Page 32 of Savage Temptation
As I walk to meet Atticus, I go over all the things that could go wrong.
For one, we’ll be out in the open, easy to spot. Which was my call.
But the risks don’t end there. This is supposed to be about sex, scratching an itch, getting each other out of our systems, and yet we’re going out on what could be considered a real date this evening.
Deep down, I know where my recklessness comes from: the desire to be more to Atticus than just some booty call. It’s not fair to him, but it’s hardly my fault. He’s the one that offered to take me out to dinner in the first place, and this makes the line between reality and fantasy blur. How am I supposed to guard my heart when we’re crossing these lines?
Zander’s Pub comes into view, and it only takes me a moment to spot Atticus who is casually leaning against a light pole, phone in hand. It never ceases to amaze me how well he blends into his surroundings when he’s a literal god among men.
Looking at him, you’d never guess that he was the creator of countless innovations that will go on to change the world. He just looks like a handsome businessman ready to let off some steam.
I guess that’s why he has no worries about being spotted. He knows how to go undetected.
“This barbecue better be good with how long you’ve kept me waiting,” Atticus says, pocketing his phone.
I look up the street and notice the absence of the food truck. “It’s heavenly. We just need to find it, which shouldn’t be too hard.”
“Lead the way.” He offers me his elbow, which I tentatively snake my hand through. I don’t know what I’m going to tell Lance if pictures make it into the tabloids. Perhaps I’ll leave that to Atticus and pray he comes out of the situation alive and with all his teeth.
“I can’t wait to eat,” Atticus says. “You got me so excited about this sandwich, I skipped lunch.”
“Good, you’ll have room for two,” I return, looking down a side street to see if I can spot Texas Big.
I stop and look all around, craning my neck to see as far as I can ahead.
“Hm…”
“Something wrong?”
Why does Atticus have a mocking tone to his voice?
“The truck is usually right around this area, but perhaps it decided to travel a few extra blocks.”
I pull out my phone and thumb through Facebook until I get to Texas Big’s group, and read: Come find us tonight as we test out new locations.
“Problems?” Atticus asks with an up-ticked brow.
“No, it’s just that Big Tex decided to try out a new location, and I have no idea where they are.”
“Are you saying I’ve saved my appetite for a barbecue sandwich that could be anywhere in the city?”
“Hang on. Let me give them a call.”
His hand covers mine, forcing it to lower. “You won’t be finding them that easily.”
He’s smirking. There’s a twinkle of playfulness in his eye that tells me he may have had a hand in Texas Big’s disappearance.
I cock my head to the side. “What’s going on, Atticus?”
“I just thought we might want to go back to the time of our hunter-gatherer ancestors for the evening.”
“I don’t think you want to forage through the city’s shrubbery for food. It gets pissed on.”
His lips upturn into a mischievous smile. “That’s not at all what I meant, but I must say, that sounds like a fantastic date.”
“Did you and your infinite resources have a hand in the disappearance of the food truck?”
“Bingo!”
