Page 36 of Beyond the Cage
I shift my attention back to my handsome date. “They’re beautiful.”
“We aim to please. Do enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you, Garth.”
As he walks away, I realize he said our appetizers would be here shortly.
“Did you order for me again?”
Cameron smiles and takes a sip of his wine. I sigh and do the same. He is incorrigible, and I have no idea how he gets these things done without uttering a word. The wine hits my tongue and I almost moan aloud. It’s good – massive flavor that just overtakes my whole mouth. My tongue tingles with the taste. I’m on my third glass when the waiter arrives again, placing shrimp cocktail before us. Iloveshrimp.
“You get a pass on this one,” I tell him as I pick up my fork.
I close my eyes, and this time, Idomoan when I take the first bite. Whatever they’re charging, it’s worth it. When I open my eyes, I find him studying me. I flash him a smile and turn back to my shrimp.
“So…I had my last exam today. In a few weeks, I’ll be a college graduate. I scored five twenty, out of a possible five twenty-eight, on my MCATs. With my four-point-O GPA, I could probably get into any med school I want. I’m leaning toward Harvard, Yale, or Johns Hopkins, though.”
With a proud grin, he reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. I guess that’s his way of saying ‘congratulations’. His touch sends a charge of awareness through my body, and I shift in discomfort. Why do I have to be so attracted to him? I pull my hand from beneath his and his smile fades. He probably thinks I don’t want him to touch me, but it’s the total opposite.
The rest of the meal, which is absolutely amazing, is pretty quiet. I don’t know what to say to him. It’s strange because I’ve never had this problem before with anyone, date or not. When it’s time for dessert, Garth places the most delicious-looking thing I’ve ever seen in my life in front of me. There are brownies, vanilla ice cream, caramel, chocolate syrup, nuts, and whipped cream, topped with a cherry.
“For the lady.”
“Thank you, Garth. The risotto washeavenly.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He turns to Cameron. “Everything to your liking, sir?”
He gives Garth a curt nod. Satisfied, he leaves again.
“You’re not having anything?” I ask, noticing Garth only served me.
He shakes his head.
“You can’t be serious! Just look at this and tell me you don’t want some.”
Another shake of the head.
“Suit yourself.” I shrug.
He pushes his chair back and resigns himself to watching me eat. I take a bite and almost –almost– come all over myself. It’sthatgood. Cameron notices my reaction and is regarding me thoughtfully.
“You have to try this.”
He waves his hands, declining yet again, so I see he won’t do it willingly. My little imp peeks out from behind his wall. I pick up my dessert and walk over to him, smiling at his suspicious gaze. His arm curls around my waist as I sit on his lap.
“Would you like to have my…” I lick my lips, “cherry?”
Picking it up by the stem, I tilt my head back and place it between my teeth. I pull the stem out and turn back to him. He’s watching me, lips slightly parted. I lean in toward him, offering him a bite. He takes the offering, lightly biting down on the fruit. When the juice threatens to drip down, he covers my lips, sucking it up. Oh, God. A shiver runs down my spine as I pull away and lick my lips. I dip the spoon into the concoction and offer it to him. Holding my stare, he opens his mouth. When he closes his lips around it, I slowly pull the spoon out, turn it upside-down, and suck the remaining chocolate from it. He swallows hard.
“Oh! Sorry to interrupt.” Neither of us looks in the waiter’s direction. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”
The charge of electricity between us is setting my body on fire. As I stare into his eyes, we share an unspoken understanding. This dinner is definitely over.
“Just the check, please,” I tell the waiter.
Cameron shifts beneath me and I feel the beginnings of his erection. Lovely. I lean in, placing my lips at his ear. His potent scent floats into my nostrils, leaving me just a little dazed.
“I can’t wait to get you home.”
