Sweat, Hunter’s shower fresh scent…and perfume?
“Sorry, Lina. Got held up at work.” He shook his head.
“No fights on the first day back, I hope.” I leaned toward him, and he pressed a kiss to my lips.
“No fights tonight.” His eyes slid down my body, and I hugged the short leather jacket close, hoping he liked it. “You look great!”
“I know we’re just going to the candy store, but I wanted to dress up. It’s silly, I know, but…it makes me feel strong, too.”
“First New Year’s Eve out and about. I get it. And trust me, I don’t mind one bit.”
“I wish I could try coming to your bar…to dance.”
He faced me with wide eyes. “Yeah?”
Oh man, he wanted that, didn’t he? He couldn’t hide the excitement in his bright eyes.
“It would be fun to show you off.” He grinned as he checked the mirrors and pulled away from the hotel. “And do a little dancing…”
He slid his hand over the leather to my thigh and gave it light squeeze.
“I…ah…I’ll try it soon.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything.
The ride to the candy store was quiet, and he seemed…distant. His answers to my questions weren’t too wordy, not that he ever was a fountain of words, but still.
He parked the car, got out and came to my door. “Ready for a sugar rush?”
There were only two cars in the parking lot, and a quick glance to the storefront showed only one customer inside. He was searching down the gummy bear aisle while the worker up front at the register was hunched over her phone. “Quiet night.”
He helped me out by holding my hand, then shut my door. “I don’t suspect many come to a candy store New Year’s Eve. I’m not even sure why they’re open.”
“Waiting for the drunk or stoned people to get their cravings on, I guess.”
He laughed as he threaded his fingers through mine. I hadn’t bothered with gloves, so I welcomed the warmth. Even the chill of his many rings felt good. I put my free hand in my leather coat pocket and glanced up at him. He scanned the lot.
“You always do that, don’t you?” I said.
“What’s that?”
“Look around as if you’re expecting someone to jump out at you.”
“Doesn’t hurt to be aware. You see a threat before it’s too late that way.”
“You know what?” I swung our clasped hands. “We’re not that different, you and me.”
He stopped before the door and nudged me to face him. White plumes floated from his mouth as he let out a breath. It was only about six degrees out, so it didn’t take much, but from the length of the white plumes, he’d let out a long breath.
“Scared,” I said.
“Scared, huh?” He reached for the door and pulled it open. “Come on, let’s get you inside. You’re cold.”
Dang, he knew me so well. It hadn’t even registered with me that I was getting cold. He guided me in and to the right, down the jellybean aisle.
“Hi!” the girl from the counter shouted.
He nodded to her and guided me back three steps to the small two-person table. “Let’s hear your theory.”