Closer

“I’m just being honest.” He leans down and steals a kiss against my neck.

I nearly fall off balance, but he’s got a hold of me, and before I know it we’ve reached the table. When I glance over at the hostess, she’s standing there waiting on us with a look of shock on her face. I assume it’s because she’s surprised that someone like Lucas would want someone my size.

I slide into the booth and Lucas follows in next to me. Even though it’s a big booth he gives me no space. Benny slides into the other side and he’s still smiling like a loon. We take our menus and I start to go over it while Lucas orders a bottle of wine for the table.

“There are too many things to choose from. I don’t think I can pick,” I admit.

“Don’t worry, Ava. This won’t be our last time here if you enjoy it.” I look over at him. He’s not even opened his menu. “Allow me to order for you.” He takes the menu from my hands and closes it. “I can do the same for you, Ben, if you like.”

“I’m sure you know what’s best.” Benny closes his menu and sets it down. His blue eyes bounce between the two of us. He’s enjoying this way too much.

When the waiter returns with our wine, Lucas orders for us in French, taking me once again by surprise. When he’s finished he looks over and gives me a wink.

“Showoff,” I mutter.

“I’m doing my best. You’re hard to impress.”

Benny snorts. “Or she’s good at hiding it.”

Lucas’s hand goes to my thigh under the table. His fingers slide to the hem of my dress and pushes up the material so that he’s touching me without my dress in the way. He absently strokes my skin as Benny fires questions at him. I can’t keep up with what he’s saying while his hand is rubbing me. The roughness of his fingers is even better than I thought it could be.

“I hear you’re trying to open your own gym,” Lucas says, and that catches my attention.

Benny has been trying to get capital to open his gym for a while. It’s something he’s passionate about. He does personal training in online videos, and it’s super popular, but he wants a place of his own. It’s what he went to college for—he busted his ass to double major in sports fitness and business.

“Yes, I’m working on it.”

“Pitch me,” Lucas says, and Benny looks taken aback for a moment.

“Right now?” His eyes are wide like he doesn’t believe him.

“Why not?” Lucas shrugs, taking a sip of his wine.

I pick up my wine glass and take a few big gulps. I’m feeling nervous for Benny because Lucas could make his dreams come true. And as much as Lucas is driving me crazy, I’d want nothing more than Benny to get what he’s always wanted. Who doesn’t want that for their best friend?

Benny launches into his sales pitch, and I keep sipping on my wine. I’m trying to focus on what he’s saying, but Lucas’s hand is too distracting as it ever-so-slowly slides up my leg. Shamelessly I spread my legs a little and blame it on the wine making me feel bold. Lucas’s body goes rock solid beside me when I do it. Heat hits my cheeks, and I don’t know if it’s the wine or a true blush.

I’m thankful when the food arrives. Maybe I’ll be able to think straight again because now Lucas will have to remove his hand. This is why I don’t drink. I can’t trust my judgment. But when the food is placed before him, he doesn’t remove his hand. Instead, he keeps on stroking me, clearly not wanting to let go.

He leans over towards me. “You should eat,” he says into my ear while giving my thigh a squeeze. I pick up my fork and take a bite of the sliced beef. It melts in my mouth and I’m happy that I can finally let out a moan. But just as I do, the hand on my thigh tightens.

I decide to ignore it and keep eating. “This is wonderful,” I say, bringing another bite to my mouth. I glance over at Lucas and I notice he and Benny have stopped talking. Lucas is watching me eat and hasn’t even touched his own food.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” I ask as I lick my lips, suddenly feel self-conscious.

Benny is chowing down and all his focus on his food. I don’t blame him. I would be too if Lucas wasn’t so damn distracting.

“I enjoy watching you eat.”

My face heats and I pick up my wine glass and take another big drink. Lucas pours me more when I finish the glass.

“Careful. She’s a lightweight,” Benny jokes, but I don’t care. I need this right now.