“Babe, the things you do to me defy description.” He nuzzled his lips into the side of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin and taking in the slight tremors of arousal that shook her as his tongue slid down her neck.
“You don’t need words. You’re showing me just fine. It’s just that-”
“What?”
“I’m all sweaty,” she said, glancing down self-consciously.
“Doesn’t bother me.” He slid the straps of her tank top off one shoulder and planted slow kisses over her skin.
Just then, her stomach growled, reminding him they hadn’t eaten since an early lunch hours before. And though he could live on another kind of food, she obviously needed the real thing.
“I guess I’m hungry.” Her cheeks flushed pink.
“Then what do you say we go out for dinner?” he asked. The plan he’d been hoping to put in place this weekend suddenly made sense for tonight.
“The pizza place in town?” she asked hopefully. “Because nothing against The Diner’s food, but I can’t eat from there one more night.”
“Amen.” His arms encircled her waist. “I was thinking more along the lines of somewhere nice. Away from here. Boston maybe?”
The idea had come to him earlier while he’d watched her take out her clothes to dress. He’d realized he’d only seen her wearing old jeans, tanks and T-shirts to clean the house, while inside the closet he could see at least a couple of dresses, shoes with heels and other female accessories.
The urge to see her dressed up for him took hold along with the desire to take her somewhere she wouldn’t easily forget.
“Really?” Her eyes lit up at the idea. “Like I can shower, change and we can go to a real restaurant?” The excitement in her voice, the flush in her cheeks told him he’d been on target.
“Exactly like that. A real date,” he said, wanting his meaning clear. “I ask, you say yes, I pay.”
“Pay.” She pursed her lips and grew silent as she weighed her options.
His paying was the obvious sticking point. She was independent but not stupid, which was why she’d allowed him to do as much free work on the house as her pride would allow, but she’d drawn the line at accepting a loan.
On dinner, he wasn’t budging. His ego wouldn’t allow it. “Well?”
She blew out a long-suffering breath. “As long as when I’m rich and famous, I can repay all this kindness.”
He nodded. “You got yourself a deal,” he said, placated by the fact that she’d confirmed his hunch about why she was hesitant.
It wasn’t just dinner. It was dinner added to everything else. That much he understood.
They still stood close, their bodies aligned, his dick pulsing against his jeans. If they didn’t break this up soon, they’d never make it to dinner.
“How did you know I needed the break?” she asked, head tilted, ponytail brushing her shoulders.
He kissed her lips. “Because I needed one just as badly. What made you say yes?” he asked, curious.
She treated him to a sheepish grin. “I want a decent meal and to get out of this house too badly. Not to mention I’d love a chance to wear my good clothing.”
“Then go shower and change.” He gave her a quick hug and stepped back. “I’ll go home, shower and pick you up around seven.”
She visibly bit the inside of her cheek. “The mice?”
“Play loud music in the bathroom. They’ll leave you alone. I don’t have a decent change of clothes here.” He’d only brought some jeans and grungy shirts. “Besides, if I stay, I’ll shower with you, and if I do that we’re never leaving.” He brushed her hair off her shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Just concentrate on knocking my socks off and don’t let your mind wander to them.” He deliberately didn’t use the word rat, mouse or rodent.
“I guess I can do that.”
“Good. I’ll call Amber for restaurant suggestions.” As a concierge at one of the swankiest Boston hotels, she could work miracles in the reservation department. Or so he’d heard.
“Dress up for me,” he said, and headed home for a cold shower in order to make it through dinner before being able to come back here and satisfy his ever-growing desire for this woman.