“I like this side to you.”
She nestles her face in the crook of my neck, her lips softly brushing against my skin. My pulse races, the simple sensation creating a brush of heat along my skin.
I set Jemma on the ice next to the table, grabbing her by the hips as she regains her balance.
I push her chair into the table before taking my place beside her. “I hope you like Italian food.”
“I’ll eat just about anything.”
She stares into the stands. “I still can’t believe you did this for me.”
“I’m hoping you’ll give me another chance.”
Her cheeks redden, the corners of her mouth turning into a grin. “I’d like that.”
Oh, thank God.
Our server pours glasses of water and wine before setting salads and bread before us.
“This is so good,” Jemma says, clutching her fork between her fingers. “I never knew a salad could be so delicious.”
I laugh between bites. “Dolce is one of my favorite restaurants. We should go for our second date, but I already have something else planned.”
“Is that so?” Jemma speaks between bites. “Where do you plan to take me next time?”
I set my fork at the edge of my plate and sit back in my chair. “If I’d told you where we were going tonight, it would have ruined the surprise. The look on your face when you saw the ice was priceless. You’ve never looked more beautiful. So, I think I’ll keep my ideas for our second date to myself. At least for now.”
She’s glowing, her face illuminated. “I’m glad I was wrong about you.”
“And I’m glad you bid on me at the auction.”
“You looked so sad on the stage with no one bidding on you. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Perfect,” I huff. “A pity date.”
She knows I’m kidding and laughs. “It’s not a pity date. But I saved you from embarrassment.”
“Yeah, that was weird. I’ve never had girls not bid on me at the auction.”
“Sorry about that. I suspect my sisters had a hand in your lack of interest.”
“Way to bruise a man’s ego,” I quip. “What did I ever do to any of the Kappa Delta girls?”
She shrugs. “Abby isn’t your biggest fan, and my Big Sister, Shannon, warned me to stay away. So, I don’t know, you tell me.”
“Nothing I can think of. Shannon is dating Jamie. She spends a lot of time at our house. She’s never acted weird with me. Jamie told her some stories, and now she has it in her head that I’m not good enough for her Little Sister.”
“I think Jordan and Abby made it happen. A few days before the auction, I told my sister I wanted to be with you. But I wasn’t ready to tell you. I suppose she was giving me the push I needed.”
“I guess I owe her one.”
Our dinner arrives, cutting off our conversation. Jemma moans when she sinks her teeth into the delicious gnocchi served in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce. My taste buds awaken with each bite of the cheesy potato dumplings.
With her mouth full of food, she points her fork at the plate. “This is so good. Oh my God… it’s better than sex.”
I laugh. “Not better than sex with me.”
She shakes her head. “You’re so cocky.”
