“Oh, good,” she replies with a wide grin. “We’re officially out.”
I bite back a groan, and she giggles.
“You’re cute when you’re stressed.”
“Ah. Now I know why you’re so intent on making me crazy.”
She waggles her eyebrows playfully and then peruses the menu. “How’s the alfredo here? I’m a sucker for white sauce.”
“I know.”
She blinks at me for a second before snorting loud enough to gain the attention of the people around us. “You would, wouldn’t you?”
“Yep.” And just like that, I’m hard. “It’s great, by the way, especially with the grilled chicken.”
“Sold.” She puts the menu away and orders a diet soda when the waitress comes by to greet us.
“I’ll stick to water tonight,” I say. “And I think we’re probably ready to order, right, babe?”
Tessa presses her glossy lips into a smile. “Absolutely.”
Order placed, with breadsticks coming up as an appetizer, the waitress retreats. I do my best to relax despite waiting on Kaden McMurray to barge through the door at any moment.
“Liv is having an after-hours ladies’ night sale. Do you mind if we stop by before we head back to the ranch?”
“Liv?”
“From Queen’s Unmentionables.”
“The lingerie shop?” She’s not serious.
“Yep. I already looked online, so I know what I want. I’ll be in and out, I promise.”
She wants me to take her to buy lacy underwear on our first night out in public. Is she trying to get me firedandkilled?
“You really think that’s a good idea?”
“You can hide out in the truck. Besides, I’ll model for you later.” She bats her lashes, and my softening cock perks back up again.
“You’re the devil.”
She leans into my ear and whispers, “In that case, I’ll be sure to buy something red.”
Goddamn. Looks like I’m going to hell.
* * *
TESSA
“Isn’t this gorgeous?” Liv holds up and then carefully folds the lacy red negligee I picked out to fulfill my promise to Dean. “I’ve been eyeing this one up myself.”
“It’s all stunning. I’ve been dying to visit since I saw your gorgeous displays during the Christmas festival.”
The shop owner smiles kindly as she continues to ring up my purchases, which I hope fit. I didn’t want to try them on and make Dean wait too long outside.
“I’m so glad you came in tonight. You should stay and have a glass of champagne with us.” She gestures to the group of ladies gathered off to one side of the shop, laughing, sipping, and exploring a large chest full of intimate pieces. I recognize several of the women from the tree lighting ceremony last winter, and a couple even said hello when I arrived.
“I wish I could, but I have someone waiting for me outside.” I hand over my credit card after she tells me the total.
