Page 18 of Finding You
Raven smiled and thanked him as she took her seat. He was being the perfect gentleman, making it hard for her to stay focused on seeing him as just her babies’ daddy. That’s all he was… at least for now. In the future? She wasn’t sure, and she’d learned a long time ago to never say never. So she wouldn’t ever say they could never get together again, but that couldn’t be her main agenda for getting to know him better.
Shortly after the hostess left, a server came to give them menus and take their drink orders. Raven hadn’t had wine since before getting pregnant, and since she’d stopped breastfeeding a month ago, now was her chance. She ordered a glass of Moscato while Zion ordered rum and Coke.
“This place is lovely,” she said, deciding she’d try to control the direction of their conversation. “Considering we’re outside, I thought it would be chillier out here, but it’s very comfortable.”
There were heaters almost near every table, and the amount of heat they emitted was perfect.
“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of my favorite restaurants.”
For the next few minutes, they studied the menu until Zion suggested they get several dishes to share. She wasn’t a picky eater and went along with his suggestions. Soon after, the server was back with their drinks, as well as glasses of water. Before she left the table, they placed their order.
“How do you like being a police officer?” she asked as she sipped her wine which tasted divine. She hadn’t realized just how much she had missed the alcohol.
“It’s alright, but lately I’ve been thinking about a change. This guy I know is part-owner of Supreme Security - Chicago, a personal security firm. He’s been trying to lure me away from Chicago PD and wants me to work for them.”
He explained how the organization provided personal security for entertainers and other wealthy people. The position,if he wanted it, could take him all over the country providing protection for people.
“That sounds exciting and safer than being a police officer.” The idea of him putting his life at risk daily was a bit unnerving. She wanted him to be around forever for their kids because she knew what it was like to lose a parent as a child. Sure, she’d been in her teens when her mom and dad died, but it had been awful losing them. She didn’t want that for her children.
“Yeah, it might be safer,” Zion said, reaching for his glass of water, “but it probably wouldn’t give me the adrenaline rush that I get from being a cop. With that said, I won’t rule out the opportunity.”
As he drank his water, he glanced around the terrace. Raven took in his long, tapered fingers that were wrapped around the glass, remembering how skillful those digits were during their night together. Then she zoned in on his kissable lips. From there, her eyes wandered to his neck, and she swallowed hard. Not only was the man extremely fine, but even the way his throat moved as he drank was just as sexy.
How was it that she never noticed the way a man’s Adam apple bobbed up and down until now? Interesting.
Her attention wandered to his profile. He hadn’t shaved and there was a little scruff on his cheeks, which only added to his handsomeness. It was still hard to believe he was five years younger than her, and it bugged her a little. Teresa had called her a cougar. Though Raven didn’t feel a day over thirty, she wondered if when people saw them together, would they think she was older?
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
It was on the tip of her tongue to say nothing, but she opted for the truth. “I was thinking about how I’m five years older than you.”
He grunted and shook his head. “For the record, I never would’ve thought you were older than me. You looked hella good last year, and even more beautiful now.”
Raven’s mouth dropped open with how passionate he said the words, but she closed her mouth quickly. Heat spread to her face, and she glanced down while nibbling on her bottom lip.
“I take it you have a hard time accepting compliments.” Zion touched her hand that was resting on the table, but as if he realized what he was doing, he pulled it back. “I noticed that in Vegas every time I said you were beautiful or sexy.”
“I thought you were feeding me a line,” she said. “We didn’t actually meet under normal circumstances.”
“Sure, we did,” he countered. “We met at a bar and had drinks along with good conversation. I’m sure many can say they’ve met someone of the opposite sex the same way.”
Raven nodded. “True. I guess since we didn’t get to know each other on a personal level…” Her words trailed off as she struggled with what to say.
Since that night, how many times had she called herself all types of fool? She loved her babies more than anything in the world. Yet, she’d been totally reckless that night and had put herself in what could’ve been a dangerous situation.
Zion covered her hand with his again, but this time he didn’t pull back. Instead, he held and squeezed her hand, forcing her to look at him.
“I don’t know what’s going through that gorgeous head of yours but not getting your full name and telephone number that night is my biggest regret. There hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought about you. I would’ve tried to find you if I had a little more information.”
“You don’t have to say that. I know what that night—”
“That night ended up being more than just a hookup for me. We connected on a level that I hadn’t experienced before. I don’tbelieve in love at first sight or soulmates, but if I did, that night would’ve sealed it for me.
“So just know, meeting you and spending the night with you wasn’t a mistake in my book.”
Raven sat speechless as she stared down at their joined hands. She wanted more than anything to believe Zion because that’s how she felt too. She was surprised the feeling was mutual.
Before the babies had been born, she struggled to forgive herself from being so reckless. But the first time she held the two of them in her arms, everything changed. She had no regrets about getting with Zion or their slip up. Ultimately, it had been the best thing that ever happened to her.
