Your One True Love (The Bennett Family 8)

The shopping trip took so long that I only have time to hop in the shower and then dress fast before having to bolt back out the door. I put on my new sweater dress but don’t inspect my appearance in the mirror until I have my flats on too. Judging an outfit without shoes is like asking how the Thanksgiving turkey is without the gravy.

I assess the outfit critically. It’s great for a chill night out between friends, conveys exactly the message I want, which is “I look put together,” not “I can’t wait to put out again.”

Briefly, I wonder if I should bring up our night together after all, clear the air. Even in my mind, the conversation would sound awkward.

Daniel, even though this was the best night—

Even though you gave me two orgasms and they were by far—

Hmm... maybe I shouldn’t lead with that. I can see how I might give off the wrong impression if I do. Best not to bring the subject up after all.

I leave my building with a pep in my step, taking in the beautiful October evening surrounding me. Clutching my matching red purse under my arm, I stride with purpose. I live in a rather crowded section of the Richmond district, with residential units so close to one another it’s borderline claustrophobic. But I’m just a few blocks away from the Presidio, or if I’m in the mood for a long walk, I can hike up to Golden Gate Park to the north.

Some twenty minutes later, I arrive at the 14th Avenue gate entrance and find Daniel already there, pacing, hands in his pockets. He doesn’t see me approach, and I take advantage of this to study him. He appears lost in thought, a frown creasing his forehead, his five o’clock shadow more pronounced than usual. The impulse to replace that frown with a smile hits me hard. He’s not mine to make happy. Not mine.

“Hi!” I announce myself, stopping right next to him. Daniel snaps out of his thoughts, turning to me. His handsome face breaks into a wide smile, all traces of the frown gone. Excellent.

My heart skips a beat as he bends to kiss my cheek, lingering with his lips on my skin. He presses a hand at the small of my back. An electric charge jolts right through me. Oh, God. The touch isn’t intimate at all, but maybe the details of our night together are still too fresh in my mind. I swear every nerve ending springs to life. When we pull apart, my entire body is buzzing. Way to go, Caroline. I was not expecting this assault on my senses.

I do a full turn, sashaying my hips playfully.

“Both the dress and the shoes are courtesy of your credit card and Christa’s impeccable taste.”

He assesses my appearance, a playful twinkle in his eye...

The twinkle just turned scorching hot. I can almost read the question on his lips. How about the lingerie?

Better get that out of the way. “Not wearing the lingerie you bought me. I never wear new lingerie without washing it first. Too many germs.”

There. Nothing unsexier than germs.

If I thought that would turn him off, man, was I wrong. The corner of his lips twitch. Right, moving on.

“Let’s go before our reservation expires.”

We hike on a trail with towering trees on either sides. The smell of eucalyptus hangs in the evening air, energetic and fresh. The restaurant is chock-full when we arrive, but thankfully the wall opposite the entrance is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, which are all open.

Feeling optimistic about the weather, I request to be seated at a table nearest to the door. Daniel is wearing a suit, so he should be fine, and I stashed a jacket in my purse.

“How was lunch with your dad?” he asks after we order.

“Nice. We’re both psyched that Niall will be here in two weekends. We’re moving the opening party of the bookstore to that Saturday, by the way.”

“Good to know.” Leaning slightly over the table, he narrows his eyes. “I’m still invited, right?”

“My dad invited you, so I can’t revoke it,” I say playfully.” Besides, you’re his top adviser. You’re basically a guest of honor. But I understand if you can’t make it. The change is very last minute.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Thanks. I’m so happy Niall will join us too. It’s been so long since we saw him.”

“He doesn’t call often, does he?”

I shrug, trying to downplay this. “He’s busy. Works like a hundred hours a week.”

“You can always make time for family.”

Well, dang. What can I say? He’s perfectly right.