Page 84 of Connected By Stars
“Oh God, they noticed, didn’t they?” I groan. “I think with all the drinks, I probably had fuck me, eyes pointed at you all night long.”
“I know I definitely had them pointed at you,” he says, laughing.
“If your mom suspects, then you know my mom does too, and most likely, Mimi. Do you think they’re planning this whole thing to corner us so we break under pressure?”
“That thought did cross my mind,” he chuckles. “Maybe it’s best this way. We’ll play it by ear and see how it goes. If they find out, then they find out. Truthfully, I’ll be glad when everyone knows. What fun is having a girlfriend if I can’t tell anyone that you’re mine?”
“You’re right. I’m tired of worrying that I’ll let something slip when I talk to my mom. I want everyone to know that you’re mine too.”
We pull into the parking lot and park. “You know our moms are going to go nuts when they find out we’re together. They’ve probably been secretly hoping for this day for a very long time.”
“Yeah, they probably have been. We’re their only hope to join the families by marriage. Noah and Sophia never had feelings like that toward each other, and Luna is too young for you.”
“What do you think your dad will say?”
I see the worry in his eyes, and I reach out and place my hand on his cheek. “You have nothing to worry about. He’s always wanted someone who is kind to me and loves me for me. You are both of those and more. Just tell him how you feel about me, and he’ll see what I see. He already loves you like a son. He knows your heart.”
He nods and leans over, and kisses me. “Thank you for picking me to love,” he whispers against my lips.
“Thank you for picking me,” I whisper back. He kisses me softly before pulling back and opening the door. He walks around the Jeep and opens the door for me. “Such a gentleman,” I giggle, holding his hand as he helps me down.
He leans down next to my ear. “You may rethink that later,”he sucks my earlobe before pulling away, leaving me wanting more.
Grabbing my hand, we walk to the door. Excitement fills me as I enter the restaurant with him, finally able to be on his arm and knowing he’s mine.
“We have reservations for two. Last name is Lane,” Maverick tells the hostess. A pretty blond girl who couldn’t be more than twenty looks up, and her eyes go wide when she takes him in. I glance at Mav, and he seems oblivious to the attention.
“Um, yes, let me check the books.” She tears her gaze away and runs her finger down the list of reservations. “Here it is. Right this way, Mr. Lane.” Maverick keeps a hold of my hand while we follow the hostess to the table. She sits us at a secluded back table with a booth. The light is dim back here, giving it a more intimate feel. “Enjoy your dinner,” she says, looking at Maverick and not giving me a second glance.
“Thanks,” he says, not paying attention to her and helping me slide into the booth. I’m surprised when he slides in next to me rather than across. I hear the hostess sigh, clearly not getting the attention she wants, before she walks back up front.
“She was totally trying to get your attention and practically drooling over you,” I laugh softly.
“Was she? I didn’t even notice. I’ve got the most beautiful girl in the restaurant right next to me. Why would I want to look anywhere else?” He takes the drink menu and scans it.
“Are you sure you haven’t dated before? You’re very good at it.”
“I’m sure,” he laughs. “It just comes naturally with you. I like giving you compliments and making sure you know how I feel when I look at you.” He glances at me when I remain silent. “What?”
“You just continue to surprise me, is all. Just when I think I couldn’t love you anymore, you go and say something like that.”
His green eyes meet mine. “I guess you bring out the romantic side in me. It makes me happy to please you.” He bends down and softly kisses behind my ear. “With words and in the bedroom,” he whispers in my ear before his tongue comes out to taste. I suck in a breath, and he softly chuckles before pulling away and glancing down at the drink menu again. “Do you want wine with dinner? We could get a bottle of your favorite red.”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I manage to get out. His eyes dance with amusement at seeing me so flustered.
The waiter comes over, who is thankfully a guy, because I really don’t want to have to put up with ogling the rest of the night. We place our drink order and get a couple of appetizers to share. He comes back over with our bottle and pours us a glass before checking on another table.
“To our first date, one of many to come,” he clinks his glass with mine.
“To our first date,” I say, smiling and taking a sip. I close my eyes at the taste of the cab. I lick my lips and savor the taste. “Mmmm, I had forgotten how good it was here.” I open my eyes and see him staring at me. There’s no denying the desire I see in them. His hand goes to my thigh and rests there, making small circles with his thumb. The heat rises in my body just from that simple touch. I reach for my glass and take another sip of wine, trying to calm this heat that is spreading before it ignites.
“What are you getting tonight?” He asks, looking over the menu as his thumb continues to torture and caress me.
“Um, I’m not sure yet.” I pick up the menu and try to focus on the words in front of me. “The cedar plank salmon looks good, but the steak and scallops look good too.”
“I was looking at those too. Want to get both like we usually do and share?”
“I was hoping you would say that because I can’t decide,” I laugh.
