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But after last night, he wanted a chance to show her how much he cared, in a different way. He needed her to know this wasn’t just a lustful fling for him; she meant more than that. He wanted to wine and dine and woo her, not just rock her world in the bedroom.
Although hedefinitelywanted to do that again, too.
Despite the sexual tension between them, it was a relaxing and refreshing shower. They took their time washing and caring for each other until the water finally started to get cool. Then they stepped out and sipped their coffee while getting ready for the day. It was late morning now, and Linc watched Gentry stand in her small walk-in closet, looking deep in contemplation.
“Big decisions?” he prompted.
She chuckled. “It’s funny, I only brought a capsule wardrobe with me to Miami, and yet I still can’t figure out what to wear.”
“Well, I suppose that depends on what kind of day you’re having,” Linc said.
Gentry tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm. I have a performance tonight at the Blues, but I’m free until then. I don’t have any plans.”
“You do now,” Linc said, walking over to her. He looked around in the closet, then quickly selected a striking red, cherry-print swishy sundress. “This looks about right.”
“For what? Where are we going?” she asked.
“I saw that map in the living room,” he began. “You’re new to town and you’ve hardly gotten a chance to explore this amazing city I work so hard to keep safe. I love this town, and I want to show you the best parts of it. Starting with cuisine.”
“Ooh! I’m always up for a delicious meal,” Gentry said.
She took the red dress and slipped it on, giving him a little twirl. She looked amazing, the dress hugging her curves and showing off her slender waist. Linc put on his clothes from last night, relieved that they were still relatively clean. He hadn’t slept over at a woman’s house in a long time. Years. But he was too excited to spend time with Gentry to waste time running home for a change of clothes. Besides, he was just happy to let her shine. He had no doubt all eyes would be on her anyway. His would be, at least.
They piled into Linc’s car and rolled out into the Miami sunshine. They each put on their sunglasses, rolled down the windows, and smiled as the sea-salty breeze wafted through. Linc turned on some old bluesy rock and roll, and he was elated when Gentry began passionately singing along. He even sang with her in a low, growly harmony. Their hands found each other and linked together. With the music blasting, the sun reflecting off the water and the shiny downtown buildings, and Gentry’s hand in his, Linc was blissful. He hadn’t realized how empty and quiet his life had been until now. The past few years felt like a numb, colorless blur compared to the blast of light and joy he felt with Gentry. Her voice, her beautiful face, her sweet laugh, her incredible body, and most of all, her adorable personality were like shots of adrenaline straight to his veins. He felt alive, like he was seeing the world around him in full technicolor for the very first time. Even stoic, strong Linc had to grin as the beachy wind whipped through their hair. He got a kick out of showing Gentry landmarks and giving her little snippets of local history and culture as they drove across town along the shimmering coast.
They arrived at a small, modest-looking restaurant. It was more of a hole-in-the-wall, run by a family who had lived in the area for decades. Gentry looked pleasantly surprised at the casual vibe of the place. There were no designer dresses, Botoxed foreheads, or diva attitudes here. Just simple decor that reflected the colorful community, lively Cuban music coming from the speakers, and lots of smiling, laughing faces. There were only six tables, serviced by one waitress with a flouncy black ponytail and kind eyes.
“Mr. Granger!” the waitress greeted brightly. “¡Qué bueno verte!”
“Good to see you too,” Linc said. “Got a table for us, Solana?”
“Sí, right here by the window. You can even see the waves from here.” She beamed.
Her eyes flitted over to Gentry as they took their seats, looking impressed. She gave Linc a little eyebrow waggle and he fought back a smile, responding with the tiniest of nods to confirm silently with Solana that yes, this was a date.
She handed them each a menu and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Gentry was all smiles as she took in her surroundings. She looked out the window and sighed happily. “My god, she was right. You can totally see the waves.”
“Upside of living along the coast,” Linc remarked. “Double-edged sword: you’re almost always within sight of the beach, but everything you own will eventually be covered in sand.”
Gentry laughed. “Fair enough. For views like that, I’ll take the sand. So, what’s good on the menu here?”
“Everything. I mean it. But I recommend thevaca frita.”
Solana returned with a plate ofcevicheandtostones, along with two glasses of water with lime. “Just a little free appetizer for my favorite customer and his beautiful date,” she said.
“My goodness, how sweet,” Gentry effused.
They placed their orders and chatted idly while they waited. Gentry hummed along to the upbeat Cuban music. They enthused about the beach, the city itself. Linc told her all about his favorite haunts, views, and restaurants. When Solana brought out their enormous smorgasbord of Latin cuisine, Gentry looked like a kid on Christmas morning. They shared a platter of shredded, marinated beef, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, black beans, and plantains, finished off with a decadent dessert oftres leches.
As they finished up and paid the check, Linc left an unusually high tip for Solana. Solana and multiple other staff members waved goodbye and called to him by name. Gentry was looking up at him quizzically as they walked along the boardwalk.
“You’re like a celebrity in there,” she noted.
“Five years ago, they had a break-in. The guy stole everything from the safe, along with some expensive culinary gear. I was put on the case, and I solved it. Messy crime scene, lots of evidence. Took me less than a day to track down and bring the guy to justice,” he explained.
“He went to jail?” she asked.
