Page 44 of Masked

He started the car and looked over at her.

“We’re really close to a place I’d love to take you if you’re interested.”

She frowned. “What about our dinner plans?”

He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Consider it a change of venue. You’ll like it. And I want to introduce you to someone.”

Ten minutes later, they pulled up in front of a cute little building with several other cars in front of it. The small sign above the door simply said The Studio.

When they went inside, she was surprised to find an intimate setting with small tables and chairs scattering a dimly lit room. A musician sat on a stage in the center of the room and belted out a melancholy song that brought up a mixture of sadness and appreciation for the talent.

A few patrons sat around the stage with drinks and small plates of food.

They were heading for a table in the corner when a woman stopped them.

“Noah?”

He turned toward the voice, turning Reva with him. He opened his arms for the woman who rushed into them and seemed to be crying. “Quinn, it’s so good to see you again. I wasn’t sure if you still owned this place or not, but I wanted to bring Reva.”

Quinn straightened and swiped at her eyes. “You don’t come around often enough.”

He smiled and squeezed her shoulder. “It’s been hard.”

Oh god. Was this some place he used to take Elise? She wanted to turn and run, but that would be rude. And she really did like the vibe. But they were going to have a talk about the fact that she wasn’t a fan of reliving all the experiences he had with his dead girlfriend.

“Hi, Reva. I’m Quinn, but everyone but Noah calls me Q. It’s so good to see Noah getting back out there after all this time.”

“Quinn’s place is the first place Elise took me when she insisted on planning a date for us.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Reva said with a bright smile.

“We’re going to sit in the corner and talk if that’s OK with you. Bring us a bottle of white wine and a mixture of small bites.”

“You got it, Noah.”

Quinn moved past them, and Noah pulled Reva toward the table in the corner.

“I’m sorry if this is awkward for you. I didn’t think about it until we were already here. You were upset, and this is where I like to go when I’m upset. It’s relaxing.”

That made her smile. “It’s OK. I was mad for a minute. But I like it here. And I like that you want to share these kinds of things with me. Just… don’t try to relive your life with Elise with me, please.”

He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. “I promise that’s not what this is. But I understand how it looks. We can go somewhere else.”

Reva shook her head. “No. I want to stay. Thank you for bringing me. I don’t understand how I’ve never seen it before.”

“It’s off the beaten path, and she’s never wanted it to be a popular, crowded place. Quiet and intimate is what she was after.”

“How did Elise know her?”

“I think they met through one of Elise’s charities. But enough about that. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about what happened?”

She appreciated the concern in his voice and expression. “I really don’t. Tomorrow I might want to. But tonight, I want to talk about us like we planned.”

He squeezed her hand. “If you’re sure. Tell me how the last few days have been for you.”

“It’s been wonderful, Noah. Seriously. I’m sore in places I didn’t realize I could be sore. My sexual appetites are getting more intense. I’m having experiences I only ever dreamed of having. And I’m enjoying getting to know you as well.”

“And you think you can handle thirty days?”

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