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The hostess seats us at a table in the far corner of the restaurant, where we have less of an audience. Several people noticed Duke on our way inside. Duke is a big dude. He’s hard to miss, even in a crowded restaurant.
After our waitress arrives to take our drink orders, Duke slides his chair closer to mine. He hooks his arm around my back, and I lean into his chest, cradled by his warmth. He smells like spicy aftershave and mint. I love Duke’s natural scent when he’s sweaty and dressed in jeans and a tee. Hell, I like him any way I can get him. There’s something so undeniably sexy about him. He’s like catnip to me. Once I get a taste, I can’t stop myself. So, I’m thankful he’s planning to stick to my rules. I think I need them more than he does at this point.
“At least a dozen people saw us together,” I say. “I thought you’d pick somewhere more… private. Some of the people had their phones out, taking a picture.”
“No one cares.” He waves his hand dismissively. “They probably thought you were a puck bunny.”
I snort. “That’s reassuring. And thanks, by the way.”
He takes my hand and rests it on his thigh, giving it a quick squeeze. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re the one that pointed out that I’m never seen in public with women. No one knows you’re my therapist.”
“They might think I’m your girlfriend.”
“You are my girlfriend.” His tone is serious, possessive. I’m his.
I glance up at him and smile. “I must’ve missed that conversation. Was I unconscious?”
He laughs. “You’re my girl, Lila. I don’t give a shit what anyone has to say about it. Therapy or not, nothing will pull me away from you. Unless this isn’t what you want.”
“It’s most definitely what I want.” I run my thumb along his bottom lip. “I want you, Duke Baldwin.”
Duke drags his long fingers down my arm, and it sends chills down my spine. The waitress stops by the table to take our orders, interrupting our private moment. We order steak and potatoes. Like me, Duke is a simple eater.
I lift my wine glass and tap it against Duke’s frosty mug. “To us.”
The corner of his mouth turns up into a cocky smirk. “That wasn’t much of a toast.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “I’m a doctor, not a public speaker. Take what you can get.”
He bends down to kiss my neck, torturing me as he leaves kisses that burn my skin. A moan escapes my lips. I cover my mouth, hoping no one heard me.
“Keep that up,” Duke says, his voice husky and low, “and I won’t make it until the second date. You should know by now that I like breaking the rules.”
I grin like an idiot. “Who said you’re getting any on the second date?”
“It was implied,” he says against my mouth.
After dinner, I’m shocked we made it into my living room without tearing off our clothes. I’m straddling Duke on the couch, with my dress bunched up around my waist. He groans into my mouth as I grind against his growing erection, and I moan in response.
When our lips part, Duke pushes my hair out of my eyes. He gives me a crooked grin that goes right to my throbbing core. One look is all it takes with Duke. He’s so damn gorgeous, from his handsome face to his body that’s ripped with muscle. Years ago, I’d thought I lucked out with Ted. But Duke is every woman’s fantasy rolled into one wet dream.
Long before we met, I fantasized about him throwing me up against the boards. I still haven’t told Duke that he’s starred in plenty of my dirtiest dreams. He’d probably never let me live it down if he did. Or he might want to reenact them.
So, maybe I should tell him…
Threading my fingers through his hair, I slip my tongue in his mouth, desperate for more. He palms the back of my head to deepen the kiss. Each kiss is more intense, more impatient, and greedier than the last. My hands travel over every surface of his body. I can’t get enough of the hard ridges of his abs or his thick, muscular arms that feel like they could hold up the universe.
He pushes down the front of my dress and pinches my nipple between his fingers.
“Duke,” I whisper against his lips. “Touch me. Please.”
The intense pressure building inside me feels like a volcano ready to erupt.
“I am touching you.” He rolls his thumb over my nipple and massages my breast, as he leaves a trail of kisses along my jaw. “Calm down, woman. You’re like a dog in heat.”
Laughing, I take his other hand and slide it beneath my dress. His big hand covers my panties. Heat spreads from my cheeks, down my arms, and to my thighs. But the aching between my legs is a deep desire only Duke can satisfy.
