Chapter 5 #2
She licked her lips and nodded. The first time she met Damien, she could tell he was different, but now… She couldn’t wait to learn all the little things about him that made him who he was.
“I should get to work. Is there anything you really don’t like? Any foods that are a hard no for you?”
Harmony shook her head. “Nope. I like all kinds of things, and if I’ve never tried it, I’m open to anything new.”
Damien smiled. “My kind of woman.”
Harmony chuckled.
Damien stood. “Okay. I’ll see where I can get a reservation and text you. How late do you work?”
“I can be done by five.”
“So, six?”
Harmony laughed. “Probably a good idea.”
Damien reached for her hand again and brought it to his lips. “I’m looking forward to it, Harmony.”
“So am I.”
Damien squeezed her hand, then released it and picked up his trash. He set his mug and plate on the counter and said something to the barista that made her laugh and slide a look toward Harmony. Damien turned back and waved to her before he made his way to the door and out onto the sidewalk.
Harmony was in so much trouble. He was definitely the kind of man she could lose her mind over. The kind of man who could make her forget all the things she’d ever wanted.
If she let him.
Harmony pulled into the parking lot for Demeter at six-oh-four. She said she could leave work at five, but of course, that didn’t happen. And she was late for her first date with a man who made her want to arrive early and stay late.
Hopefully he’d give her a second chance.
Harmony raced to the door, realizing as she opened the first one that she’d not only not had time to change, but she hadn’t applied any lipgloss or other makeup, and what she had on that morning was likely long gone.
She sucked at dating.
The second door opened for her from the inside, and Damien smiled at her. “Hi.”
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Harmony said. “I tried to leave on time. I really did. But—”
“It’s okay. I promise. I understand. I’m assuming the work you do is important, and even more significant, it’s important to you.”
“It… yeah.”
“Then it only makes sense it would keep you focused. I can handle waiting for you.”
She paused, feeling a rush of desire for him. It wasn’t fair that he was so attractive, intelligent, and kind. He was the whole package.
And he wanted her.
“Are you ready to be seated?”
Harmony nodded.
He walked to the hostess station with her and gave his name. The hostess looked at the chart on the podium and told the woman next to her where to lead them.
Damien let Harmony walk ahead of him as they wove through the maze of tables. When the hostess reached the table, Damien stepped behind a chair and pulled it out for Harmony.
She sat, looking up at him with thanks. His hand trailed across her back, sending shivers through her entire body.
Damien took the seat next to her instead of across from her at the table for four.
The hostess handed them menus and cleared the other two place settings, leaving them to the menus while they waited for their server.
“Have you ever been here?” Damien asked.
Harmony shook her head. The Greek restaurant was one she’d heard great things about, but she’d never been. “I’ve wanted to, though.”
“A friend introduced me to Greek food, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
“Is that code for an old girlfriend?” Harmony asked before she could stop herself.
Damien laughed. “No, actually. But if you want to know about my past relationships, I’m happy to tell you.”
Harmony shook her head. “No. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Harmony, you can say anything to me.”
“Can I? I mean, we really don’t know each other.”
“Then let’s change that. Where are you from?”
The server came over before she could answer. Damien asked if she wanted wine with their meal and ordered a bottle when she agreed. They both asked for water, and the server said he’d be back.
“I’m from here,” Harmony said. “Born and raised in Niagara Falls.”
“Family?”
Harmony shook her head. “I don’t remember my mom. I was only two when she died. My dad died when I was in undergrad.”
“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry. Can I ask…?”
“She was in an accident. My dad always talked about how amazing she was. He loved her every day of his life. He got sick when I was in school, but he didn’t want to take money from my education or risk me quitting school to take care of him, so he waited until it was too late to do anything.
From the time he went to the doctor until he died was about four months. ”
“Wow. I can’t even imagine.”
“It was a while ago, but yeah. I miss him every day. And the memory of her. He talked about her so much I felt like I knew her even though I don’t remember her.”
“That’s the kind of love that changes the world,” Damien said.
Harmony breathed a laugh. “It definitely changed mine.”
Damien held her gaze, desire swirling in the depths of his brown eyes.
Harmony wanted to let herself get lost in his eyes. Get lost in him. She’d never been that person, the type to lose focus on what mattered, so she cleared her throat and tore her gaze from his. She took a sip of her water. “What about you? Where are you from?”
“New Jersey,” he answered without hesitation. “My parents and older sister are still there. She’s six years older than me and a single mom to the best nephews on the planet.”
“You’re close to your family?”
“As close as I can be when I’m so far away. I talk to them regularly and visit a few times a year.”
“What brought you up here?”
Damien chuckled and leaned back in his seat. “A girl.”
“Oh, really?”
He grinned. “Not a friend, definitely a girlfriend.”
“The truth comes out,” Harmony teased him.
Damien laughed, his skin crinkling next to his eyes.
His smile stretched wide, showing off white teeth with one slightly crooked one on the right side.
He reached for his water and took a sip.
“After college, I joined the Marines. I was in for eight years, then opted for reserve duty for five years. I was trying to decide what to do next when I met Morgan.”
“And the rest is history?” Harmony asked, trying not to feel jealous. She was failing.
“Well, since I’m sitting here with you, clearly not.” Damien reached for her hand and wove his fingers through hers.
Harmony grinned. She’d never had a man pay so much attention to her. It was fun and refreshing. And a little unnerving.
The server brought their food, and they dove into dinner. They talked about their work and what they liked to do in their downtime, and before Harmony knew it, her plate was empty and so was her glass of wine.
“Excuse me for a minute,” she said, needing to gather herself. It didn’t feel like a first date. It felt like she’d known Damien for a long time. Like they were old friends who realized there was more between them.
Harmony pushed into the bathroom and went to a stall. She heard someone come in and finished using the bathroom. When she walked out, the woman in the stall two down opened her door. She moved to the sink next to Harmony.
Harmony flashed the woman a smile and checked her reflection. Her cheeks were red, her eyes bright and happy. She was enjoying herself.
“You should be careful about who you spend time with,” the woman next to her said.
“Excuse me?”
The woman turned and faced Harmony. “The man you’re flirting with isn’t who he says he is.”
“How… What…”
The woman reached across Harmony for a paper towel.
“Did he show up in your life all of a sudden? You’ve never seen him before, but then he’s there.
You keep running into each other. Maybe he flirts a little, makes you feel special.
He asked you out, told you he wanted to get to know you better, and asked questions about your past. He’s trying to find your weaknesses. People he can use against you.”
“He wouldn’t…”
The woman snickered. “He would. And he has. I’d watch your back, Harmony.” She threw away her paper towel and walked out of the bathroom.
Leaving Harmony to stare after her and wonder what the hell she’d gotten herself into.