Page 22 of Spring Fling

Shifting from one foot to the other, he studies me silently. His hot gaze leaves my body smoldering, even as my heart races. With each beat, the same words fly through my head.

Please say yes. Please

He thrusts out his hand. “Hi, I’m Wade.”

“I—I’m Angela.” I place my hand in his, savoring the familiar feel of his work-hardened palm against mine.

“Would you like to join me for a drink?” he asks, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “I have a feeling we’re going to hit it off.”

EPILOGUE

WADE

Standing at the threshold of the door, the biting February air nipping the back of my neck, I scan the restaurant.

It’s crowded tonight. That’s not surprising. It is Valentine’s Day, and this place screams romantic ambiance. My cheek twitches. I can vouch for that from experience.

I’m about to ask the man fondling his date’s behind if he wouldn’t mind stepping aside so I can get a better look when I find her. Perched on a seat at the bar, sipping a glass of something bubbly, she’s wearing a red dress. Just like she said she would be when she messaged me earlier today.

It hugs her curves in all the right places. Tonight, her long brown hair is swept up into a bun. I can imagine pulling a few pins loose and watching it fall down in soft waves over her shoulders and breasts.

My cock twitches. Clearing my throat, I make my way past Sir Hands-A-Lot before I pitch a tent at the host stand. Reaching her side, I rest my hand on her shoulder.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Did you get turned around?” she asks batting her bright blue eyes.

“Baby, I don’t know up from down whenever you’re around.”

Angela grins. “Our table is ready.”

“Good.” I lower my gaze to her lips. “Because I’m hungry.”

“So am I.” She captures her bottom lip with her teeth.

Leaning forward, I growl. “Careful. We’ll never make it through dinner if you keep that up.”

“Promises, promises.”

I help her hop down from the stool and guide her through the restaurant, my hand on her back. I can’t resist stroking it with my thumb.

“Careful,” she whispers over her shoulder. “We’ll never make it through dinner if you keep that up.”

“Promise?”

With a laugh, she shakes her head, and a loose lock of hair caresses her neck. I can’t resist brushing it aside, taking pleasure in the way goosebumps appear on her skin.

Misery loves company. And if I’m going to have to sit through a fancy dinner with a boner, I like knowing my woman is hot and bothered too.

After helping her into her seat and ordering drinks for our table, I reach across the candlelit table and take her hand.

Stroking her knuckles with my thumb, I ask, “Would you like to open your present?”

“Actually…” She slides a long, thin box wrapped with a red bow across the table. “I was hoping you’d go first.”

“Whatever you want.” I raise her hand and brush my lips across the smooth skin before releasing it to pick up the box. I frown at its weight. It’s so light. What the hell could it be? “Is it a tie?”

“Come on. Give me a little more credit than that.” She chokes on a laugh. “Do you think I’d really give you a tie?”

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