Page 76 of Her Unflinching Warrior (Omega Sky)
“Why are you nervous?”Gideon asked.
“You’re kidding, right?”
He watched Jada as she adjusted her blue pinstripe corset-style top that went with her matching pinstripe flared slacks and red high heels. With her height, she looked like some kind of model. She raced out of Gideon’s bedroom and he followed her into the guestroom and watched as she pulled a cropped, fitted, red leather jacket out of the closet and threw it over her arm.
“There. I’m done. We’re not going to be late, are we? I needed a jacket in case they seat us outdoors and there isn’t a heat lamp.”
“You’re fine. According to Kostya, Lark isn’t known for always being on time.”
“But I want to make a good impression,” she said as she tried to pass by him.
Gideon caught her around the waist. Jada looked up at him. “What?”
“You can never do anything but create a good impression,” he assured her.
“But Kostya is so important to you,” she breathed.
“So is my brother. He loves you. Felix, Kyle, and my dog all like you better than they do me. You’re going to do fine tonight. I’m the one I’m worried about. Lark might be sick of me because of some of the shit I pulled before.”
Jada frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“I might have pushed my way into her little adventure with Kostya down in Florida.”
Jada pushed at his chest. “Wait just a damn minute, Mr. Smith. Are you feeding me a line to make me feel less nervous?”
Gideon’s lips twitched. “Maybe.”
“Dammit, man.”
“Angel, I’m telling you, they’re going to love you.” He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. It took long moments before he came back up for air.
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Okay, what?”
“I’ll believe whatever you want to tell me.”
“Your lipstick isn’t smeared,” Gideon said with a straight face.
“I’ll believe anything but that.”
* * *
Jada noticedthat Lark was observing Kostya and Gideon just as much as she was. In some ways, Kostya and Gideon seemed more like brothers than Gideon did with his actual brother Mike. Lark looked over at her and gave her a quick wink.
Jada suppressed a grin.
“The waiter is being too slow with our drinks,” Lark said. “I’m going up to the bar. Want to join me, Lark?” she asked as she stood up.
“Aw, hell, they’re going to talk about us,” Kostya moaned.
“That was going to happen sooner or later.” Gideon shrugged. “I’m just happy they’re doing it out of earshot. I don’t think my ego could have handled them dissecting my traits while I was sitting in front of them.”
“Good point.”
“Do you want another glass of Jameson?” Lark asked Kostya.
“I’m driving, so I’ll stick to one. Thanks, though.”
