Page 34 of Worth the Trouble

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“I’m not nervous,” Cecelia muttered to herself as she paced in front of her hotel bed staring at the options she had for outfits as if saying it aloud would be enough to convince her racing heart.

Jason had asked her out. She’d been so close to making the move herself, too. Maybe that was why she wanted to make sure this went right. She craved control and tonight she’d be relinquishing it to a man who saw the deepest parts of her without even trying.

Granted, she had a nasty habit of talking too much when he was around, but he didn’t mind and that only endeared him to her further.

She picked the dress Wendy had talked her into at the boutique, the one that would go with boots, and spent an hour on the rest. By the time she made it to the elevator, her hands were clammy and all she could think about was how this evening would end.

With a kiss.

She touched her lips just as she stepped out of the elevator and strode forward, not paying attention to where she was going. Unfortunately, that meant she ran directly into a hard chest.

“Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry,” she mumbled immediately. Her eyes darted up to the man before her. He was distinctly familiar, but she couldn’t place him. She frowned. She nearly asked him if they’d met before, but then her name was called and they both turned at the intrusion.

Jason strode closer, having eyes only for her. It was in how he took her in, how his smile tugged at his mouth as only Jason’s did.

The gentleman she’d bumped into mumbled under his breath before hurrying toward the exit. She tossed him one more glance but seeing as she could only catch a glimpse of the back of his head, she wasn’t able to place where she’d seen him before. Stranger still, there had been a flash of recognition in his eyes as well.

Why didn’t he speak? Introduce himself? Unless he was just as thrown as she was. Maybe he recognized her but didn’t remember her name and wanted to save face.

“Ready?” Jason murmured so close the hair on the back of her neck lifted. They were out in the open, surrounded by guests and people who worked at the lodge, and yet Jason made the space so small. He filled it with his cedar and leather scent. There was a hint of citrus that lingered in the air between them that got even more potent when he leaned in closer still. “You look exquisite.”

She nibbled on her lower lip warming under his gaze and the compliment. Then she reached up to his styled hair. “You clean up nice, too. Though I have to say I’ve grown accustomed to your hat.”

His lips twitched. “You have, huh?”

Cecelia nodded. “Desperately so.”

Jason banded his hand around her waist and turned her toward the exit. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time. And if we’re taking requests,” he mused with an arch of his brow.

She laughed. “And what would you request?”

He dragged a thumb along his lower lip, pausing long enough to let his gaze sweep over her. “I’ve always been partial to PJs.”

Cecelia barked out a surprised laugh. “You’re kidding. What are we talking, silk robes⁠—”

“Oh, I’m all for the footie pajamas.”

She laughed, unable to help it. Jason was once again disarming her, and she was here for it. “Who knew? The quiet cowboy has a sense of humor?” Cecelia couldn’t be certain but a blush might have crept across his features.

But it was how he looked at her that sobered her right up. Everything in his gaze only confirmed what she’d hoped was happening between them. No more questioning. No more fretting over whether her feelings for him would be reciprocated. And when he brought her hand to his lips, she allowed herself to fall even deeper. It might look as though they were taking things slow, but in her heart she knew better.

These feelings she had for him were growing at an exponential rate.

They arrived at a beautiful Italian restaurant that had outdoor seating near a water feature. The ambient sound only added to the romantic mood. Soft instrumental music played as she perused her menu. Every so often she’d glance up and find his eyes on her. Maybe she should have been nervous under his scrutiny, but she wasn’t. She’d gotten used to his quiet, observant behavior.

Did that mean she was content for things to stay as they were? No. Honestly, she wanted to see him open up more, to give her more to latch onto. Communication was important. He didn’t have to be a chatter box, but she wouldn’t mind more easy conversation.

Cecelia placed her menu on the table, already knowing that she’d get her usual. She was a sucker for fettuccine. He mirrored her movements, releasing his menu as he smiled at her. When she went to speak, he beat her to it.

“Tell me about yourself.”

Snorting out a laugh, she eyed him with amusement. “That sounds very professional of you, Jason.”

He shrugged. “I’m nothing if not precise.”

“I suppose you’re right.” She rested her elbow on the table. “Tit for tat. How about you ask something and I’ll answer. But then I get to ask something and you answer.” She nearly expected him to turn her down and insist he was only interested in hearing about her. That would make sense with his personality. But he surprised her again.