“I’m always sweary, baby.” He chuckled. “Go get off your feet for a bit if you can. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay,” I agreed quietly. I’d gotten so used to his nightly calls. Even if they were only for a minute or two or if we’d already talked that day, he made sure he called before I went to bed. Luckily for me, tonight I’d be saying good night with the intent to see him tomorrow.
I couldn’t wait.
****
The next day was uneventful but painfully slow as I awaited my date with Maddox with a mixture of anxiety and elation.
It seemed an eternity before I flipped the sign to closed and dashed upstairs to get ready. I hadn’t been on a proper date since high school and the fact it was with Maddox, who incited feelings in me I’d never known before, meant that I was something beyond thrilled.
I had very little to choose from wardrobe-wise; money was tight and a typical week for me consisted of work and not much else. After some digging I found the only little black dress I owned, bought for my nonna’s funeral. Its unflattering fit and the feelings it evoked had me tossing it aside, instead settling on my dark denim jeans and a green blouse I hadn’t worn in ages.
After I’d showered and dressed, I left my thick, dark hair down, allowing it to fall in its typical waves down my back. I put in my contacts, which I rarely wore, before swiping some mascara over my long lashes, highlighting my brown eyes. I swiped some gloss on my full lips and after a quick spritz of perfume I was ready to go.
I cranked the stereo in car, feeling more carefree and excited than I had in ages. I didn’t mind that it was a long drive, that I’d get home well after my typical bedtime and be exhausted the next day. For the first time in ages I felt like the twenty-three-year-old that I was, excited for a date with a gorgeous man.
When I pulled into the parking lot a few hours later, my heart thundered at the sight of Maddox leaning against his bike, his muscular arms crossed. The fact that he was waiting for me was a heady thought.
He grinned when he saw me, flashing those dimples I adored as he shoved off from his bike, moving to open my door.
“Hey, baby,” he greeted with a familiarity that spoke of years of intimacy rather than the several weeks we’d known each other.
“Hi.” I accepted his hand as he pulled me up. He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine.
He pulled back. “Been a long fucking few days,” he growled.
I was relieved I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
“Where are your glasses?” he asked gently, his callused fingers drifting over my cheek.
I looked away shyly. “I thought I’d wear contacts for a change. With my schedule at the bakery, I usually don’t have time and they sort of bug my eyes,” I admitted.
“You look beautiful,” he replied. “But I like the glasses. Thanks for making the drive,” he added, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and walking us into the unassuming restaurant he’d chosen. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but this little joint has the best damn Mexican food you’ve ever had. Cal, our former prez, loves this place.”
“I have to admit something.” I waited until he looked down at me with concern. “I don’t like Mexican,” I shared with a wrinkled nose.
For a moment he looked adorably befuddled. I couldn’t help but let him off the hook. “I’m just kidding.” I laughed. “I love it. I just had to mess with you.”
He pinched my backside, making me squeal. “You’re trouble, you know that?”
We walked inside the small but romantic restaurant outfitted with candles on the tables and low lighting.
“Mr. Black,” the host greeted warmly. “Right this way.” He led us to a booth in the back where Maddox surprised me and slid in next to me, rather than taking the seat opposite.
“A margarita to start?” the host asked.
Maddox looked to me.
I shrugged. “I can have one if we have a long dinner.”
Maddox gripped my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze as he nodded to the host.
“I didn’t realize you were famous,” I teased after the man had walked away.
Maddox chuckled. “Not famous. But the club’s reach extends beyond Hawthorne. We have alliances in a large part of Nevada.”
“Not in Vegas,” I couldn’t help but reply.