Allegiance - Chiah Wilder Page 0,23
get my license until just a few years ago. Paris had such an amazing transportation network, I never needed it.”
“Paris?”
“I spent four years there, in school, studying culinary arts.” The memory stuck in her abdomen as she tried to will away the wash of sadness that came with it. “It was one of the best experiences of my life.”
“I can imagine.”
Tank gave her directions as they drove away from the downtown area.
“Do you like to travel, Tank?”
“Yeah. I take road trips, usually disappearing for two or three months a year. But the last two years, I haven’t been able to hit the road as much as I’d like.”
“I hear you. It’s hard to own a business.”
“Yeah. Turn right here.”
“I see the restaurant. Wow, it’s right on the water.” Lena pulled into the parking lot and secured a spot. “I love the way this place is built into the sandbank, as if it’s always been a part of the environment here.”
“I know the guy who owns it. I’ve been coming here for a long time, and the food is always out of this world. Freshest seafood on the beach, and at night, the view of the stars is unbeatable.”
At his prodding, she looked up through the windshield into the shining inky sky above them. Her breath hitched at the sheer beauty of the constellations shimmering so brightly without light pollution to take it down a notch.
“We keep getting into these situations, you know,” she remarked quietly, her hands resting on the wheel as she took in the vast galaxy above.
“Situations like what?”
“Romantic ones.”
“Ah.” They both looked out the window at the waves breaking on the white sand beach glistening in the moonlight. “Well, maybe there’s a reason for that.”
Lena made a non-committal noise, pretending to take great care in undoing her seatbelt.
“Let me help you.”
Suddenly, he was next to her, pulling the belt from its holder. Tilting her head to look up at him, he brushed a hand across her cheek, tangling his fingers in her hair. The naked heat in his eyes seared her, holding her gaze when she wanted nothing more than to look away. She saw his focus shift to her mouth seconds before he pressed his lips to hers. Instead of pushing him off, she leaned into him, returning the kiss. For several minutes, their tongues stroked, lips and mouths seeking. When his hand slid over to her exposed thigh, her senses took hold. Gently clasping his hand, she moved it away.
“You’re amazing.” Pulling back, he tapped her nose with his finger. “We better go in before they give our reservation away.”
Nodding, she unlocked the doors and pulled down the visor to reapply her lipstick. They still burned in the aftermath of his fiery possession. Stepping out of the SUV, he held out his hand, which she took, and they walked into the eatery.
A half hour later, they were sharing a colossal shrimp cocktail, a platter of lobster rolls, crab cakes, and a bottle of pinot grigio.
“You were right when you said this place was gorgeous,” Lena said before biting into a lobster roll. “The rhythmic shushing of the waves is so relaxing. I should come here daily.”
“I’m down for that.” Grinning, Tank speared a shrimp with his fork. “How do you like the food so far?”
“Well, judging by my fancy palette,” she replied with a thick French accent, “it’s some of the best” —she broke into laughter, unable to keep up the charade— “I’ve had in the area.”
“It’s so fuckin’ cute the way your nose crinkles when you laugh.”
“Do you flatter the women you take out for dinner?”
“You act like I’m a player. And before you say anything—I’m not.”
“I bet women don’t say no to you often.” Leaning back in her chair, she cocked her head to the side. “I bet you’re one of those men who’re used to getting exactly what they want, when they want it.” She took a sip of wine, eyeing him over the rim of her glass.
“I’m not.” He reached for the bottle of beer in front of him. “I’ve always been a hard worker, but yeah, things come easy with women.”
“So you’re saying they throw themselves at you?” Lena’s eyes traced his picture-perfect features. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Yet I’m here, with you. Means being picky must pay off for me.”
“Damn, that was smooth.” She felt her cheeks heat despite her eye roll, and she tried to concentrate on the food so he couldn’t see the million and one thoughts rolling