As we pull into the lot, I notice her immediately. She lifts her head. The smile that lights up her face the second she spots my approaching vehicle rattles something solid inside my chest.
Walter props his front paws on the door and whines. I grab his leash before she opens the door, then scoop him onto my lap. He continues to whine and tug on the leash in an attempt to get closer to Rachel.
“Hey!” She opens the door, her eyes meeting mine, then brightening when they land on Walter. She slides into the seat and buckles up. “You brought my buddy.” She holds her hands out, her smile wide and open. She claps her hands and he bounds over the center console, tackling her with a flurry of kisses. I open my mouth to scold him, or at the very least apologize, but before I do her laughter fills the vehicle. I’ve spent enough time with women to know there aren’t many like her. She’s dressed up, her hair and makeup perfect. Yet she’s not worried about a little dog hair or slobber.
“I think Walter missed you,” I deadpan as I shift into drive and wind my SUV back into traffic.
She giggles as he licks at the bare skin on her neck. “I see that.”
“Walter.Enough.”
“He’s fine.” She lifts her gaze and I’d like nothing more than to kiss away the sweet smile that plays on her lips.
“Hungry? You didn’t have dinner yet?” Can she hear the hopefulness in my tone? I don’t even care if she does, because as much as I’d like to play it cool, I’d like to have dinner with her more.
“No, and I’m famished.”
“Good. I have the perfect place.” I can’t keep the grin from my face. “Unless you have other plans?”
“Nope.” She strokes the back of Walter’s fur. “Do we need to drop this guy home? Should I change?”
You’re perfect.“Actually, he’s going to join us.”
“Oh?” Her brows lift with her gaze. “You have me intrigued.”
“Good.” I wink.That’s exactly how I want you.
It takes about twenty minutes before we pull into the street parking within walking distance to one of my favorite oceanside cafes. The food is good, the wine is better, but the rooftop view is why I never regret dropping a hundred or two on dinner. Besides, they’re pet friendly and Walter’s practically a local celebrity.
“Jude! We haven’t seen you in a while.” The owner greets us with a wide smile.
“It’s good to see you, Gio. I didn’t make a reservation.”
“Pssh.” He waves off my comment. “We always have room for Walter.”
“What about me?” I pretend to be offended.
“Make me a deal, and maybe I can find an extra chair.”
Rachel observes our banter in silence, but by the hint of her smile she finds it entertaining.
“I’ll order your best bottle of Merlot.”
“You’ve got yourself a table.” Gio holds out his hand and we shake on it. “Nessa, please show Mr. Lawrence to his table.”
A pretty young woman grins. “Right this way, sir.”
I press my hand to the small of Rachel’s back, taking any excuse to touch her, no matter how simple it might be. My fingers tingle with the desire for more. The growing hunger in my belly has nothing to do with the pasta and fresh seafood Gio’s chefs whip up inside the kitchen. I’m a man starved. Each smile, laugh, or look she grants only fuels my desire.
“How’s this for you?” Nessa asks.
It’s the same table I sit at every time I visit Gio’s. My gaze trains on Rachel, cataloging her reaction as she takes in the view. Up here on the deck, with the summer breeze to temper the heat, the view of Laguna Beach is spectacular. The sky is painted in pinks and oranges, the beginning of another gorgeous California sunset, but it’s her that catches my attention and holds it like a vice. I couldn’t look away if I tried.
“Wow,” Rachel breathes, then lifts her gaze to mine when I don’t reply to the hostess.
“Is this okay?” I ask.
She laughs, the sound a little tight. “Ah, yeah. Twist my arm.”
