Page 10 of 'Tis the season of Wicked Deeds

“Tell that to your blushing cheeks.”

“This is getting ridiculous,” I grumble, throwing my hands up. Either he can’t take a hint or my best friend put too much faith in my ability to say no. “Not only are you not my type but you’re also delusional. Best I run now before I tie myself to you forever.”

Frustrated with myself for crushing on his delulu self, I decide to get up and leave. But the waiter chooses that moment to arrive with my favorite dish, making my mouth water. The aroma of the food is enticing.

“Would you both like anything to drink?” he asks, his gaze ping-ponging between us after placing our dishes in front of us.

“No, thank you.” He walks away after Julian shakes his head no.

I reluctantly look toward the entrance, contemplating whether or not to leave. It will make him realize I’m—no,Tina,is—not worth the trouble.

“Don’t.” Julian’s sharp tone yanks me out of my haze.

“What?”

His gaze is warm yet intense, burning with the dominance I glimpsed before. “You’re not skipping away until you eat first. Sushi’s your favorite, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” How can he tell? He must sense it on my face because he answers in the next breath.

“I saw your excited smile when you ordered it.” His voice lowers to a sexual purr as he says, “There was no missing the way you licked your lips. So, why resist?”

The last teasing part is loaded with more than just a remark about my love for sushi. He’s like a tempting cocktail of charming and seductive. Every woman’s kryptonite. I rationalize with myself, saying it would be a pity to let such a fine dish go to waste.

“I’ll let you go if you promise to stay till the end of the date,” says Julian enticingly. It sounds more like a demand than a request. Yet it doesn’t appall me, only leaves a tingle in its wake. Oh, how I wish the circumstances were different. To entice me further, a boyish grin splits across his face. “It’d be embarrassing if I have to tell my friends my first date ended with a pretty girl walking out on me. Don’t bruise a man’s ego like that, darling.”

Ha. Like anyone could bruise his ego.

“Fine,” I reply and point my finger at him. “You’re paying, though.”

If nothing else, my cheap ass should do the job of sending him running for the hills. I must be the first woman to purposely make the date a disaster with a man she has tangible chemistry with.

“That was never a question,” he replies and winks. “Now enjoy your food, woman.”

We both dig in and the moment I take the first bite, the rich taste hitting my tongue, I suppress a delightful moan. Mygaze connects with Julian’s and I realize it slipped out because lust darkens his pupils. The air becomes charged and sizzles again.

Breathless, I tear my eyes away and focus on quickly finishing my dish. Any more time in this man’s presence and I will combust into flames of desire. Comfortable silence ensues as we eat, glancing at each other now and then. I’m also disappointed when we’re done.

My chopsticks clatters to the plate and I wipe my mouth with a napkin.

“Did you like it?” he asks, sitting back as he waves at the waiter to bring the check. I watch his beefy arm flex, calling to every feminine bone in my body.

“It was delicious. I always order it whenever I get a chance to come here.”

“So, I did at least get one thing right today,” he teases. “Picking your favorite restaurant.”

I smirk. “I guess you did.”

The waiter arrives with the check. If it were a real date, I would’ve never let him pay and asked to split the bill. I have half a desire to change my mind but the determination to stick to the bitchy act stops me. The time to say goodbye has come.

“Shall we go?” he asks, rising at the same time I do. “Did you drive here?”

“No. I took a cab.” Before he can offer a ride home, I add, “I’ll Uber one back too.”

He shakes his head, amusement dancing in his eyes before placing his hand on the small of my back as we walk out. The warmth from his hand seeps into my skin through the barrier of my dress. I tuck one wayward strand behind my ear.

His closeness and his intoxicating scent driving me crazy. Every second feels like it’s running too fast, along with the rising panic at the fact that I’ll never see him again. The foreignfeelings he’s brought to life are unlike anything I’ve felt for another man.

And I’m letting him walk away.

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