Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
He slammed his door shut and shot her a dark look. “This is a get-to-know-you-again dinner, right?”
She met his gaze and nodded.
“Then don’t fucking purr like a kitten needing to be stroked. A lot of years might have passed, but you still do it for me,” he said, his words very much a warning as he turned the ignition on.
Holy crap. She didn’t know how to respond to that. The old Grey had been shyer when it came to expressing his feelings. This man was sure of himself in every way, and damned if she didn’t find it sexy. Not to mention the huge rush of happiness swirling inside her at the knowledge that she still affected him so strongly . . . even as her brain reminded her to keep him in the friend zone.
“I’d put the top down, but it looks like rain,” he said in a calmer tone. “And I remember how much you hate having your hair messed up after you’ve taken the time to do it right.” He grinned at her then, his mood lightened.
He pulled out of the parking lot, the car’s motor revving so that everyone within a good mile could hear. He drove to the strip mall where Tino’s was located. Some of the shops and restaurants had changed names, others remained the same, but the overall familiarity warmed her. He parked in a fortuitous open spot out front and cut the engine.
“Do the parking gods always smile on you?” she asked.
He grinned. “Sometimes. Others, you have to call ahead.”
She shook her head and laughed at his obvious willingness to use his star status to secure parking. For that, she couldn’t blame him. Not when he’d be leaving a two-hundred-thousand-dollar car somewhere where it would be in danger of being vandalized. She doubted Tino minded clearing his prized spot out for Grey.
He hopped out of the car and headed to her side, grabbing her door just as she opened it. Before she could walk ahead, he grasped her hand, the familiar gesture taking her off guard as his large hand wrapped around hers. Sparks of awareness prickled her skin at his touch, arousing conflicting feelings—the sweet pleasure at being with him again and a sexual charge she couldn’t deny.
“I can’t believe you picked Tino’s,” she murmured.
His deep-green gaze bored into hers. “Do you think I’d forget our first date?”
He’d remembered. Warmth slid through her veins like liquid honey, softening her toward him.
He brushed his knuckles down her cheek, and she shivered, her nipples puckering beneath her dress. “I want you to remember the good things about us. Not just the shit that comes with being part of Tangled Royal.”
And with him, but she opted not to mention it now. As they stepped into the restaurant, the scent of garlic brought back really good memories. She’d always loved Tino’s and hadn’t been back in years. It seemed fitting she returned with Grey.
“Welcome!” Tino walked toward them, a short man with bushy dark hair, now flecked with strands of gray, and the same mustache he’d always sported covering his face. “So good to have you back home.” He pulled Grey into a man-hug, then turned his gaze on Avery. “And you! Bellisima,” he said, kissing both her cheeks.
“Remember, a private table in the back,” Grey said to him.
“Not a problem. I didn’t tell anyone you were coming in. Of course someone’s bound to notice, but hopefully not till you finish your meal. Come.” Tino pulled out two menus and gestured for them to follow, turning and walking to the back.
Grey watched Avery, who had an amused smile on her lush pink lips. Lips he couldn’t stop staring at. Or wanting to taste.
She followed Tino, and Grey placed a hand on her lower back for a moment before joining her, a step behind. Her flowing dress ended midthigh, her long, tanned legs accentuated by the flow of the material as she walked. She was even more beautiful than he’d remembered.
She’d opened her door, and he’d been struck speechless. His Avery had long dark hair that usually hung straight down her back. This Avery had chunky blonde highlights, a slight fringe of bangs, and her hair fell in soft waves around her beautiful face, her violet-blue eyes large and sparkling. Even when they were teens, her long limbs would tan, but she’d always protect her face with sunscreen. Some things hadn’t changed. Too many had.
“Here you go. Privacy,” Tino said. “I’ll keep the booth behind you free, so that should help.”
“You’re a good guy,” Grey said.
“This from the man who sent my son an acoustic guitar for Christmas? You gained a fan for life,” the older man said.
“I didn’t do it for that reason. You mentioned he wanted to learn.” Grey didn’t want to make a big deal out of the gift.