Page 42 of Falling for the Maverick

She waited while he slipped on a jacket before escorting her to the entrance.

It was obvious Lucas was a regular at the restaurant. He was warmly greeted by the host, and within minutes they were shown to a table. Lucas was right; she wasn’t underdressed.

He pulled out her chair, seating her, then rounded the table to sit opposite her. “Would you like something to drink? DJ’s offers a wide selection of wines and craft beers.”

“What are you drinking?” she asked.

“I’ll probably have a glass of wine.”

“If you’re drinking wine, then I’ll be the designated driver and have tonic water.”

“I can assure you that I won’t be under the influence from one glass of wine.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you volunteering to be the designated driver because you want to drive my car?”

“No,” she said innocently.

“Yes, Michelle.”

“Okay, you got me.”

He leaned over the table. “You’re an adrenaline junkie, and I’m willing to bet if I allow you to drive we’ll be pulled over for speeding before we’re halfway to Tenacity.”

“You know the speed limit in Montana for rural roads is eighty miles per hour. I technically wouldn’t be speeding if I’m doing eighty.”

“Forget it, dollface. You’re not driving my car, so drink up. And I’m immune to pouting, so pull in your gorgeous lips.”

“You’re a hard man, Lucas Brandt.” Despite her words, she couldn’t hold the smile that broke out on her face.

“Only when I have to be, Michelle Corey.”

She studied the extensive menu. “If I’m going to drink, then I need to start with an appetizer.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“The shrimp with Asian chili sauce looks good.”

“It is,” Lucas confirmed. “And so are the stuffed mushrooms.” He met her eyes. “What if I order both, and we can share?”

Michelle smiled. “Sounds good.”

“What type of wine do you want?”

“Merlot.” It was the only red wine she drank when eating red meat.

“Do you want steak or ribs?”

“We just had steak the other night, so I’ll go for the ribs. What are you having?” she asked Lucas.

“I think I’m going to order surf and turf.”

A server greeted Lucas by name, indicating again that he was a regular.

Michelle wondered if she was just another in a string of women he’d brought to the restaurant. Then she chided herself for thinking about the women Lucas had dated before her. They were all women he’d refused to commit to, and it would probably be the same with her.

But that was something she did not intend to dwell on. Tonight she would only focus on enjoying her date.

Chapter Ten

Lucas felt as if he had traveled back in time to the rehearsal dinner when he couldn’t take his eyes off Michelle. He couldn’t pull his gaze away from her face tonight. There was something about her gorgeous big brown eyes that pulled him in and refused to let him go.