Huffing a laugh, my gaze sweeps over the full table. I don’t think I can eat dessert on top of this, but something tells me I shouldn’t push back.
“What about you? Aren’t you going to have anything, Sir?” I ask, picking up a crispy truffle fry.
Swallowing his bourbon, he gives me a ravenous look that makes me weak. Leaning in over the table, his eyes slowly trail from my face to my breasts. They pause for a handful of heartbeats before rising to meet mine once again.
“Oh, don’t you worry my sweet Dolly, I’m going to eat…I just have to wait a little while.” he says, giving me a wink as he casually relaxes back in his chair.
I stop chewing, his suggestive words turn me into jelly. Images of his face between my thighs cloud my mind, I can almost feel my fingers twisting into his dark brown hair as he works me with his tongue. In my experience, men don’t want to do that, but it doesn’t surprise me that Sutton would. He’s generous with his money and his time, it makes sense that he would be generous with his lovers in the bedroom.
Trying to quell my impure thoughts, I swallow my mouthful of potatoes and pick up my glass of ice water. Taking a long drink, I boldly glance at his face. I wish I was better at flirting face-to-face and had a saucy rebuttal ready to go. I’m so much better at it when I’m staring at a screen.
He watches me with an intensity that makes my hand shake as I put my glass back down. I see the gears turning, but I’m not sure what he will say or do. Now I really wish I had something sexy to say. I don’t want him to lose interest or get bored. I swear I can be fun.I want to have fun.
“Do you miss San Diego?” he asks, his deep voice finally breaking the silence.
Caught off guard by the question, I lift my shoulders into a shrug. Although innocent, it makes me incredibly wistful. I try not to think about California too much, it has a habit of putting me into a funk when I do.
“Yes Sir, I do. But my little sister, Dani, is transferring to Southwestern in the fall, so it will be nice to have her in the same state as me, at least. And then my parents have been talking about moving out here to retire and be closer to us since we’re putting down roots here. So maybe I won’t feel so homesick with them in Texas.”
Raising his eyebrows, a flash of interest dances over his features.
“Southwestern? Really? My little brother Lincoln moved to Austin not too long ago, it’s a nice area. I’m sure she will love it…and your parents too, if they make the move.”
“Is it?” I ask, moving onto the shrimp cocktail. “I haven’t been down there yet. But, hey, maybe your little brother could show her around, huh? I’m sure she would love a tour!”
His smile cracks a little at my suggestion. Looking down at his drink, he says something under his breath that I can’t quite make out.
“I’m sorry, what Sir? I didn’t hear you.”
Lifting his eyes to me, he shakes his head.
“Oh, nothing Princess. So, you really think you’re going to put down roots here? You like Dallas that much?”
Humming softly, I dip my chilled shrimp in the cocktail sauce as I give his question some thought. I do love Dallas, it really has become my new home. I could see myself spending the rest of my life here. I’m a simple girl with simple dreams. I want nothing more than to find the love of my life, settle down, and have a family of my own. All my friends have lofty career goals and ambitions of running empires, but not me. As silly as it may sound, I’ve always wanted to be a mom. I’m not sure I should say that to him right now, though. I don’t want him to bolt for the door.
“Yes, Sir.”
He pauses, his dark blue eyes narrow ever so slightly.
“And do those roots include children, Princess? Or are you one of those girls that want to be a dog mom for the rest of your life?”
Holding my breath, I debate on how I should answer. I could lie, but what would be the point? If our goals don’t align, I don’t want to waste my time, or his for that matter.
“I hope they include children, Sir. At least a couple, but I’d also like a dog. Can’t have a family without a pup, right?”
I take a bite of shrimp before saying anything further.
Sutton’s jaw flexes as he sets his glass down, he exhales through his nose. I watch as all the hunger and wickedness disappear from his face, replaced by an almost somber look.
Did he not like my answer? I’m a little confused by his reaction. Maybe I should have lied.
“Are you ok, Sir?” I ask.
He chuckles; the robust sound tinged in something that sends an electric tingle through my body.
“Oh, Dolly. You might just be bad for business.”
CHAPTER THREE
