“Whatisthis?”
“The Seven Sinners Distillery.It’s been around longer than I’ve been alive, but the family gave it a facelift and opened it to the public with a restaurant just before ...well, just before Ilefttown.”
My gaze traveled over the exterior, marveling at the gorgeous design of the building, marrying the old and new, and the bold logo.“It’samazing.”
Rhett opened his door and climbed out of the Jeep.“I’m glad you like the looks of it.The food and drinks are supposed to be just as good, if notbetter.”
I latched my purse, which had somehow become unlatched in all my fidgeting, and reached for the door handle.Before I could grasp it, Rhett was there swingingitopen.
“Wow.Full gentlemantreatment.”
His smile turned wolfish and his eyes flashed.“I wouldn’t say I’m fully agentleman.”
My mind went to all the places it probably shouldn’t, and Rhett’s had obviously gone there too.What would it be like if he carried through on all the thoughts I could see blazing in his gaze?That thought made me wish I’d tossed a second pair of panties into my purse.The ones I was wearing were a lost cause, which seemed to be a theme around him.Maybe I could just takethemoff...
“What could possibly be going through that head of yours right now?”Rhett asked as he helped me out of the car, his rough palm clasping mine with apossessivegrip.
“I have no idea what you mean,” I replied, keeping my tone light andjoking.
Rhett closed the door of the Jeep, but instead of leading me forward like I expected, he backed me up against it.His chin dropped so it was only an inch frommyear.
“You know exactly what I mean, Ari.I see that look on your face, and I know that incredible mind of yours is thinking something naughty enough to turn your cheeks pink.You watched me, but I watched you too.Even when I should’ve been blind, deaf, and dumb where you were concerned, I couldn’t helpbutlook.”
“How’s that look-but-don’t-touch angle goingforyou?”
His palms glided down my sides before stopping and gripping my hips.“I plan on doing a whole lot oftouching.”
My body was so acutely aware of Rhett that shivers started at the indent of each of his fingertips into my skin.I wanted him to squeeze harder or maybe shove my skirtupand...
“That.That right there.I wish I could look inside your head and see exactly what made your breath catch.I’m making it my mission to figure out every single thing that puts that look onyourface.”
An involuntary shudder started at the base of my spine and shook my upper body.“Is thatright?”
“You better believe it.”Rhett’s breath ghosted over my skin before his lips feathered across the same path along the edge of my jaw.“Now we’d better get inside to claim our table before I pin you against the car for a whole differentreason.”
“Oh dear Lord.”I didn’t mean to say it out loud but the words escaped my lips, and Rhett’s lips curled into a satisfiedsmirk.
“Come on, Red, before I lose mywillpower.”
At that moment, I would have been totally and completely fine with skipping whatever was waiting for us inside the building across the street in favor of whatever Rhett had onhismind, but when he stepped away and threaded his fingers through mine, I followed behind him.And not mostly because of the view it gave me of his ass in those dress pants of his.Sweet Lord, I didn’t know what that man did in the gym, but I hoped he keptdoingit.
We waited for a few cars to drive by before Rhett led us across the road.I glanced back at the parking lot, which was partially full.But for such an amazing-looking place, I would have expected morepatrons.
I guessed our experience would be the determining factorofthat.
When Rhett pulled the door open wide for me, my heart melted.He was a gentleman, despite his claim to thecontrary.
A large reception desk, whiskey barrels with a live-edge wooden slab on top, was manned by a petite dark-hairedwoman.
“Welcome to Seven Sinners Distillery and Restaurant.Do you have areservation?”
“Yes, Hennessyfortwo.”
I couldn’t believe I was on a date with Rhett Hennessy, and he had made a freaking reservation.I wasn’t sure why that struck me as even more surreal, butitdid.
“Of course, Mr.Hennessy.If you would follow me upstairs, I’ll show you and your guest to yourtable.”
The woman led us toward a shiny silver elevator that carried us to the top floor of the building.When the door opened, she held out an arm.“Right this way,please.”