“If you don’t want to go out with me, you can say so.”
“I want to. I just think it’s a bad idea. Like cigarettes or those Hostess cupcakes with, like, sugary Crisco in the middle.”
“I guess that was supposed to be insulting to me, but I’m looking at it like you just compared me to some guilty pleasures. Since I know where your apartment is, I’ll pick you up at eight.”
Britt nodded, unable to believe that she’d just agreed to go out with him. Head in her hands, she wondered exactly how many seconds of his charm it would take before she was falling back into bed with him. It was like the minute Kevin told her that he was seeing someone else, she’d lost all self-control. Her disciplined demeanor had been drowned in lime and tequila and she was done for.
The only thing she had that was remotely sexy enough as the disaster dress, the one she’d worn for the anniversary dinner. Since it was probably cursed and he’d already seen her both in it and out of it, Britt decided on her tribal print tunic, a gorgeous Trina Turk she’d bought on sale. It had a stretchy band at the bottom that landed somewhere between mid-thigh and upper thigh. She decided with the right shoes it would pass for a mini dress. Long gold earrings, up-swept hair and high, high heels made the turquoise bohemian pattern ready for cocktails. She texted a selfie to Marj, who replied, “Hot damn, girl.” Britt took that as a good sign and put some more self-tanner on her legs. She wanted a golden glow and she had a suspicion that the right amount of tan could disguise that little bit of cellulite she couldn’t quite ignore.
Chapter 15
When she heard the knock at her door, Britt hurriedly scrubbed the tanner off her hands and grabbed the little-beaded purse that held her phone, credit card, and a condom. The sight of Jack in her doorway sent her heart slamming against her ribs. She smiled.
“Ready to go?” he asked. She nodded.
“You look gorgeous. You do, but...”
“What?”
“Did you forget to put on pants or a skirt?” he laughed.
“No, this is it.”
“How am I supposed to act like a gentleman with you dressed like that?”
“I’m completely covered. Look, there are even sleeves!” she teased.
“And about six miles of bare legs,” he breathed out. “I may need to lie down.”
“Fine. You do that. I’m going to eat. I’m starving.”
“Okay, I’ll try to pull myself together but really, you make things difficult for a man.”
“That’s my plan,” she sang out as she grabbed her keys.
She felt looser, more relaxed already. It made her wonder if it had been him, the ease and excitement of being with Jack, instead of the margaritas that led her astray the first night. His hand was warm on the small of her back as he guided her to the car. She slid into the passenger seat, enveloped in soft leather upholstery. She leaned forward and started punching buttons curiously until she found the heated seat control.
“Mmm,” she said.
“Yeah, you must be freezing in that dress.”
“So what will you do with me if I’m cold?” she asked, shocked that she’d said it, and a little amused.
“I’m sure I can think of something to warm you up,” he said smoothly.
In no time, they pulled into an underground parking structure, and Jack scanned a security fob to access the elevator. U
p they went, and she was giddy with excitement.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“To dinner, like I said. No lobster, I promise.”
“Am I overdressed? Is this like a secret McDonald’s or something?”
“No, although as far as overdressed goes, you’re barely overdressed for a swimming pool in that little number. Did I mention that your legs are driving me crazy?”
The doors slid open, and they stepped out onto sandblasted floors, a posh décor of pale wood and soft blue tones giving a seaside vibe. The tables were draped in a softly shimmering aqua silk and accented with white shells and driftwood, a cluster of low white candles in the center of each. The walls were entirely of glass to showcase the waterfront view.