the light woodsy cologne. Watching as he moved back to the driver's side, she wondered if she would get lucky that night as well.
13
Sean tried to keep his mind on the conversation as they drove downtown to the Inner Harbor, but the delicate vanilla scent wafting off Harper was distracting. When she had opened the door to her apartment, his breath caught in his throat. The blue sweater that dipped at the neckline showed just enough of her tantalizing curves to completely capture his attention while yet being modest. He hoped he was not rude meeting her friend but could not keep his eyes off Harper.
After Sandy had left and he held up her coat for her to slip on, his eyes dropped to her ass, perfectly cupped in the tight skirt. Even the man across the hall barely registered as Sean’s gaze stayed pinned on Harper, and Sean was used to memorizing faces.
After parking in one of the garages servicing the Inner Harbor, he assisted her from the SUV. Once leaving the garage, they crossed the main street, then slowed their walk to a casual stroll as they made their way around the cobblestone sidewalks.
Hope City had a thriving shipping harbor slightly south of where they stood, but this area was for pedestrians. Shops and restaurants, high-end eateries mixed with casual dining, it was a place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. The water lapped against the concrete edge and the lights glistened off the undulating surface
A cool breeze hit them as soon as they stepped from between two buildings and he noted Harper shiver. Without thinking, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her tighter into his side.
She looked up at him and smiled, her arm sliding around his waist as they continued to walk, her side plastered next to his.
“I didn’t ask what kind of food you like to eat,” he said. “We can go anywhere you’d like.”
“I don’t think I’ve found any food that I don’t like! What are you in the mood for?”
He wanted to say ‘you’, but instead asked, “Do you like seafood?”
“Absolutely!”
“Have you ever eaten at Charlie’s Fish House?”
Her face lit as her smile widened. “I haven’t eaten there in a long time. But I know it’s fabulous.”
He glanced down at her boots and said, “It’s on the other side of the Inner Harbor. Are your feet gonna be okay walking?”
“Oh, yeah, I’ll be fine.”
They walked for almost twenty minutes to get to the other side of the Inner Harbor, weaving through the people that were enjoying the evening and listening to the musicians that had set their chairs around, playing for donations. Once at the restaurant, he was glad to see that the line was not long. Giving his name to the hostess, they decided to sit outside near the water while they waited.
Sitting on a bench, he kept his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She breathed deeply. “I’ve always loved this area and don’t come down here enough. When Sandy and I were in college, we’d hit some of the shops and bars around.”
“When you start working it’s a lot harder to find time to do things that you just enjoy.”
She twisted slightly in his arms and peered up into his face. “You’re so right. I love this area of the country, and I love Hope City. But when I got out of college and started working full time, well,” she shrugged, “it seemed like life just became all about work.”
The handheld buzzer vibrated, and he stood, reaching out to assist Harper to her feet. With his hand resting on her back, he escorted her to the front of the restaurant where he handed the device to the hostess. Following her, he was glad to see that they were placed at a corner booth.
Seeing Harper have difficulty sliding her coat off because of her splinted wrist, he stepped forward. “Here, let me help.” Once accomplished, he laid her coat on the booth bench along with his leather jacket.
The interior of Charlie’s Fish House was paneled in dark wood, and at night, with dim lights and candles on the tables, it gave the restaurant an intimate feel. Staring at the woman sitting across from him, the candlelight caught the auburn highlights in her hair and made her dark brown eyes glow. “You really are beautiful, Harper.” He reached across the table and linked his fingers with hers.