“Appearances can be deceiving,” Jacquie said, thinking of his earlier confessions.
“I’ll smile,” he promised, then winked, which made him look both wicked and sexy as hell. She had to like that he took her kids and their expectations in stride.
Jacquie felt lighter and happier—and more aroused—than she had in a while. Pierce urged her ahead of him as they were led to their table and she liked the possessive weight of his hand on the back of her waist. His thumb traced a little circle there, then his fingertips trailed up her spine, lightly, setting her skin on fire and teasing her with the possibilities ahead.
This was going to be a great evening.
Pierce couldn’t believe his luck. Jacquie looked even more beautiful than he’d expected—and his anticipation had been high. She was sparkling, her eyes filled with stars, her laughter bubbling as they reviewed the pictures the waiter had taken.
“We look good,” she said with approval.
“Got to love date night,” he agreed as she sent one image to her eldest.
“Ashley can manage distribution,” she said and dropped her phone into her purse. Pierce thought that was a good sign that she didn’t leave it on the table.
Their table was a booth in the corner, private and lush. Jacquie had slid to his side for the picture and he’d liked the press of her thigh against his own. He wished she hadn’t moved back to the opposite side of the table, and her flush told him that she felt the same way.
They talked about wine and agreed on a red. Pierce ordered it, the waiter told them about the specials, then left them with the menus. Pierce knew he could get used to the little sizzle of awareness he felt in Jacquie’s presence and wondered whether it would survive whatever happened during the night ahead.
He was already starting to think that once wasn’t going to be enough.
She met his gaze steadily and he knew she was going to be forthright about something. “Maybe we should talk about expectations.”
“Expectations for dinner or more than that?”
“More than that and you know it. I fully anticipate the meal here to be wonderful.”
“Me, too.” Pierce put down the menu. “So, talk to me.”
“There’s something nice going on here,” she said, gesturing to him.
“More than nice,” he agreed, being blunt himself.
“Something sexy.”
“Yes.”
“I told you that I was widowed twenty years ago. I’ve been a mom in those years.” Jacquie looked down at the table. “I haven’t often had the chance to be a woman.” Her gaze lifted to his and Pierce understood that she was warning him.
“Is that good or bad?”
“Both. I don’t regret my kids or my marriage, or my responsibilities that had to be fulfilled. I like my kids. I like being a mom.” She straightened. “But I would be lying if I said that I never missed having a man seduce me slowly. It would be untrue to suggest that I didn’t miss sex in the morning, or actually at any time at all.” She looked him right in the eye. “It’s been a long time.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s just how it was. No regrets. But the fact is that I miss being pampered, especially when the reward is physical satisfaction.”
Pierce smiled, liking her confession, and drew her attention to the approaching waiter. He guessed that she wouldn’t want to be overheard. Jacquie waited while he tasted the wine and the waiter poured them each a glass, then watched the waiter leave them again.
She swallowed but then continued. “I hope you don’t mind that I like to have things clear.”
“Not at all.”
“I haven’t been without dates over the years. There have been connections and fix-ups, but every single one of those guys thought I was looking for a permanent connection. Another marriage, maybe more kids.” She shook her head slightly, as if she couldn’t believe anyone would make that conclusion.
“But you’ve been there and done that,” Pierce guessed and was rewarded by her quick smile.
“Absolutely!” Jacquie gestured to the restaurant. “This is new. This is wonderful. I miss romance, Pierce, and I miss great sex. I don’t need more obligations and commitments and responsibilities. I don’t need someone else to take care of. I want to have fun. I want to be seduced. I want to be spontaneous and impulsive, and I don’t care if whatever happens between us lasts only a week or only a night.” She took a sip of her wine and he knew she wasn’t done. “So, if you’re looking for more than that, you should look elsewhere.”
“I consider myself warned.”
She smiled at him, those hazel eyes glowing. “Yet you’re not running for the door?”
“Of course not. You’ve issued a challenge and I’m going to take it,” he said, raising his glass. “Here’s to romance, seduction and great sex.”
“Not necessarily in that order,” she replied and they both laughed before they drank his toast. “They have oysters,” she teased, flicking him a glance as she read the menu.
“I don’t think I need an aphrodisiac. Do you?”
“No.”
Their gazes clung for a long hot moment, then her phone chimed.
He’d have to make sure it was silenced when they made love.
“You’ve been approved,” she said with obvious excitement, showing him the text message from Ashley.
“And you’re instructed to have fun. I choose to accept this mission.”
She smiled with obvious pleasure. The waiter returned and they ordered.
“Tell me about your kids,” Pierce invited, knowing that was a subject close to her heart.
Jacquie shook her head. “And he invokes the inevitable sharing of photographs. I’ll try to be quick, but you did ask.”
“I did.”
She moved around the booth so that she was sitting close beside him, her thigh against his. That was the bonus. Pierce could smell her skin and he inhaled deeply of her scent, yearning. He put his arm around her waist and she didn’t move away, but leaned closer to him instead. “Maybe you should stay right
