Page 26 of Sweet Love at Bayside
She did a mental happy dance knowing Violet approved of her panties, and quickly reminded herself that after last night’s make-out session, she should get ahold of her raging hormones and slow things down. “I don’t want him to jump my bones by dessert.” She started to take off the dress, and Violet grabbed her hand, stopping her.
“Desiree, you lookpretty, not slutty. Don’t you realize how hot you are? You could wear baggy pants and a sweatshirt and he’d still want to jump your bones.”
Secretly pleased with Violet’s praise, she glanced at Rick’s sweatshirt hanging over a chair in the corner of the room. She’d tried to give it back to him last night.Keep it. I like seeing you in my things.
“Okay. I’ll wear it, if you’re sure it’s okay.”
Her sister held up a pair of dangling gold earrings. “It’s better than okay, and these are perfect. You don’t need hoops or bangles. You look amazing just as you are.”
A knock at the door sent Desiree’s heart racing, and Cosmos sprinting down the stairs. “That’s him.”
“Whoa, babe. Chill. I’d give anything to feel whatever it is that’s making you blush.” She grabbed a sweater from Desiree’s closet and handed it to her. “It’ll be cold later.”
Desiree stared at it for a second, warmed by her thoughtfulness. She put on the earrings as they descended the stairs. “And I’d give anything for your sense of calm. Any tips?”
“Jump his bones before he can jump yours.” Violet winked and pulled open the door.
Holy mother of hotness.
Desiree’s breath whooshed out of her at the sight of Rick wearing a pair of dark shorts, flip-flops, and a white button-down rolled up to his elbows, exposing his muscular forearms. He looked beyond handsome, but it was the rakish look he was giving her that practically melted her panties off.
RICK’S GAZE DRIFTED right past Violet to Desiree, stunning in a bright, summery dress that showed off her gorgeous legs. Would it be rude to plow past Violet and take Desiree in his arms? He’d noticed last night when they were kissing on the porch that his whiskers had left a little scratch beside her mouth. It was almost gone now, but he was glad he’d taken extra care to shave right before their date.
“If you two stare like that any longer, you’re going to burn holes through each other.” Violet pulled Rick inside by his wrist and leaned closer to Desiree. “I think you need to wear shoes.” She picked up Cosmos and headed upstairs.
Desiree looked down at her bare feet. “Oops.”
“Shoes are overrated.” Rick wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to kiss her cheek, wanting a much more intimate kiss. But after last night he didn’t trust himself to stop at just one. “Hi, beautiful. I thought about you all day.”
“I thought about you, too,” she said.
Man, he liked knowing that. “I thought we’d hit the Pearl for dinner, and then Drake and some of our friends are having a bonfire on the beach.” The Pearl was one of the nicer restaurants in Wellfleet, with a second-story deck that offered beautiful views of the harbor. “It should be fun if you’re up to it.”
“Sounds perfect. I’ve never been to a beach bonfire.” She glanced at her feet again. “Just give me a second to grab my sandals.”
He watched her hurry up the stairs, unable to remember the last time he’d wanted to introduce a woman to his friends and family. He’d much rather be alone with Desiree, but his nephew had specifically asked him to come, and he’d do just about anything for that little guy.
A short while later they were seated at a table overlooking the marina. Rick reached for Desiree’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Should we risk a glass of wine tonight?”
“One, yes. Three, no,” she said with a sweet smile. “The last thing you need is a sloppy drunk on your hands.”
“I think you’re mistaken. There’s no scenario in which I wouldn’t want my hands on you.”
Her cheeks flushed, and he leaned in closer. “How can I miss you this much after one date?” He pressed his lips to hers, wishing he could kiss her forever, but the waitress arrived.
They ordered dinner, and a few minutes later she brought their wine. After she left, he moved to the seat beside Desiree, wanting to be closer.
“Did Violet tell you Cosmos went for a swim again this morning?”
“What? No.” Her brow wrinkled. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m going to have to get him a puppy pool. I was hoping to see you when I brought him back, but Violet was sitting on the porch and she said you were still asleep.” He lowered his voice and said, “I think Cosmos wanted me to sneak up anyway.”
She pressed her lips together, as if she were holding back a naughty thought.
Let it out, baby. Let it out.
Her eyes darted away, and she took a sip of her wine. “We’ll take care of it. I promise. I wonder if he dug under the fence and escaped.”
