Page 70 of Reckless Promises

Willingly.

Slipping his fingers through mine, he guides me through the doors to the restaurant. It’s dimly lit and quiet, with sapphire and silver accents.

A woman in a white dress is waiting for us, and when we reach her, she waves her arm out leading the way.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Cross.”

Mrs. Cross.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing that, but I love how it sounds more and more each day.

The hostess guides us to a separate room in the back, where there’s a single table a man and woman are seated at.

“Cillian.” Brandon Davenport stands when we walk in.

I don’t know much about him, just that most of the East Coast families use his docks for their imports—including my father.

Cillian walks up and shakes Brandon’s hand before pulling my chair out for me. “You remember Odette.”

“I do.” Brandon smiles, sitting down and tossing his arm around the back of the chair beside him. “Odette, this is my wife, Cassidy.”

“Hello.” Cassidy is glowing from her cheeks to her bright blue eyes.

Her short red hair curls at her shoulders, and not a strand is out of place. She’s wearing a sparkly green dress that reflects every candle in the room, and unlike most wives I’ve been introduced to, there are actual signs of human life in her bright smile.

Cillian pushes my chair in, pulling his closer before taking a seat. His hand finds the spot where my dress splits to reveal my bare thigh, and he tucks his fingers between my legs. But it isn’t sexual like it might have been in the car. It’s protective.

Possessive even.

A waiter stops by offering drinks, before leaving us once more alone.

“You said you got the plans?” Cillian faces Brandon.

“Straight to business.” Brandon laughs, looking at me. “Your husband used to be way more fun.”

“So I’ve heard.” I nudge Cillian’s shoulder. “I’m working on bringing that side back out to play.”

My comment gets me a hint of a smirk from Cillian. The smallest crack in his stoic facade that I love.

Love.

Where did that word come from?

It’s one thing to be attracted to him, but another to hand him the entirety of my heart.

Brandon once more looks back at Cillian. “I’ve got them. They’ll be delivered to you at the hotel after dinner. Once you’ve had a chance to review them, we can tour the docks in the morning. But first, let’s enjoy our food.”

Brandon holds his glass up, and Cillian tips his toward it.

“Except you, babe.” Brandon squeezes Cassidy’s shoulders. "You’re sticking to water.”

“Are you…” My eyes widen when I realize why she’s glowing. “You’re pregnant?”

Cassidy nods. “We almost didn’t think it would happen. It’s been…” Her face pinches, and the smile on it softens. “Let’s just say it was a long road getting here.”

Brandon plants a kiss on the top of her head. “But we’re here now.”

“We are.” She smiles up at him.

---