Page 56 of Unmasking Secrets
“I really like you, Archie Stryker. Like like you.” I grin.
He leans in close to my ear. “I like like you too.”
I spend the rest of the game with a smile across my face. Something beautiful is building here and I can’t believe it’s finally happening.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ARCHIE
“Are you sure you don’t want to try it? You like coffee.” Her head tilts to the side as she sets her espresso martini glass down.
I shake my head with a laugh. “I’m sure.” I take a sip of my whiskey.
“This place is really nice, and I must say, you clean up nicely.”
Her finger brushes up and down the stem of her martini glass. She leans forward and grabs the menu off the low table.
We’re sitting at one of the reserved booths. Although it’s less like a traditional booth and more like a private alcove. Tables for two to six people are scattered around the middle of the restaurant amidst the blue and purple mood lighting. The walls of this place are lined with what they refer to as booths. Sectioned off by walls and sheer curtains to give an illusion of privacy.
The dark purple cushions are soft, but the dark wooden table is lower than a traditional restaurant table. Meaning even if Iweren’t sitting next to her, I could see her toned legs in that little black dress that shimmers with every little move she makes.
“You look beautiful.” I know I’m repeating myself.
It was the first words out of my mouth once I picked up my jaw when she’d first walked down the stairs at her house. I was nervous because I’m not usually the type to go to fancy places, but then I’d seen what she was wearing and knew I would definitely find an excuse to go somewhere nice again.
Tabitha looks gorgeous no matter what she’s wearing. I’ve seen her in everything from pajamas to workout clothes, costumes to prom dresses. But now—like this—knowing she’s mine.Fuck.
The past few days have been a whirlwind. I don’t think either of us has been able to keep our hands off of each other for long. We’ve made out like a couple of teenagers, but haven’t taken it farther.
I don’t want to rush anything or do anything until I know she’s ready, until she tells me. Every brief look she’s given to me tonight feels like it’s headed that direction, and it has me on the edge of my seat.
Our server arrives in that moment, pulling back the sheer curtain. “Are y’all ready to order, or would you like a few more minutes?”
I look at Tabitha, and she nods.
“We’re ready.
“Let’s do the date night course and add on the triple chocolate dip.” She grins.
He types something into the tablet and nods. “I’ll be back in a while to check on y’all.”
“Is that okay?” Her eyes widen. “It looked like it had a variety of stuff for us to try.”
“I told you, whatever you want.” I meant it.
I’ve also never been to one of these fondue restaurants, so I was fine with her picking what we would share. Everything had a variety, and I’m not picky when it comes to food.
In a matter of minutes, our food is brought to us. A tray of fruit and chocolate dips. A platter of different breads, meats, and veggies. Another tray with dips, the server lets us know which dips is which before leaving us to dig in.
It’s all delicious, and we’re mostly silent as we eat. Tabitha doesn’t seem to notice the way I’m watching her. I can’t help it with the way she moans at nearly every other bite. The way she licks her lips after she dips something with too much cheese or chocolate.
I try to think of anything else so I don’t have to awkwardly readjust myself in my pants. It’s not like the table is at a height where I can discreetly do it.
Her eyes meet mine, and she licks her lips—slowly. She smiles, and it’s then I realize what she’s doing. She’s been doing it all on purpose. Every lick. Every movement. Every fucking moan.
“Are you okay over there, Arch?” She licks her lips.
I lean closer to her, wanting her to hear me clearly when I whisper the words meant only for her ears.
