Page 13 of Unveiled

Chapter Seven

Tatum couldn’t believe she’d lost it over a car, or that Rush held her yet hadn’t pushed for answers. There was a lot more to him than the cocky jokester. It bothered her that his arms felt so right wrapped around her. Mostly, she couldn’t believe how much she missed her dad, but Rush made her smile in spite of that.

The ride to the restaurant was exhilarating. Only once did she have a mini freak out at a red light when a Lexus like Dale’s pulled up next to them. It ended up being a woman, but she could’ve sworn it was Dale’s.

Rush maneuvered them into the alley behind the restaurant. No sooner had she doffed the helmet and jacket than a man she assumed was Stavros was waving them in through the back door.

“Russell, my good man, so glad to see you back after all this time, for good I hope.”

They shook hands and clapped each other on the shoulder. “Yep. Mark finally wore me down.”

“Good, good, come in, I have your table waiting.” The man reached for Tatum’s hand and kissed the back of it like she was in an old movie. “And who is this lovely creature you have blessed us with tonight?”

Tatum giggled while Rush rolled his eyes. “This is Julia, and I already warned her about you, Stavros. So she’s not buying it.”

Rush’s voice was thick with humor. She liked him like that. He seemed at ease.

“What? What? I have no idea what you speak of. Come, come. I may have to do all the cooking myself tonight, the staff will be too enamored by your beauty to even boil water.”

“Right, you do all the cooking anyway because you don’t trust anyone with your secrets.”

Stavros looped his arm through hers and escorted her past Rush, giving him a faux dirty look. “You are killing me here, Russell.” He hissed as they passed. Rush was hot on their heels.

“Killing you? You’re married. Besides, she’s my date, so it’s you who’s killing me.” Stavros pulled out a chair and as soon as she sat, Rush muscled him out of the way and slid her chair in before taking his own with a smug smile.

Stavros laughed as he leaned in and placed the napkin on her lap, then raised an eyebrow to Rush. Tatum found the whole dick measuring contest comical and oddly flattering. Even though she knew Rush hadn’t meant it was a date date, and Stavros wasn’t enamored by her beauty, it still felt amazing to be the center of attention. . .for a good reason.

“Play the dashing international gentlemen all you want, Stavros, but she’s going home with me no matter what you serve up.” Stavros dipped his head and conceded.

“Very well. I shall live a shadow of my life knowing that her beauty cannot be mine to enjoy but from a distance.”

Tatum had to laugh at that point. “Damn, Rush. You undersold it when you said he was a flirt. He has made it an art form.” Rush laughed and Stavros acted wounded, but waved over a young man with a carafe of wine.

“Please, beautiful Julia. Close your eyes and take a sip.” He asked as he poured a small amount in her glass. “Let all your senses free and tell me the first thing that comes to mind.”

Tatum gave herself over to the moment. Rush seemed to bring that out in her. Closing her eyes, she smelled the wine first. “I’m picking up smokey notes, almost like a good Islay scotch.” When the first sip exploded on her tongue, she gave a yelp. Keeping her eyes closed, she described the experience as best she could. “There’s a tart sweetness, followed by a peaty punch. Like sex. The foreplay is slow, preparing you for what’s coming. Then boom, blinding pleasure.”

It took her a few moments to open her eyes. She’d never had an experience like that. One completely in her own head. Giving herself over to the experience. Maybe it had something to do with closing her eyes and tuning in to one thing and one thing only.

What she saw flooded her with embarrassment. Both men were staring at her with a look she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, exactly put into words.

Self-consciously she asked, “What? Was I wrong? I’m so sorry, I’m not a wine person. I mean, cheap wine is just fine by me.”

“No, no, no, Miss Julia. Do not apologize. It is just, I have never heard anyone describe my wine so perfectly and in tune with every nuance. It was a thing of beauty. Thank you.” He reached for her hand and kissed it again. “Thank you for that gift. I will go now and get your food. I have an amazing experience for such a refined palate.”

Stavros scurried deeper into the kitchen and Rush continued to stare. Tatum studied the napkin in her lap and fidgeted in her seat. Rush didn’t speak, but she felt him staring.

“I, um, I think you just broke up a marriage.” Rush’s words caught her by surprise.

“What?”

“Stavros.” He tipped his chin in the direction the man had disappeared. “He’s probably dialing his lawyer right now to file the paperwork. Then by the time we finish dessert, he’ll have you on a plane overseas to meet his family.”

It took some time for his meaning to sink in. When it did, she blushed. “I’m sorry. It was what came to mind.” It wasn’t her intent to be sexual or flirty.

“Don’t apologize. Stavros was correct, it was beautiful to watch.” Rush was the first to break eye contact, so she dropped her gaze back to her lap. “Did you know you experienced that with your whole body?”

Tatum had to roll her eyes. “I didn’t actually have an orgasm, Rush, I assure you. I’m a little more vocal when I do, I promise.” Her hand flew to her mouth as soon as the words floated in the air between them. Why am I being like this? This isn’t me. Pull it together, Tatum. This is not a date.

---