Chapter 43
FORTY-THREE
Kendall
Since I couldn’t clear my entire Saturday schedule, I quickly finish my last client of the day.
She loves it, steps out of my chair, and whispers, “You didn’t mention he was eye candy.
” Dane leans against the reception desk, waiting for me to finish my workday.
I wasn’t working today, but I had a couple of clients who couldn’t reschedule, so I came in for them.
“Nancy, stop it!” I shake my head at my older client, who likes to tease me about my love life. She’s happily married and tells me all the ways her husband spoils her.
“Have a wonderful date, Kendall.” She swings her hair and walks over to Sally. Dane pushes himself off the desk and strolls over to me.
Nancy and Sally start whispering, and I glance at Dane, who's halfway to me. I blow him a quick kiss.
He strolls over in a few strides; he's close, and my body heats up. The closer he is to me, the more my body fires up. His scent of coconuts and palm trees—I love it, I love him, and heat pools in my center while butterflies flutter in my belly.
“Can you escape without cleaning up today?”
“I can ask Sally to clean up and close for me.” I give him a smirk.
“I have a full night planned, sweetheart.” He encircles my waist, tugging me to him, and kissing me under my ear. A shiver runs down my spine; my entire body quakes.
Interrupted by Sally, who was obviously eavesdropping on our conversation. “You kids head out. I’ll close up.”
I dramatically wave to Sally and say, “Thank you! I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
“I like her,” he whispers in my ear.
“Yeah, you do because she’s giving you what you want.”
I shrug confidently. “Can you blame me?”
“I guess not.” I lean into his body. “What time do I need to be ready?”
“We have reservations…” He looks at his watch and says, “In about an hour. Does that work for you? You always look gorgeous, so there’s not much to improve.
” He winks at me. “Well, unless you want to be naked with me first…” I swat at him, but he continues.
“You could walk out of here, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the world. ”
“More brownie points for you…Okay, I’ll head home. Are you following me?” I wait for an answer as I open my car door.
“I have to make a stop first, and then I’ll come pick you up.” He looks at me with love in his eyes and anticipates what's to come.
Eyeing him with curiosity, I say, “That’s interesting. No other details?”
“You’ll know soon enough. I thought you liked surprises.” He eyes me with suspicion. “I’ll see you in twenty minutes.”
As we pull up to the restaurant, On the Waterfront, I glance over at him. “I love this place.”
I’m excited to eat here, practically jumping out of the car before it stops. Their food is to die for, and the atmosphere is laid-back and fun.
“Yes, and tonight is about making new memories for us.” He holds my hand and squeezes it. Leaning over the center console, he cups my face and kisses me.
He exits the car as the valet opens my door, and I scoot myself out of the car. By the time I’m on my feet, Dane is right next to me with his hand on my lower back, and we’re walking to the door. Heat singes my back from his fingers gently caressing my exposed back.
The hostess asks if we have reservations; we do. She takes us to a corner table overlooking the water. It actually looks like a private spot, with no other tables around. Well, not as close as they usually are. I wonder if he requested this spot.
“Did you pay extra for this privacy?” I tease him.
He slides the chair out and points to the seat. “Have a seat, sweetheart. We’ll have plenty of time to talk tonight.”
“I’m looking forward to tonight with you.”
“Me too. I’ve planned this to be one of the best nights of your life so far. Between a couple of weeks ago and tonight, I’ll have to one-up myself,” he chuckles.
I slap his shoulder. He’s sitting close to me, and I can feel his knee nudge mine. It’s already a fantastic night with him.
The night goes smoothly with drinks and seafood that's mouthwateringly amazing. This restaurant never disappoints. I don’t even pay attention to the scenic view, since I have Dane to look at.
He updates me on what’s going on at the office.
It’s a little bit too corporate for me, but he lights up when he talks about it.
As much as he grumbles, his whole body shows the passion he has for his work.
Watching him, he’s animated when he tells stories.
It’s captivating; no wonder he is a top defensive attorney.
“What is the one thing about being a defense attorney that you love most?”
“Being in the courtroom, giving my closing argument. It’s storytelling at its finest. Strategic.”
“Okay, I was close.”
“Tell me what you thought it was.”
“I thought it was being in the courtroom, cross-examining witnesses.”
“Yeah, I like that too.”
Dessert comes out because he insists we need it. I’m stuffed, but how can you say no to crème br?lée? When it’s laid in front of me, I’m grateful it’s smaller than I thought it would be. I take my time eating it. Every bite is pure heaven.
I must have been moaning in pleasure as I ate because Dane leans over and grabs my thigh. “Do you see what you’re doing to me with all that moaning?”
Giggling as I eye his crotch, he won’t be able to hide that with his napkin. “Oh—sorry, not sorry.”
“I bet,” he says as he tries to discreetly adjust himself.
We both put our napkins on the table at the same time. “Is that a sign you’re ready for your next surprise?”
“Yes, yes, I am.” I stand up quickly, energy zinging through my body. He smiles widely and moves quickly, which makes me think this is a big surprise.
I can’t wait.