"We aren't fully stocked yet and the bartender doesn't begin until next week, so aside from sparkling or still water, I can offer you a Pinot Grigio or Cabernet from a local vineyard.
Palmerorders a Pinot.MissAnnabelle turns to me."Charlie?"
"I'll have the same,thanks."
AfterMissAnnabelle leaves to get our drinks,Palmerleans her elbows on the table, her eyes wide and her amazing tits on full display."I can't believe I'm going to be one of the first people to eat at The Barn. My parents will die. I know they made reservations but couldn't get an opening for a couple of months."
I drag mygazeaway from herchestand to her eyes, but that doesn't do much to help my scrambling brain. Looking into her eyes is like looking into a tropical sea, the light gold ring around the iris an island I could happily live on for the rest of my life.Damn.Mattis right. I am whipped.
"Charlie?"Palmergiggles."Are you listening to me?"
I blink and dip my head, giving her a sheepishgrin."I was momentarily distracted. You have the most beautiful eyes."
Her lips part. A lovelypinkblush blooms in her cheeks. She dips her head as she tucks her hair behind her ears."They're weird. Butthankyou."
"What?"I'm stunned."They're not weird, they're gorgeous. Unique. Who would ever tell you otherwise?"
She glances at me, then darts her eyes away. Anger sparks and simmers in mystomach."It was the prick you were dating."
Palmertakes in a sharp breath, then forces a smile."Actually, no. But I don't want to talk about them or him. Or even think about any of it."She takes my hand.
I squeeze."Listen. There is nothing weird about you. Your eyes, your smile, your body–Palmer, you're a walking wet dream."
Her lips part again, her eyes darkening while a delicious flush colors herchest. This is arousedPalmer, and I like her a hell of a lot more than embarrassedPalmer.
I'm seconds from suggesting we blow offdinnerso I can take her somewhere toshowherexactlyhow sexy she is whenMissAnnabelle returns with our drinks."It's a fixed menutonight,"she says."Based on what we have available on the farm. We have braised sausage and fennel, or, if you prefer meatless, we have wild mushroom mezzalune in a creamy garlic alfredo. Both served with homemade sourdough and a fresh garden salad. All main ingredients sourced from right here on the farm."
"They both sound so good,"Palmersays, her eyes lighting up.
"We'll have one of each,"I say."Then we can share."
"Perfect."MissAnnabelle claps her hands together."It'll be out shortly."
After what can only be described as the best meal I've ever eaten, with the bestdinnerdateI've ever had, we say our goodbyes toMissAnnabelle with compliments to the chef and leave.
"This has been great,Charlie,"Palmersays. She reaches her hand over the console and I take it, interlacing our fingers.
"It's not over yet,"I inform her with a wink.
"Are we going back to my place?"sheasks, the hopeful excitement in her voice almost making me forget my plans.
"One more stop. Trust me, you'll love it."I wink at her.
Ipullinto the parking lot of a strip mall and help her out of the car."What is this place?"sheasks, looking up at the sign above the door of the first storefront."ShatterZone?"
"You'll see."Iholdopen the door and follow behind her. The girl at the desk inside greets us with a smile."Welcome to ShatterZone. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, for Salinas."
The girl checks on the computer, then hands over two passes."You are in room three. Down the hall and on your right. Lisa will help you put on the safety suits."
"Great.Thanks."I take Palmer's free hand and lead her down the hall.
"Uh, safety suit?"Palmerraises a brow at me. I chortle.
"Just wait."
I open the door to room three and we step inside a small vestibule. Another young woman is inside unfolding a white Tyvek suit. She looks up and smiles at us.
