Owen knocked and she hurried to answer, anticipating his reaction. She pulled the door open and held her breath, butterflies filling her stomach and fluttering right along with her pulse.
Helooked incredible in a button-up light blue shirt two shades lighter than his eyes. The difference in hue made his eyes pop like never before. The sleeves were rolled up over his corded forearms and the top button was open, revealing his tan, smooth skin underneath. His hair was freshly cut, and he smelled like spices and danger and hot, demanding kisses.
As his eyes swept over her, something in them changed. Added to the appreciation was something more, something deeper. Something that caught her breath and took away her ability to think clearly. “Owen,” she managed to whisper.
He stepped forward, tracing a finger over her lips and sending shivers down her arms. “You look amazing.” He shook his head quickly. “Amazing doesn’t cut it.”
A smile grew from her toes all the way across her cheeks. “Thank you. You look amazing too.”
He slowly leaned in, his breath warm and minty on her forehead. She closed her eyes, unable to keep them open under the heavy cloud of desire. She would have given up her whole library to feel his lips on her skin. Finally. Finally! He kissed her, just above her eyebrow. She sighed in relief and then gasped as he took her face in his hands and tipped it to the side so he could kiss her temple, then her cheek, then her jaw. Her hands gripped his arms, holding on for all she was worth. Never had she felt so cherished and wanted by a man.
His lips brushed hers in an act that was almost reverent. He pulled back and smiled. His face was surrounded by haze because all she could see in the world was him.
“Come on.” He ran his hands down her arms and twisted their fingers together. “I’ve got something special planned tonight.”
“That wasn’t it?” She pointed over her shoulder to the spot where he’d earned her ever-loving adoration. She may not be a football fangirl, but she was an Owen fan through and through.
He grinned. “Not even close.”
Her whole body sighed in pleasure. He tucked her into the passenger seat and shut the door. As he walked around the car, she released the giggles she’d held back. The things this man could do to her with just a touch.
* * *
Owen pressed a kiss to Bree’s fingers. She looked beautiful and sophisticated and alluring in that dress. Her long black hair cascaded over her left shoulder and her warm brown eyes were liquid pools of love and affection.
They’d just ordered and his hands were warm, his chest full of the love he wanted to share. Bree brought a peace to his life, a completeness that astonished him at every turn. She was every bit the homebody he was, and yet she enjoyed going out too. And she let him spoil her with lavish dinners, tickets to plays, and books. He loved to buy her books. Her eyebrows would lift up, her mouth opened in a pumpkin-sized smile, and she always, always thanked him with a kiss.
The kisses they shared were one more way she accepted him—all of him. She never made a big deal about his money. Some women he’d dated acted as if they expected fancy restaurants and jewelry. Not Bree. Bree was content in her life, confident just the way she was—and that was one of the most attractive things about her.
His heart thrummed. He took a sip of water, hoping to cool down. He’d rehearsed three different speeches, imagined a dozen ways to tell Bree he loved her. Now that the moment was here, the words clogged up his mouth and his throat tightened. He took another sip of water.
Bree smoothed the white tablecloth with her palm. “I talked to the mayor and reserved the park. We’re all set for the end-of-summer reading party. Audrey is designing a flyer announcing the grand prize.” She reached over and patted his hand. “Thank you so much for doing this. You saved my bacon.”
He flipped his hand over and captured hers. “I’m happy, Bree.”
She smiled. “Me too.”
“Really, this is the happiest I’ve been since … ever. Being with you is like stepping onto the field on opening day with a vision of great things to come.”
Her lashes brushed her checks. The atmosphere around their table warmed with the love he felt for this woman.
He scooted to the end of his chair, wishing the table wasn’t between them. “Bree, you’ve become an important part of my life, and I’m in l—”
“Here you are, sir.” The waiter set a simmering skillet in front of Owen, forcing him to lean away from Bree or be singed. The salmon, covered in green herbs and lemon slices, sizzled, and butter melted over the asparagus spears. “And for you, madam.” Bree also leaned back in her chair.
Owen blew out a breath. He’d come so close to saying those three little words and the moment was popped like a balloon. Now he’d have to work back up to that all over again. He couldn’t just blurt them out or throw them on the table like they were a used napkin. Bree was the last woman he was going to sayI love youto, and he wanted the first time he said it to be special.
He shook out his shoulders. He could do this. Get back out on the field. Throw another pass.
“This looks delicious.” Bree picked up a fork and took a bite. “Oh my gosh. Owen, you have got to taste this!” She speared another piece and offered him the fork. He slowly took the bite into his mouth. The fish melted into butter and herbs, causing him to moan in pleasure.
Bree’s eyes sparkled with desire. He couldn’t help himself. He had to kiss her. So he leaned over the table, his gaze dropping to her lips. She lifted out of her seat and met him partway for a slow, not-long-enough kiss.
Suddenly, the feeling was back, the intimacy, and the connection that wrapped their two hearts together. “Bree, when I’m with you, it’s like everything else fades away.”
She smiled shyly. “I know what you mean.”
“Bree, I l—”