Page 51 of Waiting Forever
Delicious flavors fill the air, making me salivate.
We stop at the hostess podium. “Reservations for Tanner,” I tell the girl.
She glances up from the monitor and her breath catches. She gives me a once-over, trying and failing to be discreet. “How are you today, Mr. Tanner?”
I bet she’s trying to get my first name. “Good, thanks.” I smile in a friendly, non-interested way. The pheromones coming off this girl are potent. She’s attractive—your typical dyed blonde hair, fake tan, lots of makeup girl. A year ago, I would have gotten her number or maybe got her naked in one of the private bathrooms. That doesn’t even remotely appeal to me now.
I hook my hand around Kensington’s waist—who’s taking in the restaurant beside me, oblivious of the hostess giving me bedroom eyes—and pull her to my side.
She squeals and glances up at me with surprise. “What?”
I bend to her ear, sending the waitress a silent message,I’m taken, and whisper, “Do you want to eat out back? There’s a view to a big lake.”
She inhales and shivers—fucking love that response.
“Is that ayes?” I ask because she still hasn’t answered.
“Yes.” Her voice is breathy, her eyes lost in mine.
The hostess clears her throat.
I give her my attention while keeping Kensi firmly tucked to my side. “A table outside, please.”
The girl eyes Kensington.
I can’t tell if she’s bitter or a little sad.Huh.
She stacks two big menus in her arms and gives me a sincere grin. “She’s pretty.” She steps out from behind the podium. “Right this way, please.”
Well, that’s a first. But then Kensi doesn’t put out the guard-dog vibe the way Harper always did. Harper was so insecure, believing every girl wanted me. She sent out a major bitch vibe to anyone who was near. I swear, the challenge made girls even more interested in me just to piss her off.
I let Kensington take the lead and walk behind her, wishing I could see her ass beneath that sweater around her waist. Her burgundy hair swings with her steps, grazing the sweater and tempting me to touch the silky strands.
The hostess stops at a table on the veranda with a perfect view to the lake. A parklike setting of oak trees and shaded grass stretches to a dock with a gazebo at the end. I’m going to walk her out there when we’re finished eating.
Kensi sits in the chair and takes the menu from the hostess, but her gaze is on the view. When I’m seated and the hostess excuses herself, Kensi glances at me with that bright smile I adore.
“This is beautiful, Nathan. Thank you for taking me here. I love it.”
“Wait until you try the food. You’ll love it even more.” This is exactly what I needed. Special time with Kensington, where her phone remains in her purse, forgotten, because she’s in the moment. With me. And I fucking love it.
21
Kensington
NATHAN ORDERS A steak and a tap beer.
I order a salad and the artichoke appetizer. I love artichokes with lemon aioli sauce. I couldn’t believe they had it on the menu.
“Would you like to see the wine list?” our waitress asks me.
My eyes round. I’ll be twenty-one in three weeks, but I don’t look it. At least, I didn’t think I did until now. Maybe it’s because I’m with Nathan. I glance at him for approval, which is silly.
He shrugs as if to say,your call.
“No thanks. I’m fine with my water.” For all I know, she would have asked for my ID after I ordered. I’d rather save myself the embarrassment.
“You don’t want a steak?” Nathan asks. “I thought you were starving?”
