“What’s your favorite dino?”
“Velociraptor. Small, vicious, deadly.” Gillian shivered at the tickle of an old memory. The flare of life in an old desire to be just like the long-dead beast when it came to Mike and her mother was more than a little comforting. “Didn’t take crap from anyone and they hunted in a pack. I like their ability to look harmless but be deadly.”
Jack shot her a glance, his brows drawn together in confusion. Thankfully he didn’t comment on her tone. “Mine’s the Apatosaurus. Reminds me of my mom.”
“You had a good childhood?” Gillian stifled the flare of envy at the thought. What was in the past was best left there.
“Yeah, it was great. My parents ran a small ranch north of Calgary. We raised horses and chickens. I loved it. Always something to do. Made some really great friends growing up. Sometimes I miss it.”
“But you’re a firefighter?”
“Yes, I was fifteen when my neighbor’s house burned down. I didn’t want to see anyone else I cared about have nothing, so I volunteered as soon as I was old enough and have been doing it ever since.”
“Be nice to have a job where you help people.”
“Yeah, and I get to ride around in a big red truck.”
Gillian smiled at the joy in his voice. It was obviously a fond memory, something he cherished. She wondered why her childhood had been so cold, so indifferent. Pushing aside the memories for another time, she waited for the truck to stop as they rolled into a parking lot near the restaurant. She unbuckled her belt and reached for the door, only to gasp when he grabbed her hand.
“Un-uh, my mother would kick my behind if I didn’t open your door for you.” He smiled at her, his eyes filled with genuine warmth.
Flushed, she tugged her hand free and sat back. She rubbed her hand where he’d touched her and tried to ignore the prickles of heat dancing up her arm. She rolled her shoulders to alleviate the tingling spreading to her breasts, her nipples hardening with desire. Would he notice? Could he see the desire written on her in some fashion? Would others? Gillian watched him dart around to open her door. A slight smile in thanks and she stood on the ground.
A mass of butterflies danced in her belly, the weight of his hand on her back soaking through her shirt. Each slow movement of his fingers reminded her of the pleasures she’d experienced with him. Could he make her feel that good again?
The question plagued her through their dinner, her mind not on the food but on the sexual desire building within her. By the time dessert rolled past she was anxious to get out of the restaurant and get home so she could have a cold shower. She licked at her lips, her attention catching the flare of lust in Jack’s eyes as he followed the motion before he blinked it away.
Does he remember how good it was? He got off twice so it couldn’t have been that bad for him. Maybe, maybe we can do it again? How do I get him to consider it? Oh goodness, I should have paid more attention the night of the wedding.
“I’m stuffed.” Jack leaned back in his seat, his palm resting on his stomach. “Would you like a drink?”
“Uh, no, thank you. Dinner was lovely.” Gillian refused the waitress hovering at her elbow. She glanced up with a smile. “Just a bit more coffee.”
“I’ll be right back.” The waitress hurried away and returned with a steaming pot.
“More cream?” The waitress set three creamers down and backed away, casting a longing look at Jack. Gillian sighed with relief when he ignored the young woman.
“So when do you go back to work?” She sipped at her drink, the strong coffee warming her from the inside out.
“Tuesday. I’m heading over to the farm near Calgary tomorrow to see Mom. She’s getting up there and I hate to see her doing so much.”
“What about your dad? Is he still around?”
“Yep, but he’s visiting his family on Salt Spring Island, so she’s home alone for a while.” Jack grinned. “He keeps telling me I should go see them, but I just haven’t had time.”
“Your mom sounds like a lovely woman.”
“She’s amazing. What about you? Going to visit your mom now they’re back?”
The flare of rage hit like a sledgehammer. Gillian pushed it back and bit her lip. Seeing her mother wasn’t something she ever wanted to do. “Naw, she wanted me to attend a stupid tea tomorrow, I told her I had plans. Doesn’t matter with her, never has. My big plan is to sleep in tomorrow, get up, and have coffee. I need to get things organized for Monday. We’re going to be looking at a new set of fossils.”
“Exciting. I’d love to take a tour, if you’d be kind enough to show me around.” Jack glanced at the floor at the soft beeping. “Your phone?”
“Excuse me.” She lifted the receiver, checked the ID, and hit Ignore with more force than was necessary. Tomorrow would be soon enough to deal with her. “It’s getting rather late, I suppose, since you’re going to Calgary tomorrow. Thank you for dinner, it was very good. I’m afraid I don’t, um, date much, so I have no idea what the protocol is here, but could you, um, pass…” She pointed nervously at the bill.
Jack shook his head, a quick half grin crossing his face. He tucked the bill under the leather folder. “It’s a date, Gilli. Let me worry about that. I hope we can do it again.” Jack stood, tossed some bills onto the table, and moved to hold her chair.
Perhaps they took turns when dating. Oh well, she’d chalk it up to an extra expense and pay him back next time.
