Chapter Seven
CHAPTER SEVEN
It had taken an extra week before Natalie gave Eugene the go for their date, but fortunately he’d been plenty busy with work. Since Natalie’s ex had the kids this weekend, she’d told him she was free on Saturday. He planned a fun date for them and told her he’d pick her up around six thirty.
He showered and put on jeans and a T-shirt, his tennis shoes, and looked in the mirror, grinning. Yeah, he looked good.
He drove over to Natalie’s house, passing his new house on the way, feeling that jolt of energy at the thought of moving in there someday soon. It was going to be awesome to have a house of his own. And he sure didn’t mind that he’d be so close to Natalie.
He pulled into her driveway, and she came out the front door. He got out of the car.
“I would have come to the door, ya know,” he said.
She shrugged. “I was ready.”
“I’ll say.” He looked over at her tight dress. Her heels. Damn, she had a body, all curves and killer legs. Still…“You need to change.”
Her brows rose. “Excuse me?”
“The dress might work, but how about you change into tennis shoes?”
“Where exactly are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“In other words, we’re not going to a restaurant for dinner.”
“Nah. That’s boring. I want you to have fun. You’ll like it. Trust me.”
She let out a frustrated breath. “Fine. I’ll be right back.”
She turned and headed back to the house. In five minutes, she was back out again, this time wearing light-colored capris and an off-the-shoulder blue top. And tennis shoes.
And still sexy as hell.
“I hope this outfit meets with your approval.”
“The one you had on before was good, too. Next time I’ll take you out to a fancy dinner so you can wear that tight dress.”
She rolled her eyes. “What makes you think there’ll be a next time?”
He laughed and opened the car door for her. “I’m overly confident.” He got in on his side, put on his seatbelt, and they were off.
“How’s your weekend going so far?” he asked as he pulled onto the freeway.
“Fine. If you like paying bills and doing laundry.”
“Two of my favorite things.” He gave her a lopsided grin.
“Really. Next time you come do mine.”
“They’re necessary evils, unfortunately. But at least you got them done, right? Now you have tonight and tomorrow free.”
“I have tonight free. Tomorrow I grocery shop.”
“Oh. Even more fun.”
“Yes. My life is so glamorous.”
He changed lanes, then gave her a quick glance. “You’re doing the same things millions of us do on the weekends, Natalie.”
“I know. It’s just…I don’t know. I’m in a mood, I guess.”
“You’re entitled. You have a lot to do, plus the kids.”
“Mmm.”
He could tell she wasn’t happy. Maybe he should have altered his plans and taken her to a nice restaurant. Then again, maybe what he’d planned would be exactly what she needed.
Guess he’d find out soon enough.
When they got to the bar, he walked with her to the entrance, the raucous music blaring before they even got inside.
He opened the door and grinned. This was going to be fun.
“Well,” she said as they made their way around the place. “This is interesting.”
“I thought so. I hope you like it. We can sit at the bar and watch. Or play pool. Or bowl. Maybe go to the arcade. Even axe throwing.”
She stopped and turned to face him, arching a brow. “Axe throwing?”
“I think you’d be amazed at how it helps get all your aggressions out.”
“I’ll definitely give that one some thought.”
“And if this isn’t at all something you’re interested in, we’ll go somewhere quiet, have dinner, and just talk.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m sure it’ll be great. Like an adventure. So fun.”
His lips curved. “You trying to convince me? Or yourself?”
“More myself. I’m sure you’re very acclimated to this type of thing.”
“First time here, actually. It looks awesome. You can order food from any area. Drinks, too. And speaking of drinks, what would you like?”
“Vodka soda for me.”
“Okay.” He led them over to a somewhat quiet zone where they could watch some people play pool. They grabbed a table and she sat. “I’ll go get us drinks, and I’ll be right back.”
“Sure.”
· · ·
This wasn’t at all what Hazel expected. Though, to be honest, she should have known to expect the unexpected when she was with Eugene. The bar seemed fun, though she would have preferred a nice, quiet restaurant where they could talk and get to know each other better. But she was determined to have a good time tonight anyway.
She watched Eugene as he leaned against the bar, waiting on their drinks, and had to admit it wasn’t a hardship to just stare at him. Dark jeans, button-down shirt, white tennis shoes, and all the dark hair and sexiness that seemed to naturally exude from him. He brought the drinks over and set them on the table, smiling down at her.
Flutters. That smile gave her flutters, along with the intensity of his blue eyes. She could get lost in them.
If she was into that kind of thing, which she absolutely was not.
“Thanks,” she said, picking up the drink to take a long swallow. Its tangy warmth coated her throat.
Eugene took a seat next to her at the bar. He didn’t seem to feel like he needed to engage her in constant conversation, which she appreciated. They watched the various activities going on around them, occasionally commenting to each other about a failed pool shot or ping pong. She had to admit that in this atmosphere it eliminated any sense of awkwardness or attempts at making polite conversation.
Not that Eugene ever had issues coming up with things to say.
“So, what feels good to you?” he asked.
She shifted to look at him. “Excuse me?”
“Games, Natalie. Feel like playing?”
Again she momentarily lost herself just staring at his face. Angles and planes and spectacular eyes. His hair had fallen across his forehead, and she itched to tangle her fingers in all that dark softness.
She resisted. Instead, she shrugged and said, “I don’t know. It’s been a long time since I’ve played…anything.”
He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “You never forget how to play. You just have to get in there and do it.”
His voice, low and seductive, made chill bumps pop down her arms while simultaneously heating her body from the inside out. She needed to shake off those sensations. She slid off the barstool and said, “Let’s go toss some axes.”
“Great. Grab your drink.”
She did, and they wandered over to the axe throwing area, signing up for their time, which was an hour’s wait.
“We should go get something to eat first,” Eugene suggested.
“Sounds good to me.”
They found a table and grabbed menus. Natalie liked that they had a varied menu, not just typical bar fare.
“What looks good to you?” Eugene asked.
“Not sure. Maybe a salad. Or flatbread. Though I’m interested in the fish, too.”
“I like that you’re keeping your options open. Me, too. I’m thinking a burger or a steak. Or, like you, the catch of the day depending on what it is.”
When their server arrived he told them the catch of the day was halibut. Natalie ordered that since it would be accompanied by vegetables and wouldn’t be overly filling.
Eugene ordered steak, which was great because he might share a bite with her. Then again, some people didn’t like sharing. She supposed she’d find out.
“Ever tried axe throwing?” he asked.
“Can’t say that’s something I’ve ever tried.”
He leaned back in the chair. “How about sports in high school or college?”
“Swimming and golf.”
He nodded. “Both require a lot of skill and endurance.”
She appreciated the compliment. “Thanks. How about you?”
“Baseball and soccer.”
“I could see that about you. You have the body.”
“Ohh,” he said, grinning. “You’ve been checking out my body, huh?”
She rolled her eyes. “No.”
“It’s okay. I’ve definitely checked yours out. Would you like me to cite my favorite parts?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Fine. I’ll save it until after I’ve gotten you naked.”
A flush of heat surrounded her. “That’s presumptuous.”
“Nah. Confident. We have chemistry, Natalie. It’s only a matter of time until we get naked.”
She leveled her gaze at him. “It’s just dinner tonight, Eugene.”
He gave her an enigmatic smile. “Just dinner. Tonight.”
The way he looked at her was like…wow. No man had ever looked at her like he wanted to devour every inch of her. Eugene did. The thought of having sex with Eugene simultaneously turned her on and scared her to death. She could already imagine…
Well, it was probably best not to because it wasn’t going to happen.
Not tonight, anyway.
No. Don’t think that way. They weren’t compatible in any way whatsoever. Why was she even contemplating the possibility?
Their food arrived, and Natalie was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she could barely stomach more than a few bites.
Eugene frowned. “Is the food bad?”
“No, it’s excellent, really. Would you like a taste?”
“I’d love a taste.” He leaned forward, and she scooped her fish onto her fork, sliding some between his lips. “Mmm. It’s really good. Would you like a bite of my steak?”
Watching him take a bite of her food was a sensual experience she hadn’t expected. “Sure.”
He sliced a bite-size piece of steak, then held his fork to her lips. She couldn’t help but make eye contact with him when he slid the fork between her lips, all her nerve endings focused on his eyes, the way they darkened as he slid the food into her mouth.
She barely tasted the steak, which she presumed was good. All she could think about was his mouth. Her mouth. Tongues. Kissing. Holy crap.
“Good?” he asked, his voice deep. Husky. Sexy as all hell.
She cleared her throat and nodded, needing a sip of her cocktail before she could answer. “Yes. Very good.”
She managed to eat half her halibut and vegetables, fully concentrating on her plate of food instead of looking at Eugene. Satisfied she’d eaten enough, she polished off her drink, then smiled up at Eugene.
“That was so good.”
“You’re finished?”
She nodded. “I had a big lunch.”
His phone buzzed and he picked it up. “We’re due up at axe throwing.”
She wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin. “Perfect timing. Let’s go kill it.”
He paid the bill and led her around the corner and down the hall into the axe throwing room. They signed waivers, were given safety instructions, and then they headed to their assigned lane.
Natalie studied how far she’d have to throw that axe. Daunting. But she’d give it a try.
“I’ll go first, if that’s okay with you,” Eugene said.
“Yes. Definitely.”
She watched as he picked up the axe, the way he positioned it, the way he launched it toward the target. He hit just inside the bullseye.
“Wow,” she said. “You’re very good.”
He leaned his body into hers. “Yeah, I am.”
She laughed. “My turn.”
She picked up the axe, felt its weight in her hands. Heavier than she thought it would be. She lifted her arm up, back, then threw, hoping she wouldn’t end up throwing it against the side wall. Or, even worse, fling it to the floor.
It stuck. To the target. Bottom edge of the target, but she was on the target.
“Hell yeah!” Eugene yelled.
Natalie couldn’t resist a small squeal of delight. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”
Since they had an hour in the booth, they took turns flinging the axe until her arm hurt. But she was determined to hit the center of the target. Eugene hit the center mark multiple times. She got close, skirting the edge of center twice. For her, a triumph.
They headed to the bar when they were finished. They leaned back to sip their drinks and watch the action in the other areas.
“That was exhausting,” she said. “And exhilarating.”
“You did good.” Eugene laid his hand on her leg. “A couple more rounds and you’ll hit center target.”
She laughed. “I’ll be lucky if I can move my arm tomorrow. But I have to admit, it was so much fun.”
“Well, we’ll give your arm a rest. How about go-karts?”
She leaned forward. “As soon as I finish this drink, prepare to lose the race.”
He grinned. They ended up having another drink before spending the next hour racing each other—and several other people. Natalie couldn’t remember ever laughing so much or feeling so free as she pressed hard on the gas pedal and drove so fast everything around her was a blur. She felt out of control, which so wasn’t like her. Maybe that’s what she liked so much about it.
They finished up and walked off the course. Being on solid ground again made her dizzy. Eugene slid his arm around her waist, tugging her body against his.
“You okay?”
“I’m awesome. That was so fun. What’s next?”
“How about a breather?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Maybe another drink?”
She knew, on some slightly foggy level, that the few cocktails she’d had were probably more than enough. But she was having way too much fun to stop.
“I think I’ve had enough alcohol,” Eugene said. “I’m thinking soda or water? Or maybe we go somewhere else for coffee and dessert? Take it down a notch and have some quiet time to just talk? What do you think?”
She sighed, a little dismayed that he’d ruin her happy high like that. Then again, she did like dessert. “Coffee and dessert sounds good.”
When they got to the car, Eugene flipped through his phone, then they drove off. He drove them a few miles down the road to a restaurant that was apparently still open.
“They’re supposed to have awesome desserts here.” He looked over at her.
She shrugged. “Never ate here.”
“Then it’ll be a new experience for both of us. Come on.”
He opened her car door, and wow, she was really wobbly as she got out. But Eugene was right there, arm around her as they went inside. She had to admit, she didn’t mind the body-to-body contact at all.
Inside was dark, with low music playing. There was hardly anyone inside, but the hostess smiled.
“We’re closing in forty minutes,” she said.
“That’s fine,” Eugene said. “We’re just here for a coffee and dessert.”
The hostess grabbed a couple of menus. “Right this way.”
They were seated at a table near the window. “Your server will be right with you.”
Natalie opened the dessert menu. Oh, yum. There were several items she’d be very happy with.
“What are you thinking about?” Eugene asked.
“Cheesecake. Or maybe the tiramisu. You?”
“I’m thinking the molten chocolate cake. I’ve got a thing for chocolate.”
“You order that and I’ll have a bite, and I’ll share mine with you.”
“Sounds like a deal.”
She ended up ordering the tiramisu, along with a decaf coffee. Their server brought their coffees, and she added creamer, then took a sip, sighing at the supreme pleasure of a late-night coffee. Normally she was water only after six p.m. because she had trouble sleeping. Tonight, for some reason, she just didn’t seem to care.
Their desserts arrived and hers looked delicious. So did Eugene’s chocolate cake. She took a forkful of the tiramisu, moaning at the slightly sweet, fluffy texture.
“Good?” Eugene asked.
“So good. Here, taste.” She scooped some onto her fork and fed it to him, watching intently as his lips surrounded the fork. His tongue flicked over his lips, and she wanted to moan again, but held in the impulse. Barely.
“It’s really good. So’s this. Here.” He gave her a taste of his chocolate cake, and it was deliciously decadent.
“Wow. I want to rub that all over me and—” Realizing what she was about to say, she averted her gaze and focused on her dessert.
“At some point I’ll have you finish that sentence.”
When she looked up, he had a decidedly heated smile on his face.
It had to be the alcohol that was making her say these things. Feel all these delicious sensations. And Eugene hadn’t even kissed her. Had barely touched her.
How could you have foreplay without touching?
How could dessert be so sensual? Tasting each other’s food, playfully feeding each other, enjoying the textures and flavors and laughing so easily, while knowing something intensely sexual simmered just under the surface.
Once they finished, Eugene drove them back to Natalie’s house. The entire way home she wondered how she’d react when he put his mouth on hers. It was all she could think about, really.
He pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine. She rubbed her sweaty hands against her thighs and blew out a breath as he opened her car door and reached for her.
“I hope you had fun tonight,” he said as he walked with her to her front door.
She smiled up at him. “I did. Did you?”
His smile was filled with promise. “Yeah. I really did.”
She pulled her keys out of her bag and unlocked the door, then turned to face him.
This was it. This was where the kissing would start. And after that…
He picked up her hand, pressed a kiss to the top of it. “Goodnight, Natalie.”
Wait. What? No make-out session on the porch? No pushing her inside to get hot and heavy? A kiss on the hand? That was it?
He walked away and got into his car. Mortified, she went inside, shut and locked the door, leaning against it, utterly confused.
What the hell had just happened? Or, rather, what the hell had just not happened?