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"But your mom treats you good?"
Was he asking if I was abused? If making me eat healthier than anyone on the planet was abuse, then that was me. "Oh, yeah. She's great. Just a little overprotective." That was the understatement of the year, but I went with it.
Rush studied me, and I met his gaze, debating whether to share the truth. Not talking about my cancer seemed almost sacrilegious. I'd beat it—at least I'd thought so. After the recent tests, who knew. But I didn't want to tell him about it. I'd seen too many looks from those who found out. Their fucking expressions were the worst. Followed by the uncomfortable apologies. Nope, I wasn't going to tell him. With him, I was a healthy woman with excellent blood work.
"Mostly, I work for my mom. Plus, I’ve done loads of study. Accounting, business management, marketing. I want to leave home sometime soon, and I know these skills will help me get a good job.” Basically, I was a walking diploma, but I wouldn’t tell him that.
His vivid eyes sparkled with interest—his face lighting with an intrigued smile.
Before I could ask him what he thought, our waiter brought out a tray that held a pot filled with cheese and some uncooked foods. He set the pot on the burner and turned it on. Then placed two platters, one for me and one for Rush, on the table. Each was filled with sliced apples, cauliflower, bread, and grapes. Finally, he added wine, garlic, and more cheese to the pot and stirred until it was all melted and smelled divine.
"Enjoy," the waiter said and left.
"Wow, this looks amazing." I wasn't sure where to start.
"This is just the first course, too," Rush said, stabbing an apple with a fondue fork and dipping it into the cheese.
My mouth fell open. "I guess I better get to work." I picked up my fondue fork and stabbed an apple. Dipped it into the cheese, then put it on my plate. Cut it in half and put half in my mouth. The flavors! The sweet and tart of the apple with the wine and cheeses was terrific. "Oh my hell. This is the best thing I've ever had in my mouth." As soon as I said it, my face turned red because my mind loved to hang out in the gutter.
"Really?" he asked, his caramel eyes glancing at me seductively. His mind was there too, and my embarrassment was forgotten.
"So far," I added, eating the other half of the apple.
FIFTEEN
Caught in the Rain
LUX
To be fair,I gave the cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue my best efforts. Every bite was excellent. I also had another fruity drink and two shots of vodka.
As I said, I intended to make all sorts of great mistakes. And the whole evening was so much fun. Rush had one shot with me but wanted to stay sober for the drive, and I appreciated that. He was so easy to be around that I didn’t worry about looking ladylike. But after one last strawberry, I leaned back in my chair, patting my belly with satisfaction.
"That was the best meal of my life," I said.
Rush nodded, pulling his brownie from the chocolate, and pointing it at me. “I have to say, I agree.” He shoved the bite in his mouth and chewed. "So good, and you did a spectacular job of eating. I'm impressed."
“Thanks, I think." I rolled my eyes and smiled.
“I'm speaking facts. You're a rock star.” He winked, his eyes sinking to my mouth.
I tried not to laugh. "A Whitesnake rock star?"
“Even better." He moved to sit beside me.
At his nearness, I straightened. "Hi," I said when he leaned in.
"You have a little chocolate here." He touched my lip with his thumb. Showed me the chocolate and then put it in his mouth.
Without meaning to, I found myself leaning toward him. Food was no longer on my mind. Instead, I was hungry for him.
"I'd come to all your shows and do my best to get backstage. That's how great you did." Rush spoke softly, his chocolate breath causing my skin to pucker.
“Thanks." I met his eyes. "I'd let you come backstage any time.” My mind went into the gutter again, and I blushed, looking away.
“Is that so?” He took hold of my chin, giving me another sultry gaze.
The man was so fucking fine. It didn't matter that I hadn't ever had sex before. I'd read plenty of books and knew what I wanted.
