Page 21 of Taking What Was His

She inhaled sharply and stayed silent.

“I know it’s our first date, and the last thing I want to do is scare you off. I do want you to know this thing, whatever it is, between us is strong, and I’m taking it damn seriously.”

He studied her face for a moment. “Am I freaking you out?” he asked.

“I ... ah... I’m not sure. I know I’m just as attracted to you.”

“That’s good to know.”

“No matter what I want, my first priority is Jayden.”

“I totally get that. I don’t know a lot about kids. I’ve never had any of my own. I was married in my early twenties, but she couldn’t handle military life. I don’t blame her. I was gone more than I was home. We were too young. Our breakup was smooth.”

“I was married to Rick for eight years before he died.”

“I’m sorry, baby.”

She nodded. “It was tough. I didn’t have any family to fall back on. But I got through it. Having Jayden helped and, at the same time, made some things harder for me.”

“It was five years ago?”

She nodded. She opened her mouth, but the waitress came back with their drinks.

They both sat back to give her room.

“Do you need a few minutes?”

Roman nodded. “Yeah. Give us five.”

“Yes, sir.”

They both opened their menus.

“Have you been here?”

She looked up at him. “Yes. The food is great.”

“What do you suggest?”

“I get the small sampler platter. It has a piece of chicken, brisket, and ribs. That way, I get a bit of everything.”

“That sounds good. Do they have a large platter?”

She leaned toward him to point out where it would be.

“Right here,” she said, then looked up and froze to find his gaze on her, not the menu.

“Do you know how much I want to kiss you right now?”

“I-I,” she stuttered. “I don’t know.”

He cupped her face and brought it closer so he could whisper in her ear. “I’d give anything to be alone and inside of you right now.”

She sputtered out a laugh. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

He pulled back enough to see her eyes. He was thrilled when he saw the desire she had for him, in her heightened color, enlarged pupils, and the deep breaths she was taking.

“If I’m being too direct, tell me, and I’ll back off a bit.”