Cole holds up his wine glass. “To troubled times that only make us stronger. To unexpected love that only makes us fall harder.”
“Well said.” I clink his glass and take a sip, swirling it around and over my tongue. “It’s delicious.” I lick my bottom lip, only to get a growl out of Cole. I look over and see his hungry eyes.
“Please don’t do that, baby.”
I look down to see what he’s talking about. “What?”
“That look and the way you lick your lips nearly has me ripping your clothes off right here.”
This right here is one of the main reasons I can’t get enough of Cole. He’s soanimal. I love the fact that he’ll take me whenever, wherever. Not only that, but he tells me what he’s thinking without hesitation. This. Is. Incredibly. Sexy.
I twist the wine glass between my fingers. “How would you have me?” I ask so casually people around us would think we were chatting about the food.
“I’d flick up that dress and find you bare and lay you flat on the table. I’d spread your legs and dive in for a taste first. Then grip your shoulders and slip in verrrry slowly.” I can feel my chest rising and falling heavily.
“You like taking me from behind,” I remind him, encouraging him to go on.
“I do.” He takes a drink of his wine while his gaze sweeps the crowded restaurant. “It’s my favorite position with you.”
“Why?”
His grin has devilish written all over it. “It’s the sounds you make. They’re different, more animalistic. It’s sexy grabbing your hair and waist watching myself burying full tilt into your tight little opening. Your back curves, your head dips back, and your ass shakes when you want it harder.” He closes his eyes in an effort to get control, his jaw ticks, then he looks me straight in the eye. “It’s indescribable how much I need it.” I find myself panting right there across the table from him at Zack’s. In my workplace, no less!
I clear my throat and try to sort my thoughts as Zack and Adam serve our dinner.
“Filet mignon, with sautéed mushrooms and crumbled blue cheese, a side of roasted baby potatoes and fiddleheads.” My mouth is watering by the time he’s finished explaining. “Enjoy.” He nods before backing away and directing Adam toward another table.
The meat is so tender that my fork glides straight to the plate. I moan in delight at the first bite. The flavors swarm my taste buds, begging me to pair it with the wine. I don’t even notice Cole watching me until I tip my glass back and see his gorgeous smile.
“Aren’t you going to try it?”
“I’m glad you like it.” He picks up his fork and knife, taking a piece of the steak and placing it in his mouth. Cole might be a big guy, but he eats very politely. His parents have raised him well.
We go back to eating and making small talk about the town and its history. We’re acting like a normal couple. I love it.
“How’re Abigail and Doc?” I ask after our plates have been cleared. Poor Cole tugs at the collar of his shirt, and he finally just unbuttons it. “Feel better?” I grin.
“Yes.” He laughs and leans back against the seat.
“Why didn’t you just wear what you are comfortable in?” I reach over and take his hand. I trace circles over his fingers, noticing how small mine look in comparison.
“I need to make a good first impression,” he murmurs, leaning over the table and kissing the back of my hand. “I need to show you I can be more than just a country boy.” I slide my hand away, and his head flips up. I shake my head slowly, seeing something I haven’t before.Huh.“What?”
“Cole, I’m not interested in going back to New York. That part of me has died. The very thought of returning there makes me scared as hell.” He sighs and gives me a quick nod. I reach for his hand, grabbing his attention. “Honestly, Cole, my heart is with you. Ever since I met you, you’ve had it. You keep comparing yourself to something you think I am. If that’s truly how you see us, then you really don’t know me at all.”
He looks around to see if the staff is within hearing. “How do I know one day you’re not going to wake up and want to go back to city life? That’s not me. I can’t do it. I need my mountain.”
“And how do I know that one day you’re not going to wake and fall out of love with me?” I counter.
“You can’t stop loving a piece of yourself, Savannah. You are here.” He points to his chest, making my heart want to leap over the table and join his. “Come on.” He stands and offers me a hand. He helps me with my coat and leads us out of the restaurant.
His fingers thread through mine as we walk along the sidewalk that’s now dusted with fresh snow. Though it’s not Christmas, the street is still lined with white twinkle lights, making the town sparkle. He stops us at a window. “You remember this place?”
“Yes.” I point to a box now showing a cross necklace. “It was right there. I wear it every day.” I pat my chest where it rests against my skin. I turn and point down and across the street. “And right there is where I first met Christina, and you told her we were engaged. I’m not going to lie, that was pretty damn fun.”
“Yes, it was.”
I pull him down so his lips meet mine and feel him tug me closer. He’s warm and tastes like wine. I moan when his tongue massages mine. Snow starts to fall harder, pricking my face and making me shiver.