Page 64 of Playing the Field
“What else is on the list?”
Our server brings over a bottle of wine I don’t think we ordered. Hunter nods at the label, and the wine is opened and poured. “Did you order this?”
“No, but I trust them. Been coming here a long time.”
Our server watches Hunter taste the wine. He’s appropriately friendly, reciting a few tasting notes and waiting for Hunter to nod in approval before filling our glasses. But something about his manner intrigues me. He seems nervous like he’s at a job audition or like he’ll be rated at the end of the meal. He leaves without a word, and once again, we’re wrapped in the sound of ocean waves and solitude.
“Thanks for letting me be your sidekick today.”
Hunter holds up his glass. “Are you kidding? It was my pleasure. You are rapidly becoming my favorite sidekick.”
I hold up mine. “To my favorite tour guide.”
“Who knew, right? After all these years.”
Our hands brush with the musical clink of crystal, and Hunter’s eyes lock on mine. I’m mesmerized as he brings the glass to his lips and sips. His tongue moves inside his mouth as he swirls the liquid before swallowing it down. His Adam’s apple works in his throat, and I’ve never seen something so hot in my life.
Hunter stares at me for so long that I’m almost afraid to drink my wine under his intense gaze. “Everything okay?” I ask, finally.
He nods. “Everything is great. But…I feel like I need to be honest about something.” He inhales a deep breath and looks up.
“This seems dire.”
“No, not at all. I…this isn’t a new feeling for me, wanting to be with you. I’ve always had a thing for you, Gracie. Always.”
“You mean…?”
“Back when we were younger and you used to come home from college. I was crushing hard and totally intimidated.”
I grin and reach for his hand. “I had a thing for you too.”
“Yeah?”
I nod.
“And now?”
“Better than I ever imagined.”
“So much better.” He takes a long sip of his wine. Then he holds up the glass, looking at the liquid like he has a lot to think about. When he puts the glass down, his eyes return to my face, and his smile spreads wide. “You were worth the fucking wait.” His eyebrows bounce above a wolfish grin.
I smile and try to drink my wine. The first sip goes down easily, but when I look up at the molten heat flaring in his eyes, a shiver rolls over my skin. He looks like he wants to devour me.
I could easily let him.
“So I feel like maybe you like this place?” He can’t keep the satisfied smile off his lips. Leaning back in his chair, he picks up his wineglass and surveys our surroundings. Small tables set with simple white tablecloths and blue flowered napkins. The chairs are bamboo and blue wicker, making them look like they belong on a café patio in Paris. A vintage-looking crystal chandelier sheds enough light from its dimmed bulbs to allow us to see each other. And a small candle burning in the center of each table adds romance without detracting from the real star of the show—the ocean lapping just beyond the sand and the moon already hanging high in the sky. A light breeze filters through the open spaces above the painted wooden railing.
“I like it a lot,” I say, playing with my menu, which is a single sheet of paper clipped to a stiff board. “What do you feel like eating?”
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he takes my hand across the table and leans in. “You.” His voice crackles like electricity in the damp air.
I feel a full-body shiver as my focus goes hazy. I can’t help chomping down on my lip.
Reaching over, Hunter frees it with his index finger and runs the pad of his thumb over my trembling lip. “But I intend to feed you first.”
His eyes are so dark I can barely see his pupils, so I nod, hating how easily he can unnerve me. And loving it equally.
“Okay.” My hoarse croak makes him smile. Clearing my throat, I try to regain some of my composure, but as I lean on my elbow, it slips off the table. His sharp reflexes have him catching me before I fall.
