Page 19 of Unofficial

"I don't know... the experts?"

Landry smirks. "And white wine goes with seafood?"

"Are you asking me to try my dinner and wine?" she asks, unsure if she's willing to share with a man who comes across as a Class Act Ass.

"If you wouldn't mind."

She can't take the offer back now, even though it wasn't an official offer, and she pushes her plate towards him slightly. He takes a scallop and plops it into his mouth. Chewing thoughtfully, he nods his head, his eyes locking with hers, and she hands him the glass of wine.

Taking a sip, he swishes it around in his mouth. "Not bad."

"Am I changing your mind on wine?"

"I still think beer pairs better, but I can appreciate the sophistication."

The comment makes her smile, and she just shakes her head. "You're such a dick."

"So you said," he replies and chuckles. "I am who I am, I guess."

"I can appreciate that."

After dinner, Landry walks Jess to her car. He'd paid for her meal even after she told him it wasn't necessary. He holds the car door open for her, and he leans on the top of the frame, boxing her in.

"Can I have your number to do this again? Maybe without Lena and Joe?"

"You didn't like their company?" she asks.

"Oh, they're good people. I was just getting really sick of the mushy looks Joe gave her. I get it, she's hot, but we were at the table, too, you know?"

She looks at the ground. "You don't think it's sweet?"

"I think there's ways to do it without making others feel uncomfortable."

"Yeah? How's that?"

"If you weren't busy calling me a dick, you might've noticed the way I was looking at you tonight."

Her head snaps up, and his gaze lights a fire in her belly. "You were looking at me a certain way?"

"I think you're gorgeous, Jess. And I kind of like how you called me out on my shit. I don't really think about how I come across, but you put me in my place. Most women don't do that, which is probably why they don't really last."

"I'm sometimes too honest," she says, her heart racing.

"Would it be too forward for me to kiss you right now?"

Landry's face inches closer to hers. "Yes, but I don't think I'd mind."

When his lips touch hers, she feels a mixture of emotions. Passion. Guilt. Need. Betrayal.

He pulls back and looks into her eyes. "What do you say?"

"About what?" she asks, blinking as she looks into his eyes.

"Can I have your number?" he asks with a smile. "I'd really like to see you again."

"Sure," she says and waits as he digs his phone out of his pocket before reciting her number to him.

It feels wrong being with someone who isn't Kade. He doesn't want you. She repeats the thought over and over in her head. If Kade can and does see other women, she can see other men. He's not the only one out there who may be good for her. She just needs to get past the initial awkwardness before it feels normal. As normal as it felt with Kade.

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