Page 59 of Out of the Shadows
“Neither have I. Not like this, I mean, on a proper, grown up date.”
Cosmo’s words stun me, and all I can do is stare at him from across the table.
“I’ve met plenty of guys before, in pubs and clubs, and at parties. But that’s not the same. Nobody’s ever asked me out for dinner. Or not if you don’t count falling into an all night burger bar after clubbing until five in the morning.”
He shrugs and his lips twist in a facsimile of a smile. My heart tightens and without thought I reach for his hands. His smile softens and turns into the real thing.
“You’ll have to take me through the etiquette of it all, and teach me the rules,” he says.
“There are no rules.”
“Really? I thought there were all kinds of rules attached. You know, like no proper kissing on the first date and always keeping one foot on the floor at all times.” His smile broadens, and it’s full of mischief.
I laugh. “This isn’t the 1950s, you know, so I don’t think those particular prohibitions apply anymore.”
“So does that mean we can get naked later?”
His words go straight to my balls and my cock hardens and aches to the point of pain. Cosmo’s eyes sparkle as he pins me with his unflinching gaze, brimming with challenge and dare.
“I—” I splutter, then clear my throat.Yes, no…Christ, I don’t know…
His low, dark chuckle tumbles down my backbone.
“Only joking.”
He shoots me a look from beneath his lashes, and a darker smile.
The wine we’ve ordered arrives and I taste it, but for all the attention I give it, it might as well be dishwater. A couple of seconds later, our glasses are filled and the waiter disappears.
“You okay? You look a little flustered.”
“What do you expect if you say — what you said. And in public, too.”
“Well, as you said yourself, this isn’t a 1950s date and there are no rules.”
God, but he must think I’m some kind of laced-up, buttoned-up prude and is no doubt wondering why he’s agreed to this when he could be out with friends of his own age in bars and clubs and—
“Earth to Daniel?” I look up into his green eyes. He’s smiling but there’s a seriousness there too. “If we’ve got any chance of this dating thing working, you’ll just have to get used to comments like that from me.”
Before I can answer, our first course arrives giving me a precious few seconds to try and compose myself. We talk about work for a little while and I’m grateful for the lifeline. I’m back on familiar territory, but Cosmo’s rapid gear switch throws me off course once more.
“Russo. That’s an Italian name isn’t it? You also pronounced the food correctly, or I assume you did. I normally just point to what I want so as not to make a tit of myself,” he says, laughing.
“I’m Italian on my father’s side, but we used English at home. I spoke it when I was with my grandparents out of necessity rather than choice, because they spoke hardly any English, but they died when I was aged around ten. To be honest with you, I’m very rusty and I’d struggle to hold any kind of in-depth conversation.”
“Hmmm, a very expressive and sensual language. Perhaps you can teach me what you know.” For a second, his lips curl up in a dark smile before he breaks into a good natured laugh.
I shake my head, but his good humour is infectious. “You’re insufferable.”
“Yep, guilty as charged. Along with gorgeous, captivating, talented—”
“All that’s going into your CV, is it?”
“No, not now.”
His eyes meet mine and I swear I see a flush bloom on his cheeks, but it’s only for a moment before there’s another gear switch.
“Why did you sell your company? You worked so hard to make it the huge success it was. If that’s not being too nosey.”
