Page 19 of A Soldier's Temptation
“I didn’t think you would. Isn’t that the reason for dessert?”
“Partly, the other part is I really love tiramisu. I’ve had it all over the world so I couldn’t pass it up.”
“Really? You’ve traveled that much?”
“Yes, and I’ll be happy to tell you all about it if you want. But now I want to hear about the trouble you’re in. It’s why you were crying earlier, right?”
“Yes, but it’s a long story. A boring, screwed up, dangerous story.”
“I like those,” John said with a smile.
The server was back. “Here you go. I hope you enjoyed your meal and that you’ll come back again.”
“It was excellent. We’ll definitely be back.” Ariana raised her eyebrows as he responded, but when she didn’t contradict him he was more relieved than he should have been. He gave the server cash for the bill. It was more expensive than his usual dinners, but as far as he was concerned the time with Ariana was priceless.
“Mr. Darcy, are you awake down there?” Ari asked and a fluffy tan head popped up from under the tablecloth with a woof.
“Are you ready, Baby?”
“Yes. Thank you for dinner. It was delicious, but I don’t understand why you’re calling me baby all of a sudden.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been calling you that in my head for months. If it really bothers you I’ll try to stop, but I can’t promise I won’t slip.”
She looked at him and seemed to consider what he’d said. He held his breath waiting to find out if she’d shoot him down or take a chance. “Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s weird but I don’t hate it.”
“I’ll try to use it sparingly until you like it. Will that work?” he asked with a gentle smile and was rewarded with one of hers.
“Yeah, I think I can live with that. It really was nice getting out of the apartment.”
“Our evening isn’t over yet. Don’t even think about ditching me at your door.”
She laughed as she grabbed the bag with her leftovers and got up from the table. “I didn’t think it would work.”
“You thought right. There’s no putting anything over on you.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” she replied as her grin melted away.
Not sure what stole her smile, he put his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the maze of tables and onto the sidewalk with Mr. Darcy staying by his side.
“What are you thinking about?”
“You, the situation, everything. I’m worried if you find out you’ll get hurt or I will.”
“Don’t be. Let’s be serious for a moment. Whether or not you believe me, I will never intentionally hurt you.”
“How can you know that?”
“Because I do. You don’t know me that well, but I’m hoping to rectify that. You’re amazing and I enjoy your company.” Having this discussion in the middle of the sidewalk was not ideal. John needed to get her out of the open, it was too dangerous. Taking her hand, they headed back to the apartment complex. The car with the FBI agents followed.
“You only think I’m amazing. If you knew everything you wouldn’t think so anymore.”
“Then tell me. I promise you that I’m not going anywhere. Even if you’re not interested in going any further, I’m your friend.”
She’d stopped and stared up at him. The sun had set while they were eating, and the moon bathed her skin in a soft glow. She looked angelic and took his breath away. God help him once he held her in his arms and tasted her.
“I’d like to believe you, John. But my track record hasn’t been great.”
“You’ll never know if you don’t take a chance.” As they walked along, his head was on swivel checking their six. He wanted to trust that if someone attempted to hurt her that the FBI agent would handle the situation.
