Chapter 2
Pulling up to an upscale Mediterranean restaurant on Monday, my brows crumpled with confusion.
I was looking forward to seeing Russ, and it honestly didn’t matter what we did.
But since I was expecting something fun and exciting from him, I had to assume we were going to be extras in a movie that was filming at the restaurant.
“Because we can’t just be having dinner,” I murmured, looking at the stone building he’d picked for our date.
The restaurant was tucked away in a nice subdivision just outside of Richland.
I was unfamiliar with the neighborhood, but the restaurant and surrounding stores and homes appeared expensive.
It looked to be a high-end establishment, and the people I saw walking in were well-dressed.
The classical music became louder as I killed the engine.
Checking the time and then my reflection, I stepped out of my car. Tugging at the formfitting black dress that hugged my curves and accentuated my large breasts and plump ass, I made my way to the entrance of the restaurant.
“Nina Ford,” a deep, velvety voice called out to me as soon as I stepped up onto the sidewalk.
My name rolled off his tongue, and his voice cascaded down my back like a chill. A smile tugged at my lips as I slowed to a stop. Brushing my thick, blown-out hair over my shoulder, I turned my head toward the voice. As soon as our eyes met, I felt it.
Russell Long and I had more than just sparks between us.
From the moment we met at that party at the beginning of June, we just clicked.
I wasn’t sure if it was the ease with which we connected, or that when we were in each other’s presence, we were our most authentic selves.
But the fact of the matter was that he was irresistible.
And not just because the sex was mind-blowing.
Our energy was electric, and as soon as we were in the same space, we were drawn together like magnets. Our conversations were effortless and it took willpower to keep our hands off each other.
“Nina, Nina, Nina…”
Licking my lips, I eyed the sexy man in front of me.
Letting my gaze travel up and down all six feet, three inches of him, I admired the way his black suit fit his tall, muscular build.
His full lips spread into a blindingly white smile, and his thick brows hovered over beautiful brown eyes.
He was always well-groomed, and his low-cut fade with deep waves and well-kept beard were a testament to that.
His dark caramel complexion was flawless, except for the tattoo that peeked from the collar of his shirt.
I knew that particular tat ran from his neck over his shoulder and down his arm.
And I can’t wait to trace my fingers over it later.
The man was physical perfection.
He had the face of a model with the build of a professional basketball player, and my body always seemed to react to the sight of him.
“You look incredible,” he breathed as he approached me.
“As do you,” I returned, checking him out one more time before locking eyes with him. “This suit is fire. You clean up well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a suit before.”
He brushed his hands down his lapels and did a pose.
The man knew he looked good.
He reached his hand out and grabbed mine. “I had to step my game up because I knew you would be coming correct.” Lifting my arm in the air, he licked his lips and took me in again slowly. “And like always, you didn’t disappoint.”
“Well, you said to dress up because we had dinner reservations so”—I did a turn so he could get a view of the back as well—“I dressed accordingly.”
He let out a low whistle. “You wore this to tempt me, didn’t you?” He put his free hand on my left cheek and gave it a little smack. “You know how I feel about your ass.”
I feigned ignorance. “Oh, you like this?”
He yanked me forward until my body was flush with his. I had to look up because even in my four-inch heels, he was still a couple of inches taller than me.
“You know I do,” he whispered before placing a kiss against my lips. He grabbed my ass with his big hands and jiggled it. “You know you look good as hell.”
I kissed him again. “And I taste even better.”
“That’s the truth.” He moved his hands to the small of my back and then smirked. “And I look forward to tasting you again.”
“Sooner rather than later,” I promised as a car crept by us. Assuming we had an audience, I pushed away from him and quirked an eyebrow. “But first, I believe we have reservations.”
He adjusted himself and let out a little chuckle. “Yeah, let’s go before you start something we don’t have time to finish.”
I turned toward the restaurant’s front doors, but Russ grabbed my hand.
“Not that way. Follow me,” he instructed.
“Is there another way in?” I wondered as I allowed him to usher me toward the car that had stopped nearby.
“No,” he answered before opening the back door for me. “We’re making a quick stop before dinner.”
I noticed the rideshare sticker on the windshield and I looked back at him. Narrowing my eyes suspiciously, I put a hand on my hip. “Russ, what’s going on?”
“Do you trust me?”
“As far as I can throw you.”
He laughed. “Nina, get your sexy ass in this car.”
With a wide smile and not another word, I slid into the backseat. He closed the door for me and then walked around to the other side. As soon as he got in, the car pulled off.
I turned to him. “Where are we headed?”
“When have you known me to ruin a surprise?” There was a twinkle in his eyes.
I felt the rush of excitement and a flutter in my belly that I always got before a date with Russ.
We’d met two months ago, connected instantly, and had eight memorable dates together, seeing each other one or two days a week since we’d met.
I had no doubt date number nine would be something to remember.
I was a little worried when I thought we were just going to have dinner. But as always, Russ came through.
And has further piqued my interest.
I stared out the window, looking around for clues. “So how long are you in town for?”
“Just a couple of days. I have to head to Toronto on Tuesday,” he answered. “Tonight is my only free night.”
I turned to face him. “So you only have one free night and you wanted to spend it with me?” I nodded appreciatively. “I get it.”
He let his head fall back and chuckled. “Yo, what is wrong with you?”
“Nothing! I’m just saying I get why you’d want to spend your only night off with me!” I smirked. “I’m kind of a big deal.”
“See, you play too much,” he told me, still amused. “And if you didn’t need what I got you, I wouldn’t be giving you this gift, because you’re already feeling yourself too much.”
“Feeling myself ?” I cocked my head to the side. “You’re the one spending your only day off with me.”
He patted his pockets theatrically. “Let me make sure I have my receipts to take this shit back.”
I put my hand on his shoulder. “Are you denying that I’m a big deal?”
“Driver, I’d like for you to let her out right here, please,” Russ joked, causing me and the driver to both burst out laughing.
“Well, we’re just about here,” the driver stated, turning down an unmarked paved road.
“Excuse me, sir,” I called to the driver. “Can you tell me where I am?”
The young twentysomething man definitely knew the plan, as he gave me a sly look in the rearview mirror. “I’m under strict orders to not say anything and to enter the establishment through the back entrance.”
I gasped and then pouted. “So, you’re not going to tell me?”
He shook his head. “I cannot.”
I lowered my voice to a stage whisper. “Am I being abducted? Have I been taken?”
“No!” He glanced at Russ in the mirror. “Maybe you should tell her.”
Russ tried to hide his snickering behind his hand. “Naw, she’s good.”
“Good and missing,” I teased with a straight face.
“The abduction started the moment I was supposed to eat at that Mediterranean spot but ended up at an abandoned warehouse. Wait until my dad hears the news that Russ and his accomplice”—I located the driver’s name on the front dashboard—“Matt snatched me in broad daylight.”
“What? No!” Matt yelped from the front seat. “Dude, tell your girl what’s going on!”
Russ burst out laughing. “No, it’s cool. It’s cool. She’ll find out soon enough.” He looked over at me. “And I wouldn’t call this broad daylight. It’s technically early evening.”
“Snatched me up in broad dusklight.”
“Dusklight isn’t even a thing.”
I pursed my lips. “Semantics. The sun is still out. It’s almost dusk. And I’ve been taken.” Turning my attention to the driver, I leaned forward. “Have you seen the movie Taken ? That was inspired by my dad.”
“She’s playing with you, man.” Russ chuckled. “You’re giving her an audience so she’s going to keep going.”
I tried to stop myself from smiling but I couldn’t contain it. Russ’s laugh was infectious, the situation was hilarious, and I was impressed by how well he knew me and my humor.
Even though I wanted to crack up, I held it together.
“You want to take your chances believing this kidnapper with all the secrets, or me, a certified big deal with a dad who has a particular set of skills?” I questioned.
Snickering, Matt shook his head. “I mean… he’s the one paying for the ride, and I don’t think he wants to ruin the surprise.”
“This is not funny,” I grumbled, still grinning at the two amused men. I craned my neck to see if I could make out a sign or a marquee that indicated where we were. “Let me pay attention so I can know what clues to give my father and the authorities. Where—?”
“This is for you,” Russ interrupted, pulling a bag from seemingly nowhere.
“You got me a gift for real?” My voice softened and my eyebrows flew up. “I thought you were bullshitting.” I took the bag from his hands and saw a shoebox inside. “Russ… is this why you asked me my shoe size a few weeks ago?”
“Open it.”
I pulled the box out of the bag and then flipped open the lid. “Oh, wow.”