CHAPTER EIGHT
GAbrIEL
I snarled curses as a car cut me off. I was late and traffic was compounding the situation.
I’d spent too long deciding on what to wear for my date. It was something I’d meant to do last night, but I’d talked with Jake until midnight. By then, I was too tired to tear my closet apart in search of the perfect combination. I could be a clothes whore sometimes. Okay, most times.
Our conversation last night had headed unexpectedly and unintentionally into politics—typically a no-no—but I was ecstatic to find that we shared similar viewpoints.
Not only was Jake cute, but he was also smart, and I’d enjoyed picking his brain.
Before we knew it we were both yawning over the phone.
I supposed I was stressing over traffic because I worried he might decide he wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with me as illogical as that was.
I needed to get to him before he had time to rethink things.
Blowing out a big breath, I eased off the pedal and just went with the flow.
It was pointless trying to fight traffic, anyway.
I was going to be late, but at least I would make a good entrance.
I’d selected a sexy paisley Robert Graham button front, leaving it loose over a designer pair of jeans.
The ensemble was rounded off with purposely distressed Free Birds boots.
I’d even gelled my hair and dabbed on a little Santal 33 Sean had gifted me for my birthday.
All in all, I looked like I was going on a date.
As I neared the intersection of Halsted and Addison, I searched for Jake.
There were a lot of people on the sidewalk, all taking advantage of the mild October day.
I was surprised he lived in the middle of Boystown.
I was guessing he shared an apartment with several roommates.
Minimum wage didn’t even cover a studio apartment on the north side of the city, and I didn’t think Marco’s Fresh Market paid much over that.
I pulled up to the corner just as Jake was passing in the crosswalk. Teasingly, I rolled the window down and whistled like they did in cartoons. “Hello, gorgeous!”
He waved me away, his face lighting up with a big smile. It was obvious he’d spent several hours in front of the mirror too. He didn’t have to try very hard, though.
He slipped into my car, his eyes wide as he looked all around him. “You drive this?”
I shrugged. “I splurged.”
Running his fingers along the Aston Martin’s leather seat, he muttered, “Wow.”
Maybe I should have toned it down a bit. I could be flashy in my sports car and expensive clothes. To my surprise, he reached out and touched the cuff of my shirt. It made my heart skip a beat. He was super shy, but the gesture let me know he was getting comfortable with me.
“I didn’t realize back doctors made such good money.” He took his hand away too soon for my liking.
“Well, we’re no neurosurgeon but the clinic has a lot of high-profile clients that pay up for convenience and discretion. Also, I received a sizable inheritance from my grandparents that mostly paid for my condo and cars,” I said, carefully pulling back into traffic.
“Cars? As in plural?”
“Just a Jeep. I had these grand ideas of going hiking and road-tripping, but that never panned out. I should probably sell it. Most days it just sits in the garage.”
Stopping at a red light, I took a moment to really look at him.
He was swiveling his head around and fingering the interior of the car, an expression of astonishment on his face.
He was freshly shaved, leaving his cheeks mottled and his hair had been styled in a way that made me think about running my hands through the soft locks as we grinded against each other.
I couldn’t help myself. I’d always been a horndog and sex was important to me.
There was nothing wrong with enjoying the pleasures of the body.
Skimming my eyes south, the argyle sweater he was wearing fit his body well.
I imagined sliding my palm under it and feeling warm, smooth skin—The blare of a car horn pulled me back to reality and I hit the gas, jerking us against the seat.
“I kept you up late last night, didn’t I?” He asked as if he had no idea how fucking hot he was. “Sorry. There are a few things I’m passionate about and when I get going, I can’t stop.”
“Don’t be. I enjoyed our conversation. A lot of younger people aren’t into politics which is a shame, considering they’re our future.”
“Yeah, well. I’m glad we didn’t end up fighting,” he said with a nervous laugh. “There are just some things you shouldn’t talk about.”
“Just one more thing we have in common.” I winked, drawing a blush from him. “See, baby boy? We’re perfect for each other.”
He smiled sweetly and looked away as if he didn’t want me to see his joy. “So, where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“When someone says that it doesn’t usually turn out well.” He pulled his sleeves over his hands and held onto the seat belt.
“How many scary movies have you watched?”
“Too many, probably.”
I grinned secretly. He was adorable when he was nervous. “It’s not far. I thought we might enjoy the nice weather while it lasts. It’s public, don’t worry.”
“Sorry,” he murmured. “I don’t do this often. Go out and stuff, that is. With…people.”
“Neither do I. Most of my dates end up in my bed a few times, then I rarely see them again. I’m trying hard to break that habit.” My attention was on the road, but I could see out of my periphery that he was looking at me.
He inhaled deeply and looked away again. “That’s not a bad thing. I—I like to get to know the person first.”
“I’m going to get it out of my system, so don’t mind me, okay?” I put on my best sexy voice. “We know each other so well already, baby boy. Want to come home with me?”
He snickered and I was glad he’d taken it as intended.
“Look, we’re here,” I said, motioning in front of us.
“You’re taking me to Navy Pier?” he asked, pressing his cheek against the window to get a look at the sky wheel. “I haven’t been in ages.”
“Good. I’m sure I can find something new to woo you with.”
“You already do a good job at wooing,” he said distantly, his attention on the activity. I thought he’d let his words slip, but I wasn’t sure.
I pulled into the parking garage and found an empty spot. I did a double check to make sure I had my wallet and keys then stepped out. I slipped into my jacket, the air a bit nippy for a simple shirt, especially near the lake.
“I didn’t think to bring anything,” Jake said as he got out, smoothing his sweater down his arms.
“Are you cold? Come a little closer. I’ll warm you up,” I said and winked.
“No, not yet. I’m sure I’ll be okay.”
“I promise to be a gentleman and give you my jacket if you get cold. Deal?”
He shook his head, trying to hide his smile between his teeth. “You’re something else.”
Tossing an arm around his shoulders, I pulled him close. “I promised I’d behave. But if you catch a chill, let me know.”
“Okay,” he murmured.
I quickly let go, not wanting to scare him.
It was weird to me, not being handsy with romantic prospects.
We entered the pier through the parking garage and were greeted with a gentle breeze.
People walked back and forth, talking, laughing, and generally having a good time.
As we moseyed along the docks looking at the boats, he stuck close to me.
I hadn’t thought that crowds might agitate him.
I couldn’t deny that I liked him seeking out my protection, however.
“Look at that one,” he said, pointing to a white yacht on the lake.
“Luxury liner,” I said, spotting the boat floating on the water in the distance.
“Do you own a boat?” He inquired.
“No. But I do have access to one.”
Stopping in his tracks, he narrowed his eyes on me. “Another part of the surprise?”
“Maybe. Do you want to take a boat ride?”
Looking off into the distance, he was silent for a long while. “Maybe next time.”
“Are you cold?”
“No, it’s not too bad.”
“How about hungry?” I was surprised by how badly I wanted to please him.
“Yes.” He offered me a little smile and pointed at me. “No protein or dessert jokes.”
I burst out in laughter. “Come.”
We walked toward the front of the Pier, bypassing the wheel. He craned his head back to look up at it. “Can we ride it later?”
“Are you kidding? Riding the wheel is a must,” I said and held open the door to the family pavilion.
“Such a gentleman,” he said softly.
“Yeah, I’ve been known to be one every now and then.”
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville was just opening for lunch as we arrived. We sat down next to a window that allowed us a view of the sapphire waters of Lake Michigan twinkling in the early afternoon sun. His attention was on the setting, his expression peaceful.
“I think I’m going to have something light. The fish tacos look good,” I said as I skimmed through the menu. The flour tortillas weren’t the best choice, but I figured it was appropriate to splurge a little on a date.
“Good idea.” He flipped through his menu, his lip between his teeth. “The chicken fajitas for me. We can share again.”
“Deal.”
The waitress came by and took our orders. I sipped my water. “When was the last time you were here?”
He looked at me for a moment, before returning his gaze to the pier. “A few years ago, when I used to deliver sandwiches.”
“Delivery boy, huh?” I teased.
Rolling his eyes, he wiped the sweat from his water glass with his thumb. “It was okay. I didn’t like dealing with all the traffic and road-ragers. Riding a bike during rush hour is dangerous. People will just drive over you to save a few seconds.”
“Then you started at Marco’s?” I inquired, wanting to know more.
He shrugged. “Someone stole my bike so I couldn’t deliver sandwiches anymore. I bounced around a bit until settling at the market. I like it, mostly. It’s a good enough job with a few perks.”
“That’s good.”