Twice as Sexy (The Sexy 2)

“Then we need to make sure if we can’t outsmart him in advance, that we can at least be ready when whatever it is hits,” Tanner said. “How about we talk to Sutherland? Owner to owner? See what he has to say? Because somehow there has to be a link between them. It doesn’t make sense that they’d both be targeting the club.”

Landon nodded. “It’s too close to opening tonight to pay the man a visit now, but what if we plan to go over there first thing in the morning?”

“Agreed.” Tanner and Jason spoke at the same time.

“Meanwhile I’ll call Grey and get a date set up. Then we can work on publicity,” Jason said.

“Perfect. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a woman to pick up from work.” Tanner stood and started for the door.

Scarlett had told him to wear a jacket tonight when he picked her up, which left him confused. But far be it for him to deny her. He’d stop upstairs and change on his way out.

“I like her for you,” Jason said as Tanner’s hand reached for the doorknob.

He glanced over his shoulder at his friend. “I like her for me too.”

He just didn’t have a handle on her feelings on the relationship or the future. He knew she felt something for him but he also understood she was allowing this time away from work because of the threat. When Vic was back behind bars where he belonged and Tanner didn’t have an excuse to be by her side, would she pull away again?

Or could he convince her to make permanent time in her life for a real relationship? The kind she tended to avoid.

* * *

As hard as it was for Scarlett to admit, she looked forward to Tanner’s arrival at night to take her home to his house. As the clock ticked down, she packed up her things and was ready to leave when Tanner showed up in her doorway.

“Looks like someone is ready and waiting for me.” He leaned against the frame, his broad shoulders and large presence a sexy sight.

“I am.”

“And are you going to tell me why I’m dressed up?” He fingered the lapels of his black jacket that had obviously been tailored just for him.

She smiled. “I have a surprise for you.” She’d worked hard all week for this moment.

He raised an eyebrow and stepped into the room, coming up to her and pulling her into his arms. “Yeah? What’s that?”

She inhaled his seductive masculine scent. Unable to help herself, she leaned in and pressed her nose against his neck, nuzzling her lips there but really giving herself a better whiff and taste. The man was delicious. “I’m taking you out for dinner. To a nice restaurant. No rushed takeout or delivery.”

“No work from home tonight?”

She understood the question. She did a lot of work in bed surrounded by file folders and her laptop and he was always patient about it, never complaining. “Not tonight. I’m all yours.”

He grinned and kissed her lips. “Let’s go.”

She further surprised him by taking them to Daniel, a five-star restaurant on Sixty-Fifth Street, where she’d pulled strings and gotten them a reservation. Chef Daniel Boulud had opened an eatery with a fabulous wine cellar and stellar reputation for French and European cuisine.

They each had a delicious meal of grilled swordfish and butternut squash and wine recommended by the sommelier. Tanner eyed her warmly throughout the meal, his eyes always focused on her, and they talked about easy, comfortable things. Nothing heavy or serious. They just enjoyed.

Tonight clearly meant something to him and she was glad. He deserved to feel special. He’d made her feel that way often enough, and after all he’d gone through with Vic, she wanted him to know she viewed him as someone worthy and important.

The waiter handed them the dessert menu and stepped away so they could decide.

“I want something chocolate,” she murmured, determined not to miss a course in this fabulous restaurant.

He chuckled, reaching across the table and lacing his fingers with hers. “Whatever you want.”

She ordered a pecan infused chocolate dish with salted caramel praline that tasted even better than it looked if such a thing were possible.

She held out her spoon for Tanner to try. He opened his mouth and wrapped those talented lips around the dessert, closing his eyes as he sampled the treat. “Mmm.”

Her body reacted to the sexy sound, her panties dampening as he groaned in delight.

“Fucking delicious,” he muttered.

She grinned. “Isn’t it?”

His eyes darkened. “Not as good as you taste, but definitely second-best.”

She laughed and wagged a finger at him. “Dirty man.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? You make me crazy.”

She leaned closer but there was still a table between them. She couldn’t wait to get home and let him do what he was alluding to. Then she could taste him too.