Page 86 of Shadow's Surrender
The late afternoon sun filtered through the thin fabric of the overhead umbrella and danced on her skin. As Shadow put his knife and fork on the empty platter, the clink of utensils startled Scarlett from her musings.
“You’re a million miles away, baby,” he said, crumpling his napkin into a ball.
“Just enjoying being with you.”
Shadow leaned over and snaked an arm around her shoulders, then pulled her against him. “We’re good together.”
It was a simple statement filled with so much meaning. She cocked her head and looked up at him. “We are.”
Cupping her chin with his hand, he bent down and kissed her.
Scarlett wanted to tell him that she loved him with a fire that could never be extinguished, but she held back, afraid to break the intimate thread connecting them at that moment.
The skinny guy came back and cleared off the table, and Shadow broke away from her as he took out his wallet and placed a couple of bills on the table.
“I’ll be right back with your change,” the server said.
“I’m good.” The legs of Shadow’s chair squeaked against the wooden floor as he pushed away from the table.
“Thanks, man.” The waiter balanced the dishes and glasses on the tray in his right hand and walked away.
“I wonder if he’ll split the tip with the other two.”
“He will ’cause he knows they’ll beat the shit outta him if he doesn’t.” Shadow chuckled and placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked through the noisy restaurant.
“Are you going to stay the night?” she asked when they stopped in front of his motorcycle.
“Yeah.” He took out his sunglasses and put them on. “The sun at this time of day’s brutal when you’re riding to the west.”
Nodding, she slid her hand into her pocket and pulled out a pair of Christian Dior shades. As she put them on, Shadow stepped closer then leaned in, his nose against her hair, his lips touching the shell of her ear.
“I love you, woman,” he whispered.
Heat flushed to her face as a million butterflies exploded inside her. She wanted to break out in song and dance around the parking lot. Hearing him say those three words took her by surprise in the best possible way. Knowing they loved each other meant that no matter how complicated everything was, no matter how tough their journey ahead might be, they were in it together.Together!She melted inside and a warm throb rose through her.
“I love you so much.” She buried her face in his neck, then kissed him hard.
“Scarlett,” he growled, gripping the sides of her face with his strong fingers. “Fuck, darlin’.”
Then, she tipped her head back, and Shadow claimed her mouth, swallowing her small moans. The kiss was possessive, passionate, and full of love, and they clung to each other, fused together as one.
When he finally broke away, Scarlett had to hold on to his arm for fear of falling: he was her rock in a sometimes swaying world.
He tweaked her nose, then swung his leg over the bike and started the engine before she climbed on behind him. He made a smooth half circle then sped out of the lot. As they rode along the silvery river, happiness filled every inch of her, and she held him tight and pressed close against his warm body.
