Chapter 25
Hunter
M y palms are sweaty and my heart’s beating so fast I can feel my pulse in my ears.
I’m nervous.
I don’t get nervous.
I haven’t been on a date in so long that I can’t remember how to act. Yes, I’ve taken women out to dinner, but it was always just the polite thing to do before what would follow. Then I would probably never see them again. But with Jade I want this to be perfect. I want to impress her. I want her to want that second date; not because of my status and money, but because she actually likes me. It’s been torture to be so close to her in the office. I’ve become someone I never thought I would.
Besotted.
“Another scotch, sir?” The server's voice brings my attention back to the room.
“Please,” I reply, not shifting my gaze from the door. As the server walks away the door opens and the breath is knocked right out of me.
Her long hair, which she normally has pinned up at work, is now in flowing curls, framing her perfect, petite face. The dress she’s wearing is a deep green, reminding me of that first night. It dips low to show me the right amount of cleavage without being indecent, and her sandals make her legs even more defined.
She glances around the restaurant, and when she catches me looking she looks down, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. I’ve noticed she does this when she’s nervous. Meeting her halfway I take her hand and drop a kiss to her cheek, before I interlock our fingers and guide her to our table.
I booked a table at this rooftop restaurant knowing the food here is sensational. It’s one of the most sought-after spots in the City. Like I said, I'm trying to impress her.
After the server tells us all about specials and takes our order, her attention is finally on me.
“This is all a bit fancy, I’ll admit I’ve never been anywhere quite like this so you will have to let me know if I’m making a fool of myself.” She lets out a nervous giggle.
“I’m trying to impress you, Tink. Our first meeting wasn’t exactly the best first date. Consider this a do over.”
“Don’t get me wrong, this place is gorgeous and this menu is to die for, but I’m glad I brought my credit card. I’m more of a simple creature.” Her words knock me slightly. For as long as I can remember, women always expected me to pay.
“You won’t be paying for anything. And what do you mean you’re a simple creature? Where would you go if you were planning a date?”
“Some food, a beer, a walk around the lock and I’m good.”
“The lock?”
“Camden. It's my happy place. I love the way everyone can just be themselves. All the market stalls and the street food. Oh God, the food.” She makes a breathy moan, and I inwardly groan.
“I’ve never been.”
“Well, that settles it for our next date. I'm planning it.”
“Next date?” My heart flips because she wants a second date.
“Crap, that’s a bit forward.” I can’t help but love the way her whole face starts to blush.
“I’d love that and it’s definitely not forward. If anything...” I take her delicate hand in mine. “I think we’re due more than a second date. We have months to make up for.”
“I can’t believe you’ve never been. You’ve at least been to see a show on the West End, right?”
I shake my head.
“Shopped on Oxford Street?”
Still shaking my head.
“Walked through Hyde Park, and had a picnic?”
Shake.
“The London Eye? Buckingham Palace? The Tower of London? Big Ben? Platform 9 ??” She sounds more and more shocked with every shake of my head, her voice rising with every landmark she lists off.
I laugh at that last one still shaking my head.
“So what did you do when you visited?”
“I was mainly in the office. I had meals out with my parents when they brought me out here on business. The only time I’ve even been out in London at night was Halloween. And I really didn’t want to go. I was working on the plans for the London office and didn’t think I should be out as I was still trying to prove to my dad that I could run the place, but I’m so glad I was forced out and made to wear that ridiculous costume.”
“It was pretty ridiculous.” She giggles, then looks up from underneath her lashes and bites her lip slightly, sending my pulse flying. “Well, ridiculous outfits aside, I’m going to make it my mission for you to see London. You live here now you have to experience it all.”
After our meal we move to the bar area where we sit on the same side of a booth looking out across the London skyline, our thighs touching and our heads close together as we continue to get to know each other. Her phone chimes, interrupting us. “Sorry I need to get that. I’ll take it outside.”
“No, it’s fine. Take it here.”
She smiles, answering the call. “Hi, Henry, everything okay?” Henry? Who the hell is Henry? My fingers flex on my thigh as she continues, “Of course. I’ll pick them up tomorrow and drop them round. I’m just out at the moment for dinner. I'll give you a call in the morning. Is that okay?” She listens to his response. “Okay, thank you. Love you too. Speak later.”
Love you? What. The. Fuck.
I grind my teeth as she hangs up and turns to look at me her forehead crinkles in confusion. “You okay?”
“You just told another man you love them whilst on a date with me. Not sure I made myself clear. I don’t share, Tink,” I bite out, as my whole body tenses.
“Oh God, sorry, that does sound bad.” She blushes. “Henry’s my mum's partner. He was just checking that I’m still okay to bring something tomorrow when I come for dinner.”
Relief floods through me, and my shoulders droop as I let out a relieved breath.
“I go every week, sometimes more. My mum’s the most important person in my life.” Looking off at the skyline she seems a little lost in her head so I cup her cheek to bring her back to me. She swallows before continuing. “She’s my hero. She’s such an inspiration. And Henry may not be my real dad but he worships the ground she walks on, and for that, I’m so grateful.”
“She sounds like a wonderful person, Henry too.”
“They really are.” She glances at her watch and clears her throat. “I think I should be heading home now though. It’s getting late..” She picks her phone back up her fingers are trembling slightly. She still isn’t ready to take this further and it hits me hard when she leaves and all I want is to have her with me.
“Jade, put your phone away. My driver will take you home.”
“Are you sure?”
“I want to make sure you get home safely so yes, I’m sure.”
“Tonight has been perfect, thank you.”
I place my jacket over her delicate shoulders, as we leave the restaurant. She turns to look up at me and I can’t help but lean down and kiss her forehead. “Can’t have you getting sick.” I curl my arm around her tucking her into my side as we walk outside.
As we wait I hold her against me I feel her sag into my hold, and she hooks her arm around my waist brushing her palm over my abs. She slips the tip of her fingers into the pocket of my pants as she rests her head against my chest. I’m certain she can feel my thundering heart against her cheek as she nuzzles into me. After a few moments of standing in absolute bliss, she raises her relaxed gaze to mine and I don’t think I just act. I brush my lips with hers lazily as I cradle her face stroking my thumb across her cheek and resist the urge to deepen the kiss as I let her set the pace. Her tongue teases mine as a moan slips from her lips.
“Fuck, Tink.” I breathe against her lips, every nerve ending in my body has come alive. The lust-drunk look she gives me has me almost losing all my control. “I’m trying to take this slow.” My voice is gruff as I fail to step away from her.
Seeing my driver pulling up to the curb out of the corner of my eye my heart drops. She follows my line of vision, her shoulders sagging as she takes a tentative step back.
“I guess that’s my cue to leave.”
She starts to give my jacket back, but I tuck it around her. “Keep it.” She nods before wrapping her arms around her middle. “I want to do everything right with you and I fear if I get in there with you, I will lose all my self-control.” I rasp as I open the door for her placing one final kiss to her cheek lingering a little while to breathe in her scent before I force myself to move as she slides inside. “Good night, Tink.”
I put my hands in my pants pockets as I watch her drive away. Feeling something inside I pull out a napkin, noticing the writing in the same color lipstick that Jade was wearing.