Page 15 of Cursed Touch
Brandy: Come over. We’re ordering pizza.
Carter: Thanks, but I have plans.
Brandy: Plans?
He shook his head at his nosy sister’s surprise.
Brandy: Oh! You went to the shop to see Vanessa?
His lips formed a thin line before he leaned against the counter and exhaled. Switching text windows, he drew up Ethan’s number.
Carter: Seriously?
Ethan: Hey, don’t look at me. I stayed out of your head. Serena went by to pick up an order, and I guess your girl mentioned it.
His girl.
Brandy: Serena and Ethan are here too, as you now know. Well, if you change your mind, bring her on by with you.
Carter chuckled dryly. There was no way in hell he would bring Vanessa by his sister’s on their first date. He wanted her all to himself.
He did not bother replying to either of them and grabbed the rest of his things and the flowers. If he left, then he could arrive before Vanessa to ensure they had a private table for two.
Inside the restaurant, he sat with his back to the wall, his leg bouncing under the table as his eyes remained trained on the entrance. Vanessa was set to arrive at any moment, and he was nervous as hell.
Carter wiped his palms down his pants and took in a deep breath. He could not remember the last time his nerves had gotten the best of him. He took another pull from his water, and movement caught his attention as he set the glass down.
Vanessa.
She stood still as she searched the tables for him. A black dress fit her body like a glove, reaching a few inches above her knees and dipping low enough to tease him with cleavage. She was absolutely stunning with her hair framing her face.
His dick stood to immediate attention, and he was thankful she had not spotted him quite yet. He adjusted himself carefully and stood, hoping she would not notice the bulge pressing against his zipper.
Vanessa’s gaze landed on his, and she rolled her red lips. He moved to her chair and grabbed the flowers he’d set down earlier. Surprise registered on her face before her lips tipped up with happiness.
“Hi,” she whispered when she reached him.
He kissed her cheek and inhaled the sweet scent emanating from her. “You’re gorgeous,” he told her and allowed himself to take all her in.
Her cheeks reddened. “Thanks, you look pretty hot yourself.”
Carter grinned and handed her the flowers. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said and helped her into her seat.
“Starved. I’m always hungry to be honest,” she admitted, her gaze cast downward as she fiddled with the bouquet on her lap.
Carter pulled a nearby chair to them. “Here, put those on here so you can be more comfortable. Last I checked, a woman with a healthy appetite was always a pro in my book,” he said and winked.
“It’s all fun and games until I get hangry,” she told him so seriously he chuckled.
“Well, we should put our order in quickly to prevent that,” he told her as the waiter approached them. He ordered a pinot noir after they discussed their choices. Once he decided on lasagna, he set the menu down and stared. Everything about her drew him to her: the line of her neck, the slope of her full breasts, the flare of her hips, and even the cute way she chewed on her lip when she seemed nervous or in deep thought.
“You’re staring,” she muttered without looking up.
“I can’t help it, but I apologize if it makes you feel uncomfortable,” he said and raised his glass of water to his lips, wishing it were a bit stronger. “I think I’ve eaten everything off the menu except for the vegetarian platter. I’m sure you’ll love anything you decide on.”
She nodded and set the menu down. “I was deciding between the lasagna or thefrutti di mare. There’s no way I could pick the vegetarian platter. I need meat in my life.”
The sentence hung between them, but he managed to swallow the chuckle threatening to burst free.
