Turn Over

My eyes hadn’t moved past her legs and the heels. “You better watch out.”

“Why is that?”

“Because someone is going to snatch you up tonight.”

I liked how she blushed so easily when I flirted with her. It made her seem more innocent than I knew she was. There was nothing innocent about that girl.

“We better get going. I have a car waiting for us.” I turned for the door.

“But can’t we walk? I like the river.”

I took her hand and pulled her to the elevator. “We can walk after dinner. I don’t want to miss our reservation.”

“All right. This is your turn anyway.”

“Keeping score?”

She smiled. “Only if you are.”

Her hand slid into mine as we walked through the lobby. I saw how the men at the brandy bar looked at her when we walked by. I nodded at a few of them. Maybe I didn’t have the right to claim her, but in this moment she was mine. Completely mine.

The car waited for us by the curb, and I helped her into the backseat before jogging around to my side. It was only a two-minute ride to the restaurant, but it would have taken twenty along the Riverwalk, especially if she was planning on walking the entire way in those shoes.

“Something funny?” she asked.

“No.” I shook my head. I thought I had laughed to myself, but she heard me. “Just having a good time.” I squeezed her hand.

The car stopped, and I kissed her on the cheek before the door opened. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to touch her. Kiss her.

There was a crowd gathered in front of the restaurant. They were taking pictures next to the stone columns.

“I think it’s a rehearsal dinner,” she commented as we dodged the photographer.

“Maybe.” I pulled her with me into the coolness of the restaurant.

“Ah, Mr. Lachlan we are so happy to have you join us tonight. When I saw your name on our reservation list, I chose a special table for you.” The restaurant matitre d’ motioned for us to follow him.

“Thank you.”

Sydney’s eyes grew wide. She tried to push the corners of her dress down.

“You didn’t tell me it was this fancy,” she whispered.

“This place?” I tried to play it off. “Basically a college bar.”

“It is not.”

Our table was next to the window. Like the suite, it offered a view of the Riverwalk, only more secluded and less busy. There weren’t as many people walking the boardwalk at this end.

Sydney’s expression had changed. She chewed her bottom lip. The one I knew tasted like sangria.

I hadn’t figured out how all of this was supposed to work. But I knew two things. The problem was they were in complete conflict with each other. I would keep it casual. I had to. And damn it, I was undeniably attracted to her. More than I should be.

I scooted her chair forward.

“I didn’t realize you were such a gentleman.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I settled into my seat across from her, accepting the wine list.