Page 32 of Protected in Darkness
“Do you mind me asking where you live?”
Obsidian peered over, held his fork suspended. “I’ve got a house in Colorado.”
A bit vague, but she’d gotten quite a bit of that from him tonight. It was as though he preferred to talk about her. Not that she minded. His curiosity made her feel important, like he cared about her and what she had to say. Granted, that was likely the wine talking. She was on her third glass and feeling no pain.
Once he was finished and pushed his plate away, Penelope got to her feet and grabbed their plates. Walking around to the sink, she flipped on the water, began washing them, sneaking quick glances at him every now and again.
“I would’ve done that,” he said, his attention on her as he lifted his wineglass.
“I don’t mind.” It gave her something to do with her hands.
For the better part of the evening, she’d been fidgety, nervous. Since she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on a date, it wasn’t surprising. Not that she was disappointed by Obsidian’s impromptu arrival. It was as though he’d been reading her mind.
Her gaze swung to him and she smiled, recalling the way he’d responded to her thought about bringing chicks to his hotel room. She’d thought about that endlessly, and she knew she hadn’t said the words aloud, yet he’d answered as though she had. What if he could read her mind?
She barely held back the laugh as she shifted her attention to the book on the end table. Clearly she was confusing fantasy with reality.
Obsidian’s phone rang, his head turning toward it. Rather than silence it like he had the other times it had rung, he reached for it.
“Excuse me for a minute.”
Penelope nodded, watched him get to his feet and stroll into her bedroom, ducking his head slightly as he moved through the doorway.
The thought of him being in there made her body flush. He was simply seeking privacy, but it seemed intimate. She hadn’t had the chance to make her bed since his impromptu arrival. And that was rare for her. The only time she ever skipped the step was on her nights off. In case she opted for a nap.
After hand-washing the few items they’d used, Penelope turned off the water and grabbed the dish towel. She could hear Obsidian talking but couldn’t make out the words. The language he spoke … she didn’t recognize it. Then again, she didn’t know much about languages. She’d taken French in high school but couldn’t speak enough to do anyone any good.
Focusing her efforts on putting away the dishes, Penelope smiled because, for the first time in a really long time, she was happy. Genuinely happy. Tonight had been nice, having dinner with someone, sharing conversation. It was easy with Obsidian.
Sure, she was nervous around him, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling. The butterflies in her stomach weren’t on a rampage, but they were making themselves known. But most importantly, she wasn’t overwhelmed by emotions. Obsidian’s were still shielded, and she didn’t have to worry about feeling the repercussions of his answers should she ask the wrong question.
“I’m sorry to eat and run,” Obsidian said from behind her.
Penelope shrieked, surprised by his return. She hadn’t heard him come back into the room.
Turning to look at him, she laughed off the shock. That died in her throat when she realized how close he was. Her thoughts instantly reverted to the kiss they’d shared in the elevator. She wanted him to kiss her again.
Obsidian held up his phone. “Duty calls.”
“Sure. Yeah.” Penelope stared up at him, wishing for the thousandth time that she could see his eyes.
“When’s your next night off?” he asked, tucking his phone away.
“Thursday. I’m off Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
That sexy smirk had her staring at his mouth.
“And we’re still on for breakfast Thursday morning?”
Penelope nodded, swallowed when he took a step closer.
“Thank you for dinner.” His words rasped over her skin like a physical touch.
“You’re welcome.”
She inhaled sharply when his hand lifted, long fingers gliding over her neck as he moved her hair back, his thumb brushing the underside of her jaw. It was such an intimate move, one she could so easily get used to.
“I’m going to kiss you again, Penelope.”
