She sighed, feeling as if she’d been through the emotional wringer these last few days. “Thank you,” she replied. “I just don’t want to get hurt, ya know?”
“I’ve seen my brother in action, so I do understand your concern. Still, he knows if he harms one little hair on your head, I’ll clobber him.”
Victoria smiled at the vehemence in Reena’s tone. “I’m lucky to have a friend like you. Thanks.”
“Love you too, dork.”
Victoria looked at the time on her car radio and realized she was going to be late if she didn’t move it along, so she finished her call. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow and let you know how it goes.” She took a deep breath and added, “Wish me luck.”
“Sounds good. Relax and have a good time,” Reena said, “You deserve it.”
As they hung up, Victoria dropped her phone back into her purse and started to open the door of her car. Out of the blue, her dream sprang to mind. Her very erotic and highly satisfying dream. Her face heated as she swallowed back a knot of embarrassment. It was now or never, right? Hadn’t she fantasized about Rider long enough? This was her chance. The man had invited her on a picnic, and she was determined to make it a picnic to remember.
Rider took her to Roaming Oak Park, which was situated right in the center of town, for their picnic. It was a picturesque spot with mature trees of all kinds and a pond where people were often seen fishing. There was a playground for children, and lots of secluded areas for picnicking. Victoria noticed that Rider had chosen a spot next to a large walnut tree. There was plenty of shade, and they were very much alone. Anticipation shot through her at the idea that maybe
the secluded spot wasn’t just a happy accident.
“I have to confess something,” he said as he began to set out their lunch. Victoria had literally thrown it together at the last minute.
“Oh?” Please don’t be secretly married.
“I’ve never taken a woman to the park, but since you refused to have dinner with me, this was my next logical choice.”
“You’ve never been on a picnic in the park? Really?”
“Nope. Never saw the appeal,” he admitted as he sat down next to her on the blanket. “Until now.” He grinned, and her stomach did a little somersault.
“Then we should definitely make this a day to remember,” she replied, hoping to God she didn’t bore him to death. Or worse, spill more iced tea on him.
“It already is.” He winked, then lifted his hand and stroked her cheek. She held her breath and told her brain not to overthink the simple action. When he stroked her hair in an absent caress, though, her heart tripped a beat.
Rider picked up a plastic-wrapped sandwich and said, “Looks tasty.”
Victoria took one for herself. “It’s only slices of deli meat and swiss cheese with a little spicy mustard.” She smiled over at him. “I didn’t have a lot of advance notice.”
He nodded. “I was afraid you’d turn me down if you had time to think it over.” His cell phone chimed, and he took it out of his pocket and looked at the screen. He frowned, then put it on the blanket next to him.
Victoria pointed to the phone and said, “Do you need to take that?”
Rider shrugged. “Nah, it’s just a friend of mine from New York. I’ll handle her later.” He wagged his eyebrows at her. “Besides, I have someone more important that requires my attention at the moment.”
Her? Victoria briefly considered the fact that Rider had a friend back in New York who happened to be a woman. An uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach that felt suspiciously like jealousy, but she shrugged it off. Of course he had female friends in New York. He’d lived there for the last ten years. It’d be weird if he didn’t.
“Er, anyway, since I’m a chef,” she said, “I feel like sandwiches, fruit and some kettle-cooked chips is a bit lame.”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “I didn’t come for the food, sweetheart.”
That fast, the phone call was forgotten and Victoria’s cheeks heated. She looked down at her own sandwich, finding it ridiculously fascinating all of a sudden.
“You look damn good, Vic,” he said as his gaze skimmed her. “Those shorts are killer, by the way.”
The compliment sent a rush of pleasure through her. Mostly because it came from Rider. “Thank you. They’re new. Reena picked them out.” She tugged at the hem. “They’re a bit shorter than what I’d normally wear, to be honest.”
“They sure do show off those long legs of yours though.” He wagged his eyebrows. “I’m not the only man in this park admiring the pretty sight either.”
Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Victoria muttered, “Maybe this was a bad idea. I really don’t know what I’m doing here. I’ve been on a handful of dates my entire life, and none of them were ever much to write home about.” She let out an exasperated breath and covered her face with her hands. “I can’t believe I just admitted that.”
Victoria felt a pair of strong fingers smoothing over the backs of hers and prying them away from her eyes. Before she could take a deep breath, Rider’s mouth was on hers and his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. The hard ridge of his cock beneath her bottom sent a jolt of electricity through her. The kiss was soft, gentle and meant to entice rather than conquer. It was extremely potent because it came from Rider. She surrendered and put everything she had into it. Victoria angled her head and pressed her mouth more fully against his, then bit down slightly, savoring the unique taste of him. God, how long had she wanted this? He groaned and lifted his head. Immediately, she wanted his touch back.