As they drove away from the restaurant, Roger asked, “Where would you like to go for dessert? I know a place with awesome strawberry shortcake, and another one known for their truffles.”
“I have ice cream and hot fudge at my place,” Gia said.
Interested was an understatement. He’d been aching to get her alone since he’d pulled up to the hospital. Yet taking her home, whether her apartment or his hotel, wasn’t the smart thing to do. He’d never be able to keep his hands off her. Controlling his desires had never been an issue for him before. With Gia, it was different. Fuck, everything was.
He’d never taken a woman to dinner with his friends. That was too close to admitting they were a couple. Yet Roger didn’t do a damn thing to dispute that assumption when it rose. Was he getting old and tired of this single life? No. He was happy the way things were. Or at least he was until two weeks ago. Those damn green eyes of hers drew him in, and everything else about her captivated him. Roger had no idea how the hell someone like her was still single. Because there’s a lot of stupid men out there. I’m probably one of them.
“I’m tempted, trust me, very tempted, but I thought you needed to get back to Maplesville tonight?”
“I told Gary I’d be there early in the morning to relieve him before he leaves for work. Maybe we could call it an early night?”
Roger reached over and took her hand in his. “Maybe we can call it an early morning, and I drive you to your parents?”
She smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
He wasn’t sure he was ready to meet her father. He was still recovering from a heart attack, and Roger didn’t want to add any undue stress on him. Gia was his baby girl, and he was going to want to make sure Roger was treating her with respect. He may have slept with her, but one thing Roger knew, he did respect and care very much about Gia. That was something he had no problem telling her father, if asked. Hopefully no one would.
No matter how much he’d like to avoid the questions, dropping her off at their doorstep would be . . . cheap. That sure as hell wasn’t how he wanted their relationship portrayed. She introduced him before as a friend. Tomorrow they were about to learn just how friendly they were.
He’d stepped back and gave her space. Even now, space was still needed. But they wanted each other; that was undeniable. He didn’t know if she needed him as much as he needed her. As her fingers entwined with his he had one question. When did I start needing anyone?