He bent to pick up my shoes, and I quickly tossed my bra behind me and turned off the bathroom lights. He motioned me to lead the way to the door. There he bent and helped me with the shoes.
He didn’t say anything as he slipped the black heel onto my foot. His light touch at my ankle made my legs Jell-O. Once the shoe was on, his hand lingered on my calf before he moved to the other shoe. The longer he stayed quiet, the more nervous I became.
When he stood, he smiled slightly and leaned forward. He carefully swept my hair back over my shoulder, moving it out of the way. The warmth of his palms heated my upper arms as he held me steady. His breath tickled the skin at the base of my neck as he breathed a path up to my ear. I forgot all about the dress.
“Thank you for saying yes,” he said softly then pulled back.
Yes to what?
He clasped my hand in his and led us out into the hallway. My brain came back online when he closed the door with a soft snick. He wrapped my hand around his arm as we walked downstairs. I could feel his eyes returning to me but didn’t look his way. Navigating stairs with heels required my full attention.
When we reached the bottom, I gave in and met his gaze. His intense regard sent shivers through me. He leaned in once again, his breath tickling my neck near my ear. I focused on the sensation of his lips brushing my skin. Please just kiss me already, I thought. The anticipation of it was driving me crazy.
“You smell wonderful.”
I turned my head slightly and pressed my cheek against his. He groaned.
When he finally straightened and motioned me through Nana’s open door, I walked in on autopilot, my neck still tingling from overexposure to Emmitt.
The boys already played a board game at the table with Jim and Nana. I could see Aden was in hero-worship mode when it came to Jim. Neither boy seemed to care too much that we were leaving for the night.
As I stood there saying goodbye, my head cleared enough that I started doubting the dress, again. I tried to think of an excuse to go back upstairs and change, but couldn’t. At least, not a diplomatic one. So, I allowed Emmitt to escort me out the door. The rain had stopped, but the ground still glistened with water. My heels sank a little when I stepped off the porch.
“Where are we going?” I asked while he held the door open for me.
“A steak and seafood place just outside of town,” he said as I carefully got in.
He hesitated then closed my door and walked around the front of the truck. The moment reminded me of the day I’d bought the truck, and my heart fluttered as he slid in behind the wheel. I wouldn’t have guessed then that the attraction I’d felt would have led to the revelation it had.
Emmitt was a werewolf, and he was mine.
He reached over and brushed back a strand of my hair. I took a calming breath and hoped he thought my racing heart was due to leaving my brothers and not him. He started the truck and pulled out of the driveway.
I settled in and watched the scenery. After a few moments of silence, I glanced over at Emmitt and caught his gaze.
“You’ve never mentioned any family other than your mom and Richard.”
I sighed and turned to glance out the window. “No family as far as I know on either side. It’s just us, now.”
He was quiet the last few miles to the restaurant. When he turned into a wide, paved drive, I saw the restaurant and was surprised. White Christmas lights wound along the fence and cast a soft glow over the parking lot. The place definitely looked more high-end than I would have expected being out in the middle of nowhere, though I could see the glow of city lights on the horizon.
Emmitt got out and opened the door for me. I watched his gaze stray from my eyes as he helped me down. A blush heated my face, and he gave me a small smile as he held my hand and led me inside. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to cover up or bask in his attention. So, I focused on walking.
A ma?tre d' stood at a podium, ready to greet us. Behind him, the polished wood floors of the bar area glowed in the soft light.
Emmitt gave his name and led me to an open place at the bar. He held out a barstool for me. I didn’t miss the brush of his fingers on my exposed back as I sat. He settled beside me and ordered us each a glass of red wine.
I didn’t say anything about the alcohol though I knew Nana would smell it on me. I wondered if I’d get another scolding. The bartender smiled a bit too warmly at me as he set my glass down, and Emmitt scowled in response. I took a sip. Nana would certainly understand.
I’d finished half a glass by the time the ma?tre d' came to seat us at our table. I studied the menu and immediately spotted what I wanted. The last time I had chicken parmesan, my mom had been alive.