Page 57 of One Kind Hand

He sighed, his breath against her flesh bringing a wave of goosebumps. “We’d better put ourselves back together here or we’ll look as if we’ve been pawing each other.”

“We have been pawing each other.” But Charlie shifted her panties back into place and smoothed the wrinkles out of her dress as Austin zipped, buttoned, and belted himself away. She pulled lipstick out of her purse and set about reapplying.

“And we’ll paw each other some more,” Austin promised.

The limo came to a stop and the driver opened the door. Austin got out then extended a hand to help Charlie out. When she stood next to him on the sidewalk, her mouth dropped open.

They were in front of a mammoth brick building that even backwoods redneck Charlie recognized. The bricks changed in color from the ground floor up to the roof, ranging from bluish to red to orange to yellow, making the building appear to be encased in flames. Rippling lighting created the illusion of glowing embers. The main entrance had a set of onyx steps with iron railings and gates on either side of them. Atop the gates sat imposing statues of winged beasts that looked as if they were protecting the building’s contents. A line of people waiting to get in hugged the building and disappeared down the sidewalk. Most likely it wrapped around the block.

“Wicked Gates?” Charlie squeaked. “You brought me to Wicked Gates in New York City?”

“What?” Austin turned to face her as the limo drove away. “You’d rather have a hot dog from a food truck on the corner. Fine.” He tugged her as if to walk away from the most popular restaurant on the East Coast.

“Fuck hot dogs,” Charlie said.

Austin barked out a laugh. “I love how you’re all dressed up, but that mouth is still all Charlie.” He kissed her on the cheek. “C’mon.”

He led her up the steps, bypassing the line. A few shouts of There’s Austin Rayhill hit Charlie’s ears, but she was too dazzled to worry about that at the moment. She and Isabel had watched a TV show about Wicked Gates last month and they’d both put visiting it on their bucket lists. Neither of them had actually expected to cross that one off though, as you had to be willing to waste your life away waiting in that eternal line or be someone special to get in.

Apparently tonight she was someone special.

****

Austin gave Manuel, the huge dude manning the entrance of Wicked Gates, a nod and ushered Charlie inside. Suzy took their coats, falling all over them with the compliments and welcomes and enjoy-your-nights. Katherine at the hostess station gave them a smile, her red leather dress positively satanic and perfect for the restaurant’s décor.

“Hi, sweetie,” she purred to Austin. “Haven’t seen you in a bit.” She cast an approving eye over Charlie. “And who is this vision?”

“This is Charlie,” Austin said. “Charlie, meet Katherine.”

Katherine took Charlie’s outstretched hand, but instead of shaking it, she pressed a kiss to the back of it. “Gorgeous. If you get sick of this guy, I’ll be right here at this post, waiting.”

Charlie’s mouth opened, but then she snapped it closed again, making Katherine laugh.

“Uh-oh. I did it again, didn’t I, Austin? I’ve openly flirted with someone who only has eyes for you. Damn.” Katherine plucked two menus from the podium behind her then she met Charlie’s still stunned gaze. “Don’t sweat it, honey. I just like to check. One of these days, I’m bound to successfully steal a date from Austin here.” She winked. “Follow me.”

Charlie turned to look up at him.

“She’s harmless. I promise.” He nudged her into a stiff walk behind Katherine.

“I might be more worried about the number of dates you’ve brought here,” Charlie said.

“She’s kidding,” Austin said. “I promise that too.”

They wove through pockets of people sharing drinks at tall tables with no chairs, a few of Austin’s acquaintances tossing greetings his way and tons of eyes tracking them as other patrons recognized him. Katherine kept cutting a path through all that though, and soon Charlie and Austin were seated at a private table in a quiet corner of the restaurant—one he’d specifically requested for tonight.

“Your usual wine choice?” Katherine asked him as he and Charlie settled in the black leather chairs.

Austin glanced at Charlie. “You up for wine?”

“Sure.” Charlie’s eyes were wide as she took in the scenery around them. Wicked Gates was something to behold. The restaurant’s interior was done in deep reds and black, rich fabrics and metal accents. Seductive instrumental music played softly in the background. Abstract, mildly pornographic prints adorned the walls and most of the lighting simulated candlelight. The place somehow managed to be intimate and expansive at the same time.

“Peter will be your server today,” Katherine said. “I’ll have him come by with that wine right away.” She beamed them another devilish smile. “And if you change your mind, Charlie, you know where to find me.” She bit her bottom lip as she scanned Charlie again then shook her head as if it was a real shame Charlie wasn’t bisexual.

“Sorry about her,” Austin said when Katherine had slithered off. “Did she make you uncomfortable?”

Charlie tore her gaze from surveying the restaurant’s interior and looked at him. “Uh, no. I’ve just never met anyone who came on that . . . strong.”

“I’m pretty sure Katherine takes the wicked part of Wicked Gates very seriously.”