Page 16 of Edged

“Yes, I just need to zip it and grab my purse.”

“Let me.” He took the bag from her, zipped it closed, and held onto it.

Kaley grabbed her purse, and soon, they were on their way. Anthony had a big black SUV. “What is it with guys and big SUVs?” she asked.

“Lots of room. Good to have during winter.” He opened her door and helped her into the vehicle, then he put her club bag in the back seat before climbing behind the wheel. “Would you like to go to the Aztec Chef or Double D Barbecue?”

“Either one is fine with me.”

“Let’s do the barbecue.” He pulled away from her apartment. “I’m guessing you had a busy day.”

“Always. My last appointment of the day took longer than I anticipated. How was your day? How is Clara?”

“Gran is doing good. She’s been using her crutches to get around and doing quite well.”

“I’m glad. She’s always been so active when I’ve groomed Nugget.”

“It’s hard for her to sit still right now, but she understands she needs to heal.” He pulled into the parking lot and parked. Kaley reached for the door handle.

“Let me help you out.” Anthony jumped out of the SUV, sprinted to her side, and opened the door.

“You know, I can do things on my own.”

“Yes.” He helped her out of the vehicle. “But I was raised to be a gentleman.” The vehicle beeped as he locked it.

He held her arm as they walked into the restaurant. She wasn’t used to men being this courteous. Well, most of the Doms in the club were, but outside of the club, there were a lot of assholes. Some of them were even clients.

“Good evening, table for two?” the hostess asked.

“Yes, please. I made a reservation under Anthony Payne, but we’re a little late.”

“Oh yes, Mr. Payne. You’re fine; we have your table ready.” The hostess led them to a booth. “Have a wonderful dinner.”

Kaley slid in, and Anthony followed. She shifted when his thigh touched hers. He picked up the menus and handed one to her. She tried to ignore the way her skin tingled whenever they touched. Her awareness of Anthony was off the charts.

Opening the menu, Kaley began looking over her choices. So much food. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she’d only had a PBJ for lunch.

“I heard that. Did you eat lunch?” Anthony asked.

Kaley lifted the menu so he wouldn’t see her embarrassment. “I did but that was at least seven hours ago.”

“I see.” His voice deepened. “Lower the menu, please.”

His voice was strong, and something inside her told her to obey. She closed the menu and set it down in front of her. Anthony’s deep blue eyes watched her. “I don’t like the idea that you may not be eating enough.”

“It’s fine.” She shrugged off his concern.

“No, it’s not.” His forehead wrinkled. “You need to make sure you take time for lunch and a break where you can have a snack.”

“I groom dogs and cats; there isn’t always a lot of down time. Really, Anthony, I’m fine.” Her darn stomach rumbled, calling her a liar.

“Good evening. I’m Mike, your waiter tonight. What would you like to drink?”

Kaley breathed out a sigh of relief at the waiter’s interruption. “I’ll have a diet soda, please.”

“Beer, dark, if you have it.”

“Indeed, we do, sir. I’ll get your drinks and bring some bread.” Mike walked away.

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