Page 99 of Take My Kiss
“I heard Colt say it on the phone.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “You’re gonna be a businessman, huh?”
“Maybe!”
Amelia picks up Lily, hugging and kissing her goodbye. Then she gives Sam thebehaveand listentalk before hugging him next.
Before leaving, I lean into Bodie and lower my voice so the kids don’t overhear me. “Make sure you lock up after us, okay? I double-checked all the windows earlier, but just in case. Secure the deadbolt.”
“Don’t worry, I got it. Plus, I know where you keep the bat.”
I huff a laugh. “Thanks again for watchin’ ’em. Shouldn’t be too late.”
He waggles his brows. “Take your time.”
Bellamy’s already in the kitchen getting their dinner ready, so I shout my thanks and goodbye to her before taking Amelia’s hand and walking out.
As soon as we’re by the truck, I cage her against the passenger side door and crush my mouth to hers.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” I murmur.
Her heated gaze lowers down my black slacks and white button-up. “You’re lookin’ quite handsome yourself.”
“It was torture not being able to kiss you in there.”
“You had to wait all of ten minutes,” she quips.
“Longest ten minutes of my life.” I kiss her again, and she grins against my lips.
The restaurant isn’t far, but I keep her hand in mine on the drive over and when we walk inside. I didn’t tell Aunt JoJoabout us, but she’s smart enough to put two and two together, especially once I asked her to make us a reservation.
“It’s stunnin’ in here,” Amelia mutters once I take my seat across from her. “I’ve never been to a restaurant this fancy before.”
There’s a fireplace in the middle of the dining area, candles on each table, and dimmed lights throughout.
“It’s Mom and Aunt JoJo’s pride and joy. They decorate it for each season and holiday. The guests seem to love comin’ here.”
“I can see why. It’s cozy and intimate.”
She continues looking around, brows furrowed as if she’s on alert.
“You’re safe here,” I remind her, reaching across the table and grabbing her hand. “There’s a dozen servers and cooks, plus me. No one besides my family knows we’re here, and the kids are secure at the house.”
She subtly nods. “It just feels weird after being surrounded by the same walls for so long. When Bellamy took us to the strip club, there were mostly women inside, and it was the middle of the day.”
I hate hearing the nerves in her voice and knowing there’s nothing I can do about it. Even once this motherfucker is found that fear won’t magically disappear.
“They’re gonna catch him soon,” I reassure.
And if Sheriff Wagner can’t find him, Wilder and Maddox will hunt him down.
She reads over the menu once our server drops off our drinks and a breadbasket. Soft music plays from the speakers above us, but the private setting makes it nice and quiet.
“Pick out whatever you want, darlin’. Everything’s good.”
“I’m not sure what half of these options are.”
“You can’t go wrong with the steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta…it’s all delicious and comes in large portions.”
