“Eat,” he prompted.
Obediently, I popped a slice of aged Manchego cheese into my mouth. The buttery, nutty flavor had never tasted so decadent. I really was hungry, and all of my senses were oddly heightened. I wasn’t sure if it was a result of the adrenaline dump or because everything seemed to sparkle when Max was touching me.
“You should try some,” I urged, struck with the desire to share something I loved with him. I wanted to see him smile again. “It’s really good.”
He eyed the spread dubiously. “I’ll pass.”
“Oh, come on.” I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s delicious and decadent, and it makes you feel fancy. I love a charcuterie.”
His lips twitched with amusement. “What if I don’t like being fancy? What if I want a cheeseburger and dirty fries?”
“Then you should’ve suggested a diner,” I said flippantly.
“Next time.” He said it like a warning, but I thrilled at the dark promise.
Next time? He wanted to do this again? Wait, were we on a date right now?
I watched him sample some Roquefort, grimace, and take a gulp of pinot to wash away the blue cheese flavor. A giggle bubbled from my chest. He set the wine glass down, his full attention fixing on me in that way that made my belly quiver.
“This tastes awful, Bambi.”
I rolled my eyes and selected a Marcona almond before nudging the salty snack in his direction. “You’ve barely tried it. Just avoid the blue cheese. And don’t call me Bambi.”
He shot me a crooked smile, and I forgot how to breathe. “But you get all flushed and cute when I call you Bambi. You don’t really mind it, do you?” He brushed his calloused fingertips over the sensitive skin at the inside of my wrist, feeling my pulse speed up in response to his teasing.
My cheeks flamed, and his grin turned dazzling.
“Eat your almonds,” I muttered, hot and flustered.
He laughed, and it didn’t sound so raspy this time. He sampled an almond, grunted in approval, and ate another.
“See?” I said, a silly grin stretching my lips. “You should try more. Trust me.”
He gave me a sardonic nod. “Okay, Bambi. I trust you.”
He started picking at different options on the platter, less hesitant with each bite. I began explaining what each item was and where it originated. He listened with rapt attention, as though my inane babbling about my favorite food was the most fascinating thing he’d ever heard. By the time the spread had almost disappeared and our wine glasses were empty, I felt pleasantly warm, and a light buzz tingled over my head.
“Feeling better?” he asked, his massive body fully relaxed and his sharp features content in a way I never would’ve imagined even an hour ago. He hadn’t once let go of my hand since we’d arrived at the bar.
“Yes, much better. Thank you.” I gave his fingers a little squeeze to convey my gratitude. He’d helped me relax too. After that awful ordeal with Gavin, he’d managed to put me completely at ease.
He squeezed back. “Let’s get you home.”
We asked for the check, and he insisted on paying. Was this really a date? It felt like a date.
But he hadn’t asked me out. In fact, he’d kind of commanded me to go and eat something, and he’d informed me that he would be joining me. That didn’t exactly sound like a date.
He tucked me under his arm as he walked me home, and I nestled into his warmth. He smelled like leather and man. The tingling in my head zinged along my veins, spreading all the way to my fingers and toes.
We reached my front door, and he started to pull away. I turned into him, unwilling to let him go. My lips felt swollen and achy from his ferocious kiss, and I wanted more.
Moving with a swiftness that shocked us both, I twined my arms around his muscular shoulders and pushed up onto my toes. He met me halfway, and our mouths collided in a rush of heat and raw need. I didn’t challenge him this time. I didn’t want to clash my will against his. My head tipped back, welcoming him to claim me.
His low groan rumbled over my tongue and down into my core. That aching throb between my legs tempted and tormented me, and I molded my body to his.
He took a step toward me, backing me up until I bumped into the door. His massive body surrounded me, pinning me in place for his devastating kiss. His big hand wrapped around my hip, branding my flesh with masculine heat. The slight twinge of pain beneath his grip reminded me that this was exactly where Gavin had grabbed me.
I whimpered into his mouth, and his lips softened, coaxing me to relax. He handled me gently, careful not to bruise, but he resolutely held my hip exactly where my bully had hurt me. There was something possessive and utterly primal about his touch, and the heat of his hand burned away the lingering taint left by Gavin’s groping fingers.