Page 45 of The Comeback

“I’m serious,” I groan. “I thought they were out for the night.” I’ve done a lot of crazy things, but this one takes the cake. The one woman I see spending the rest of my life with, and she’s going to run for the hills.

“I know.” She sobers and shifts in her seat to face me. “I know you wouldn’t intentionally humiliate me or do something to hurt me. I might have pegged you for a jerk when we first met–”

“And I didn’t help matters by continuing to act like an ass.”

“No.” She tilts her head and bites down on her bottom lip. “You didn’t, but I wasn’t at my best either. I intentionally goaded you so I could be right about you. But you’ve gone out of your way to prove you aren’t who I thought you were. And you didn’t have to. Watching you with your family was enough.” She leans over and kisses my cheek. “You’re a good man.”

“Thank you.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her to my chest. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”

She snuggles against me, and it feels right. She feels right.

Right seems like such a boring word to describe how I feel, but I can’t come up with something better.

“It was awkward, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.” She glances up at me, and my stomach drops to my feet. She’s proving to be everything I wasn’t supposed to be looking for. “I would have kinky, rough, hot, crazy sex with you anywhere. Anytime.”

“A girl after my own heart.” I cup her cheek and give her a light kiss, and pull back. I’m not about to put her in another awkward situation, especially in public. It’s one thing for my family to give her a hard time, but I’m not about to let the public or entertainment reporters drag her name through the mud.

She straightens and laces her fingers through mine. “I like your mom. She’s sweet.”

“She likes you. A lot.” If I ruin things with her, I’ll never hear the end of it. My mom pretty much shipped us the second she laid eyes on her. Not that I blame her. Charlotte is classy.

The waiter steps up to our table. “Would either of you like dessert?”

Before she can decline, I say, “Absolutely. Give us two glasses of red wine and a slice of red wine cake.”

“Right away.” He turns on his heel in his impeccably dressed suit and retreats to the kitchen without writing anything down.

A man and woman at the next table glance at us and whisper. I’m used to it, but I don’t think Charlotte is ready for the public eye. Do we leave so I can shield her from it or ignore it?

“I don’t need dessert.”

“Yes, you do. You deserve to treat yourself.”

She presses her lips together. “And get fat.”

“Darlin’, you’re perfect.”

“And you’re too good to me.”

The dark-haired woman stands and approaches the table. “Excuse me.” The freckles on her cheeks are pronounced. “My husband and I were arguing over whether you are Weston Summers or not.”

Charlotte arches her eyebrows. “Who’s got that he isn’t?”

The woman cringes. “My husband does.”

“What’s the bet?”

Her entire face floods with heat. “I don’t think–”

“Ohhh….” Sex positions. Charlotte’s eyes widen as awareness settles over both of us. “We don’t need to know the specifics.” She waggles her eyebrows. “But whatever it is, enjoy whichever one you pick.”

The woman grins. “I knew you were him.” She spins around and points an index finger at her husband. “I told you.”

“No, way.” The man jumps up and rushes over to the table. “This is so cool. My name’s Aaron Gregg. The guys and I were excited when we heard you were on the team. Imagine my surprise when we see you here. Leah swore it was you, but I didn’t figure you’d hang out in public like this.”

I shove out my hand and greet them both. I’ve never had an issue meeting fans. They’re the reason we make our paychecks. I never understood the guys who get pissed when someone wants an autograph. I get it if you can’t eat without people snapping photos or trying to sit on your lap, but if they’re respectful, bring them on.

“Would you like a photo with me?” I turn to Charlotte. “Would you mind taking it?”

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