Ryan opened it and revealed a gold omega chain with a diamond-shaped emerald hanging from it. A gold border held the shining green stone securely. Each of his hands held an open end of the necklace.
“Turn around and let me put it on.” The smile on his face dazzled me.
I turned and lifted my hair, so he could fasten the clasp. When he leaned down, his lips touched my neck in a soft kiss. Chills raced through me. His hands rested on my upper arms as if holding me inside a fantasy.
“Here you go.” Ms. Stonefield handed me a mirror.
“This is so thoughtful.” I ran my fingers over the smooth gold and stared at the emerald. “It’s beautiful. Too much, but beautiful.”
“No. It’s not enough to show you how much I value your friendship. I’ve wanted to get you something since last year, but I thought you’d take it the wrong way. You like it, then?”
He asked the question bashfully as if needing my confirmation that what he’d done was okay—I didn't realize until much later, the confirmation he searched for was about far more than the necklace.
“I love it.” My eyes teared. I turned to face him. "Thank you."
“Oh, Nicky, I knew the green in the emerald would bring out your eyes. What a perfect match. I'm so lucky to have found you.”
“It does look beautiful on her, Mr. Tilton.” Ms. Stonefield gave her approval. "If you don’t mind me saying so, I think her eyes actually bring out the green in the emerald.”
You’re one hell of a saleswoman, Ms. Stonefield.
“Now I have two special pieces of jewelry," I immediately thought about my grandmother's pin. "I'll cherish this forever.” I put my arms around Ryan’s neck and looked up at him the way he liked.
“Do you know why I got the emerald?”
“It’s my birthstone. Do you ever miss anything?”
“What a month it was that brought you into this world.” He lowered his voice. "And to me."
“Who knew you were waiting for me when I was a baby all those years ago?” I mused quietly.
He put his arm around my shoulder once again, thanked Ms. Stonefield, and escorted me out of the shop.
“You have me spinning hard, Nicky. I can’t focus.”
“That was the idea.” I was more than satisfied with my effort. “This dress, though—ooh, I’m going to burst out of it when I take my first bite of food. I’ll have to run right out of wherever we’re going with my coat on to hide my belly. Do you think it sticks out too much?” I asked as he opened the car door. “See this round spot, the spot you say you like? It sticks out no matter how much I exercise. I’ve never—”
When his lips pressed to mine, it felt as if a thousand wings from little hummingbirds stirred the air. His mouth tasted like the sweet nectar from a velvet tulip and the sweetness coated my lips.
“I love that spot.” His hand rested on my belly. “It’s just right.”
Love that spot . . . your hand on my tummy . . . love that spot.
With weak knees and a heart that was beating ninety miles per hour, I slid into the passenger seat of his Land Rover. As Ryan sat behind the wheel and started the car, I tried to breath, quietly releasing the pressure in my face and body.
We pulled up to Gary Danko’s, a sophisticated restaurant in North Beach. Known for its five star menu, lounge and soft music, it was frequented by couples that wanted an elegant evening.
“Do you think they’ll let me in?” I asked shyly.
Ryan looked at me with his devastating and mischievous smile spelling out s-e-x in the air right in front of us.
Of course they'll let me in. They won’t even question me because I’m with you and you know it.
Two valets opened the car doors. I waited for Ryan to sort it out with the young man on his side of the vehicle.
As usual, I fell into a daydream, seduced by my boyfriend, the atmosphere, my new necklace, and the romantic evening that lie ahead of us. Just as the valet took the car away, I remembered I’d left my coat in the back seat.
“Wait!” I absentmindedly started to run after it.
“Where are you going?" Ryan caught my arm. My handsome beau tried to hide his grin and I suspect hold back a laugh.
“I forgot my coat," I said breathlessly. "How can I get it?”
“Uh-uh.” He held my hands.
“What do you mean, Uh-uh? I might get cold. What if the dress rips, or . . . don't you want your date to be comfortable, Mr. Tilton?" My chin lifted just a little. "I seem to remember a few weeks ago, a certain boy in the parking lot gave me his jacket so I’d be warm, and now—no?”
“I want to see your moves.” He didn't know the moist trail left on my body with only the dip in his voice.
“My moves?” I smiled nervously. “I don’t have any moves.”
“Your bounces and wiggles—they're a feast for me. That dress—before we take one bite of food, or dance one dance, I’m done. I’ll be so saturated with visions and fantasies of your body, I might have to carry you right off the dance floor and make you sit on my lap through dinner.”
I’m in deep trouble.
“Please, don’t do that.” I literally pleaded, believing he would do exactly what he'd said.
“In fact, if you get to be too much for me, I’ll have to carry you out of here and take you to my place." His fingers flexed against my back.
“How quickly could you get my coat if I needed it?” I asked the head valet.
“With your ticket, only five minutes.” The man was stoic in his response, but I could see a twinkle in his eyes.
“Where’s the ticket I need?” I persisted.
He nodded to Ryan.
When I looked at my big boyfriend, he waved the ticket back and forth, blatantly slow, his secret smile telling me he had thoughts in his head that would make my mouth drop open.
“God, Ryan,” I walked as fast as I could to stay ahead of him.
His wonderful, masculine laugh rang through the air. He easily caught me at the entrance of the restaurant, took my hand, and stepped up to the hostess.
A tall, blonde woman who looked to be in her early twenties greeted us promptly. She wore a long, white gown that hugged her svelte body and had no trouble giving my date a look of hunger that traveled up and down his masculine frame. It was obvious she wanted to be of service to Ryan even after her work hours ended.
I know what you’re thinking, lady. Everyone feels the same way about him.
“Tilton, reservation for two,” Ryan announced. He turned to me and kissed my cheek. "You're going to love this place."
We'll see. Hopefully she won't be one of too many distractions, like the ones at The Embarcadero Hotel lounge.
She checked us off her list, very sweetly wished "us" a good evening, and asked that we follow another woman to our table.
"Did you see that dress she wore?" I can't measure up to that.
"What dress?" His hand tightened its hold on mine.
"Never mind."
Soft lighting formed a path beginning at the entry of the restaurant and continued through its interior. Candles and a variety of colored lights highlighted the deep, rich, oranges, yellows and chocolate browns on the walls, floor, and ceiling. The booths and tables were arranged both in an intimate setting and also near the bar and small dance area.
We were seated in the open. In a way, I felt like we were on display like those diamonds and rubies in the windows on Maiden Lane. We were in the full view of the other diners.
“Aren’t you afraid you won’t be left alone? I can already hear people talking and we haven’t even been here five minutes. And that hostess back there wants you for dessert.”
“I’m not concerned about any woman but you. This place is known for its discretion. We won’t be bothered.” Ryan pulled out the wooden chair with a black leather padded seat for me. Once I was comfortable, he sat down and then moved his chair next to mine. He took my hands in his. “Tonight, I want everyone to know I’m with my woman. Can’t you see it’s over
for me? I’m bursting with love for you.”
I glanced at the table to hide how emotional I felt. Thankfully, the waiter arrived with menus and asked what he could get us to drink. Ryan ordered sparkling water with lemon for both of us.
"Dance with me?" He stood and held his hand out for me. We walked onto the dance floor. His arms slipped around my waist.
Just watching him reach for me made my chest get tight. The intensity of his eyes was as if an azure fire was held within glassy volcanic rocks from an ancient time.
Our hips moved together effortlessly, naturally.
Ryan whispered the words of a song the band played. I looked away, trying to steady myself. One of his hands lifted from my waist, softly caressed my cheek, and turned me so my eyes stayed fixed on his. The desire, written plainly on his face, was too penetrating for me to handle.
I closed my eyes.
“Nicky.” He leaned in and whispered my name. “Look at me.”
“I can’t. You know you can’t do this. I’m already a mess.”
The kiss from his lips was simple, sweet, and sent my stomach into a wild swirl. I opened my eyes to his beautiful but deadly grin. Those blue flames that burned in him were plain in their meaning: he was ready to be as savage as I wanted.
We swayed on air.
It seemed an evening had already passed when the music ended.
"Thank you for the dance, Sweetheart."
I turned to go to my seat, trying to keep from losing myself completely.
Ryan's hands stayed me, holding me close.
This is it. My heart is pounding way too hard—call an ambulance!
“Dance close with me." He teased me with a light touch of his cheek against my cheek. "Connect to my body. Brush against me. Make me hunger for you. Coax every ounce of desire from me and make me ache with the rush I need to pour out of my body and into yours. I’ve waited to have this evening for so long.”
“You know what happens to me," I admitted shyly. I can’t stay out here.”
“Just relax against my chest. Let me lead you into our evening while you tell me what happens to you when I make you weak.”
We moved rhythmically, letting our bodies flood with passion. Our hands locked together. Energies rose slowly and met with bursts of heat. It was as if he channeled a magical spell from an enchantress. His low voice came to life. Little grunts and growls of pleasure put me on notice—they were wild, ready to be unleashed.
“Why are you hiding from me . . .” Ryan sang the words to a beautiful ballad. His fingertips lifted my chin so that I met the intensity held within his eyes. “I’m ready for you in every way. Do you believe me?” His thick, masculine voice vibrated against me.
Several heartbeats later, the man holding me in his arms, my man, nodded to the lead musician. Another slow song began to play. The line between control and chaos blurred within my body.
“This song is just for you, Nicky." One finger went from the base of my neck, followed my spine, and stopped at my lower back. "From me to you.”
The ballad that played was the kind that brought lovers to the dance floor. They almost rose from their seats as if a siren had trapped them in her cry. As the singer spun the song’s lyrics into a sexy heartbeat, patrons seemed hypnotized.
Words spoke of warm, wet, kisses, being with a man I could be proud of, and lying in each other's arms. The bells in the melody were softly ringing, and the steel strings on a Spanish guitar resonated low. The polished piano keys quivered underneath light fingers dancing on them. Notes that were released into the night from the hairs of a violin's bow were soothing.
Ryan turned my body so I faced away from him. His pelvis rubbed against my bottom. His muscular, hard, and beautiful chest crushed me like a massive ocean wave crashing down; the weight of its rush tumbled me as if I were a seashell within its curl. I was helplessly tucked inside his body; held firmly by his hands as they rested on my belly.
“I’m burning for you.” His head rested on my shoulder.
I couldn’t respond.
He pressed himself against me in a way that made me feel like we'd been carved by a master sculptor; we fit together perfectly. When finished, the artist would make us one, each man and woman inside one skin, hearts beating together, our breath hot as we melted and formed a new being.
The nuances of the body that contained the virile man pressed against me were about to make themselves known. His muscles moved on my arms, his chest rose and fell on my back, and his freshly shaven cheeks were gentle against my face. His hot breath moaned into my mouth as my head fell back and his lips whispered silent expectations, filling my lungs with new life.
Feelings I’d never experienced before Ryan bloomed inside me. It was a force that was fueled by an intimate passion and it got bigger with every touch. One erotic burst after another sent scarlet pulses down and between my legs.
I need to say something. Everything has come to a stop and all I feel is his body, his low voice, and his fingers revving the little motor inside me . . .
“Let’s order some dinner." I patted his hands as they rested on my belly. I needed to lift them. I had to lift them . . . didn't I?
Obviously satisfied for the moment, he kissed my cheek, turned my body to face him and slid his arm around my back. I was held firmly against him. I took several deep breaths as his low, masculine moan rippled through me.
“Don’t make fun of me," I commanded, albeit gently.
"Me?" His cheek brushed up against mine.
"And don’t tease me," I said weakly.
“I won't, but . . . I do enjoy how you submit to me. It's so touching. The way you let me in . . . you don't realize it but you're all woman, you know.” We walked back to our table to continue our journey. “Will you order for us?” Ryan tucked my chair underneath me.
I took a sip of water and tried to gather myself.
“Is there anything you don’t like?”
“Not tonight." His lip twitched in a luscious smile. "I love everything I see.”
“Whew, it’s hot in here, isn’t it?" I fanned my face. "I wonder where our sparkling waters are? I wish they’d turn on the air conditioning. Are you hot?”
Ryan only smiled.
"Well, let's look at what they have here." I looked at my menu and as I did, the waiter served our drinks.
"Ready to order?" He stood ready to note our choices.
“My girlfriend is handling everything for us,” Ryan's eyes steadied on mine.
“We’ll begin with the heirloom tomato salad, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette." I pointed to its spot on the menu. "Is that big enough for two?”
Our waiter waived his hand back and forth, signaling we may want to consider ordering two portions.
"We'll need two of those, don't you think?" I looked up from my menu seeking Ryan's approval.
"Whatever you say." His stare was unwavering.
“I'll make sure to ask the staff to make enough for two,” he smiled. “The tomatoes were purchased today from the farmers’ market, by the way. Good choice.”
“Oh great! Hear that, babe? He says I made a good choice!”
My boyfriend's approval made my pulse quicken.
“We’ll follow the salad with your crab cake appetizer. Oh, I just love crab cakes. Make sure there are three, please—one for me, and two for my boyfriend. In fact, if they’re very small, can we have four? He's got big appetite, and honestly? I can eat them, too. I sure don’t want him to go home with an empty belly, and although I have to be careful, well, I love them just so you know. Maybe we can get four, but make the fourth small.”
Ryan’s face went from seductive to relaxed and amused.
“For the entrée . . . let's see. We should still have our appetites, right? The salad and crab cakes won't be nearly enough, will they?"
"We can adjust your entrée to smaller portions if you need them that way." Our waiter made notes in his tablet.
"Great! So then we’ll share the bla
ckened mahi-mahi and vegetables. But, again, if the filet is small," I pinched my fingers together, "please bring two. I won't eat more than one of those, but you know, what I said earlier. Oh and please give us plenty of vegetables; my boyfriend needs them. They're steamed, right?”
“Yes. Smart selections, miss.” He seemed entertained. “Did you decide on something to drink besides sparkling water?”
“I want a virgin strawberry daiquiri,” I handed him my menu. “Do you make those? They're delicious. I've had them at Chevy's, so anyway if you do, I'll take one of those.”
“Sure. And you, sir?”
“The same." Missing no opportunity to tease me when the waiter left, he said, "Virgin—”
“Please don’t say it,” I interrupted.
“Say what?” His smirk was delicious.
“Was my order okay?” I tried to deflect.
“Even watching you order turns all the switches on inside of me.” He scooted his chair closer until our hips touched.
“Ryan, don’t.” I put my hand out as his body leaned in. He kept advancing, taking my hand in his, kissing my palm, and holding it to his cheek.
“What will it take to get you to say you’re completely mine?” he asked softly. “When will you say the words?" He held the back of my head as he pressed my lips to his—deliberate, moving and tilting, finding his perfect fit.
“Close,” I muttered like I was waking up from an operation, still dazed and groggy. "I'm closely . . ." Once again, I mixed up the words. “I’m getting closer, I mean.”
“Now that we’ve ordered, we have time for another dance.” Ryan stood and then held his hand out once more.
Oh hell.
I took his hand, and stood with him.
Chapter 31
Turn up the Air Conditioning
“I can’t dance anymore,” I announced. "My knees, they're–”
“Sweet woman, it's the first time I’ve been able to take you out and I've planned a night like this since last year. Please don't deny me. The man in front of you is only trying to be with the woman he's dreamed of, ask her to be his, give her a sweet memory and soothe his aching heart. Won’t you let me?”
Fire Heart (Broken Bottle Series Book 2) Page 26