He glanced at her as she crossed and uncrossed her smooth, shapely legs, and stifled a groan. “It’s a Mustang. She’s my pride and joy.” He gripped the wheel and focused on keeping his eyes on the road.
“I keep learning something new about you.”
“You already know a lot about me. I want to learn about you. How long have you lived in Raven’s Hollow?”
“All my life. The Howe’s were some of the first founders of the town. What about you?”
“Our family has roots here as well. My great, great-grandfather came here from the island of Crete and opened the first tavern in town.”
“How interesting. And now you’re picking up where he left off with Gemini?”
“I guess so. I moved to LA for a stretch and tried to open a restaurant out there, but things didn’t work out.” That was an understatement. “I moved back a few years ago to be near my family. Do you have siblings?”
“I have a younger brother I’m super close to. Sadly, he moved to Atlanta recently.” They slowed for a light, and she turned to face him, pushing her hair behind her ear. “How far are we going? Should I have packed a bag? Or a passport?”
“You don’t need any of those, but I may have forgotten to tell you to bring a helmet.”
Brooke laughed. “Hmm, what would require a helmet?” She pressed her finger to her lips. “Bungee jumping? Snowboarding? Mountain biking? I don’t think I’m dressed for any of those.”
“Good guesses, but you forgot skydiving and hang gliding.” Nico grinned, enjoying their playful banter. He turned onto Grand Street and pulled into Gemini’s empty lot. “We’re here.” He’d closed the restaurant for their date and paid the staff to take the night off. His partner wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea, but he understood. He’d never done something this insane in his life. But Brooke was worth the effort.
“Okay, but just so we’re clear, it’s not a dungeon somewhere I’ll never be heard from again, right?”
“Close, it’s my basement where I keep all my sex slaves.” A vivid image of Brooke naked and tied to his bed floated through his head. He was glad she couldn’t see his face or the bulge in his pants right now, or he’d be in big trouble. “Maybe you’re not used to being on the receiving end of things.”
Her sharp intake of breath told him she might’ve been imagining the double entendre. Now all he could think about was licking her while she exploded in his mouth. He’d bet she’d taste every bit as good as she looked.
Opening her door, he led her inside by the elbow. “I’m looking forward to having you all to myself.” After he pulled out his keys, he unlocked the door and ushered her inside. “Watch your step. Hold my arm. I won’t let you fall.”
“It smells amazing in here.”
“Almost as good as you.” He pulled out his phone and clicked on his playlist. The soft notes of a saxophone filled the dining room. “Don’t take the blindfold off yet.”
“We’re at Gemini, aren’t we? Is this the surprise?”
“Welcome to my second home. We’re closed for the night, so we have the whole place to ourselves.”
“I can’t believe you brought me to your restaurant and closed the whole place for me.” Nico picked up on the awe in her voice, solidifying his decision. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You said you’ve been meaning to stop by. I figured I’d give you the best seat in the house.” Nico eased her down in a chair at a white-clothed table, laden with roses and candles for the occasion.
“This is by far the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.” Romantic gestures would be routine if he had anything to say about it.
“I think it’s your turn for a quiz. I’m going to make you use your senses. What do you smell?”
She inhaled, and a smile broke out across her beautiful face. “Rosemary, basil, and garlic.”
“Good girl. Let’s see how you do when it comes to your sense of taste. Here goes.” Nico lifted a cracker and cheese from a tray and held it to her pretty, pink lips. “Open up.”
She sniffed the cheese, and took a bite. “Yum. I love the tangy flavor. Pecorino cheese?”
“I chose my personal favorite. Are you ready for another bite?”
“Yes.” Her little pink tongue darted out to wet her lips. “What’s next? Don’t tease me.”
“I think I’m going to enjoy teasing you.” He picked up a sautéed mushroom. “Open wide.”
Her lips closed over the mushroom. “I taste the rosemary; it’s so good.” Her soft groan of pleasure sent his imagination into overdrive. If he could give what they were doing a name, he’d call it food porn.