Page 17 of Under the Influence

Encouraging her good mood, I suggest, “For this evening, let’s stop talking about curses, settling, or family drama.”

“What else is there to talk about?”

“Your job. My job. Movies we like. Foods we hate. Nothing stressful.”

Edith watches me for a few minutes, completely ignoring her meal. “I tell people my favorite movie is ‘There Will Be Blood,’ but it’s ‘There's Something About Mary.’”

I smile at her honesty. “I tell people my favorite movie is ‘The Running Man,’ but it’s ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’”

As our earlier tension drops away, we settle in next to each other to enjoy our meals. The steak and martini aren’t what I’d usually order, but I enjoy them both. Edith watches me to see if I approve of her taste.

For the first time, I can understand why Edith hasn’t been claimed by a man yet. The woman has a high set of standards and she’s on the constant lookout for flaws. I don’t know what would happen if I spit out the meat or sent back the drink. Edith might ask for the check and bail without another word.

I’m unaccustomed to jumping through a woman’s hoops. I’ve been me for a long damn time, and I’ve never considered being anyone else.Am I too set in my ways to play this thing out for real? Is dating a mistake?

Those questions nag at me as we walk outside to her sporty SUV. She holds her key fob in her hand and seems ready to bail. I’m worried about asking to see her again. Lola’s wedding will be awkward as fuck if I piss off Edith on a future date.What am I even doing here?

“I have a confession,” Edith says after she tosses her purse inside the SUV and stands next to the open door.

I’m ready to weasel myself out of this situation until her gaze lands on me. Her beauty shines, even in the dim lighting.

“What’s that?”

“I was lying when I said I don’t like garlic,” she admits, rewarding me with a warm smile.

I can be a cold guy when I need to be. But right now, with this gorgeous woman wearing a soft smile meant for only me, I go weak in a wholly new way. I’ve never felt trapped by a need like this before.

My hands gently brush her hair from her shoulders, leaving her swanlike neck bare. I cradle her face and lower my lips to hers. Just a little taste before we go our separate ways.That’s the plan anyway.

Edith meets my desire with her own. Her hands wrap around me, gripping my shirt and refusing to let go. Our bodies press together. I am very aware of her every curve. She’s likely aware of my hard dick.

Her tongue licks at mine. My mind is on fire. I can’t remember anything outside the feel of her in my arms. I wrap her tighter against me. My lips slowly suck at her tongue, as if we aren’t in a public place.

But we are, and loud laughter tear us apart. Edith looks startled, maybe even a little hostile. Her gaze flashes to the couple before looking at me.

“I’m not ready for an audience,” I mutter, trying to get my dick under control. “People knowing means people will ask questions and drop their expectations on our backs. We won’t be Duke and Edith. We’ll be Lola’s dad and Donovan’s daughter.”

Edith’s lips lower into a sad pout before she shifts gears and says, “The town of Dunphey has a movie theater and a few restaurants right off the highway. No one I know hangs out around there. It’s a nice little area.”

Missing her hint, I ask, “Why were you hanging around there?”

“I’ve had a few dates in Dunphey.”

“Were they worth the drive?”

“I got a free meal and a movie each time, so yes.”

Finally thinking clearly, I ask, “When do you want to do this?”

Edith tugs at her fingers, seeming nervous. When she doesn’t speak up, I ask what’s wrong.

“I wish we could hang out longer,” she says softly.

Looking around, I’m surprised we haven’t run into someone we know yet. Edith startles me when she shuts her car door. Before I can speak, she opens the back door and slides inside.

“I want to kiss more. Just in case tonight is the last time we’re together like this.”

“Why would—?”

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