Her brown eyes were molten, exploring his face. “I’m not that hungry—”
“You will be,” he argued.
She picked up her toothpick, the olive heading for her mouth. A bolt of hunger tightened his already rock-hard erection. His hand encircled her wrist, stopping her. He couldn’t be held responsible for his actions if she ate that damn olive.
“Not a fan of olives?” she asked.
“Not at the moment.” His fingers slid along her forearm, tracing the slight indention at her elbow. He pulled his hand back, the feel of her satin skin still on the tips of his fingers. How long had it been since he’d wanted to touch someone? To feel something? Right now, he’d never wanted anything more. He flexed his hand then gripped the empty beer bottle.
Her phone vibrated again, immediately grabbing her attention. She relaxed, transformed from sexy to sweet by the all-encompassing smile on her face. “It’s Bibi,” she said.
“Bibi?”
“The one who set this up.” She tucked that piece of hair behind her ear again, unknowingly taunting him. “She told me to behave.” Her brown eyes met his.
“What are you telling her?”
“Not likely,” she murmured, her voice breathy.
“Here you go.” The waiter placed their drinks on the table. “Your steaks will be out shortly.”
There was no mistaking the desire in her eyes as she rasped, “Can we get that to go?”
Patton’s pants grew painfully tight.
“To go?” the waiter asked.
“To go,” Patton affirmed. The sooner the better. At the moment, he was seriously contemplating breaking a few laws about what should or shouldn’t be done in public. It was crazy, he knew it, but he didn’t care.
“Of course.” The look of confusion on the waiter’s face as he left was comical.
“Unless you have plans?” she said with a coy grin. “I thought I’d be going to bed early tonight.”
“Oh, you are.” He couldn’t resist, or hold back the smile.
She laughed. “You’re a surprise, Patton.”
He was a surprise? He shook his head.
Their waiter returned long enough to place their to-go bag on the table, setting the small black bill binder on the table. “It was a pleasure serving you this evening.”
Patton pulled his wallet out, tucked several bills in the binder and stood. He came around the table and slid Cady’s chair back for her.
Cady stared up at him. “I knew you had it in you to be a gentleman.” She stood, leaning closer and lowering her voice. “I’m not really looking for a gentleman tonight.”
Patton stared down at her. “Good to know.” The few inches between them was charged with undiluted hunger. He couldn’t resist. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing the fullness of her lower lip. The simple touch had her leaning into his hand and him leaning into her. When her lips fastened on his thumb, his breath escaped on a hiss. She smiled up at him, the thrill of power in her gaze a challenge he’d gladly accept.
He took her hand and led her from the restaurant. He had no idea where they were going. It would take too long to get to his place, and he didn’t want to wait. Once they were outside the restaurant, he sized up their options. They were downtown, a place he tended to avoid. But there were perks. Like having two hotels to choose from within walking distance. He picked the closer, heading in that direction. Her fingers twined with his, inflaming and soothing him. He glanced at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and accelerated breathing. She felt it, too.
It took ten minutes to check in to the upscale hotel.
He took the key card, and Cady tugged him into the elevator. He waited until the doors closed behind them before grabbing her around the waist and lifting her to sit on the wooden railing that lined the elevator.
She reached for him, threading her fingers in his hair. “Kiss me.” It was part plea, part demand—the hitch in her voice telling him everything he needed to know. She wasn’t as in control as she pretended to be.
Neither was he.
He bent his head and her fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him close. He angled his head, dragging his nose along the shell of her ear and the arch of her neck. Her scent wrapped around him, drawing him to her. He tilted her head back, his mouth grazing her skin where neck met shoulder. She shivered, her skin contracting beneath his lips.