of the gumbo.
“Maybe the cocktail is going to my head faster than I thought. It’s been a while since I drank alcohol.” I cleared my throat. “So what kind of things do you like to do around here?”
He studied me, and I knew I was coming across strangely. I was pathetic. Wilder had only looked at me, and here I was self-sabotaging in front of the golden god I was lucky enough to be dining with.
“I ordered you a mojito, but if it’s too much, I’ll finish it off for you.”
“Maybe you should.”
“Speaking of things you like to do… I noticed you’ve been taking up running.”
Before his words finished, a shadow fell over our table.
I cranked my head back, somehow not surprised to find Wilder standing there. He towered over the table, hands stiff by his side. My whole body heated up under his attention, the summer dress I wore no longer keeping me cool. It clung to my back as perspiration slid down my skin.
Wilder didn’t say a word. He just stood there, watching me.
“Can we help you?” I asked just as Daxon looked ready to stand. Considering the number of people in this restaurant, it would turn to chaos if these two broke out into another testosterone battle of who was the biggest bad boy in town. There was no doubt that these two powerful men were both type A personalities.
I stiffened my shoulders, trying to look unaffected by his presence. His gaze was knowing as he stared at me though, like he knew what I tasted like.
Which he did. Fuck my life.
“Fuck off, Wilder,” Daxon growled out under his breath.
The air thickened around us with tension, making even breathing a struggle. They were going to fight again, weren’t they?
“What are you doing here?” Wilder snarled, ignoring Daxon, his glare slicing through me.
“Um, having dinner,” I answered, holding myself tight, even as another drop of perspiration ran down my spine. “That’s what happens at a restaurant.”
He leaned closer to me, and Daxon had evidently had enough. He jumped to his feet, and suddenly, they were now face to face. My heart pounded at a million miles an hour, and the whole restaurant seemed to fall silent, anticipating the violence that was coming.
“Please, not here,” I whispered loud enough for them to hear.
Wilder growled deep in his chest like he was an animal. “She doesn’t belong here, and you know it.”
“Get the fuck out of my face and get the hell out of here,” Daxon answered. He leaned forward, a smug smile appearing on his handsome face. “Not this one,” I thought he murmured.
Whatever he said, Daxon’s words had Wilder fuming.
I was glued to my seat, my breath wedged in my chest.
“Be very careful, Daxon. This situation of ours won’t last much longer.” Wilder spat the words in his face before he abruptly pulled away and marched back towards his table.
The voices around us started to slowly climb back up, and Daxon took a deep inhale before taking his seat. “Sorry you had to see that. He’s an asshole on the best of days.”
“Yes he is,” I murmured. “I’m just glad the waitress took our knives earlier,” I joked, looking over to see Wilder back with his date.
Daxon laughed. “I try to draw the line at murder.”
I shrugged, smiling, glad that we were somehow moving past what had just happened.
The rest of the night passed on without issue, but once we made our way back to the inn, I felt the effect of having eaten more than I should. So much for my health goals and all of that.
Daxon walked me to the entrance around the back of the inn that led right into the bar area, and I paused there. Only the light from the inn shone around us, while night swallowed everything else in sight.
“That was a great night,” I said. “The best I’ve had in a long time. Thank you.”
“I’d gladly accept the challenge to make the next one even better?” I felt his hand slide over to mine, taking hold and drawing me closer. My cheeks heated up with anticipation. I felt like a schoolgirl, waiting for her first kiss.
My gaze fell to his perfect mouth.
“So, is that a yes to a second date?” His hands found my waist, and I stumbled toward him, my hands finding his firm chest. His muscles underneath his shirt still astounded me.
“That depends,” I purred, unable to believe how forward I acted. This wasn’t me, but then again, I