that could be considered reckless, but I could tell he had full control of both the car and his actions. Every few seconds, he painted me with a look and while I couldn’t see behind his sunglasses, I was well aware he was undressing me with his eyes.

And I liked it.

What woman wouldn’t?

He wasn’t much of a talker, but I was content with being swallowed by the buttery leather, enjoying the rumble of the engine between my legs. Although my thong was already damp, the vibrations adding to the discomfort.

I was right about where we were going, giving myself a high five when he pulled into a parking lot of a riverfront restaurant and bar that I’d only been to once.

Christian was the type of man to draw attention anywhere he went, including by simply pulling into a parking lot. Even with the setting sun, it was hard to miss the deep rumble of a powerful engine or the sleek black shell of the expensive sports car.

He didn’t park as if he was special, didn’t take two parking places. He simply pulled into a space, which was in a way elitist. He could certainly afford a buff out and repaint if required.

“Wait there.” He wasn’t asking. He was commanding.

By the time he moved around to the other side, I was humming from internal vibrations.

He pulled me out, the force yanking me onto my toes, the momentum such that I had my hand on his chest before I realized what I was doing.

His hand automatically moved to my back, pressing me tightly against him. “Are you adventurous, Penelope?”

“You can call me Penny. Everyone else does.”

“I’m not everyone and neither are you. Answer the question.”

The sound of his voice was intoxicating, much like the rich musk of his aftershave. “To a point.”

“Fair enough. I’ll go easy on you.” He lowered his head as I tilted my chin, the wild heat between us incredible. My pulse was already racing. When our lips were almost touching, I sensed I physically shuddered. I was completely uncertain at every moment what to expect with him.

The man was in total control, refusing the kiss after tormenting me. Now he took my hand, moving toward the entrance. I was thankful I had such long legs, able to keep up with his strides. Once he walked inside, he barely acknowledged the hostess, moving past her with a simple nod.

He certainly knew how to make an entrance, everyone inside the bar on an instant pause as we walked through. You could easily tell a man of wealth and extreme power by the way they carried themselves, but the truly dominant men, those who everyone should fear gave no thought to doing so.

They simply handled the room.

He led me outside to an incredible space with several firepits and comfortable seating arrangements. Yet as crowded as the interior was, there wasn’t a single person on the terrace until a waitress approached almost instantly.

He hadn’t even bothered to remove his sunglasses until we were outside and under the shade of the awning.

Only she wasn’t interested in asking for our order. That had already been decided as with everything else about the evening.

“Mr. Tempest. Welcome back. I see you have a guest with you tonight.”

“Yes, I do, Amy. If there is anything Penelope needs, please ensure she gets it.”

He didn’t try the wine after she uncorked it, didn’t wave off an offer. As a matter of fact, he kept his eyes on me as I moved closer to the edge of the patio. In front of me was a spectacular view of the river and the bridge leading across directly into Indiana. But to the side was a view of the fair. He’d brought me here on purpose.

“You seem appreciative of the view.”

“Very much so. What a shame. The fair has closed,” I said absently.

“Fairs are a thing of the past or so I’ve been told.”

“I think they’re making a comeback. They are the perfect representations of our childhood. Rides. Yummy fattening food like elephant ears. Cotton candy. And lemonade.” I envisioned a moment from my past, the memory very sad. “Did you ever go to one?”

“I will admit my parents had no interest in amusement parks.”