“No. Not happening. I will not talk to you about my sex life.” Sullivan shuddered and ran for his car. “You’re evil.”
“Especially on Valentine’s and it’s naughty, not evil,” she called to her partner’s rapidly retreating back.
The slamming of his car door let her know she’d gotten the last word in as she clicked the button to unlock her car.
It took her no time to get home. The bustier was a challenge to put on, but soon Jo was tucked in, and the dark blue dress that was Rhys’s favorite hugged her body. Not too tight to show the lace in the lingerie but tight enough to make her look as if she had a figure. She paired it with a pair of black heeled boots and she was ready to go.
Rhys rushed in just as she finished zipping the boots and hurried to the bathroom.
“Don’t slip and fall in there. We’ve got an hour and a half, and I have plans for when we get home.” She almost added they did not include a trip to the emergency room but held the words back as she did not want to jinx them.
His tousled gold head of hair popped out of the open door. “I’ve got plans too.” His eyes traced every inch of her body. “And there is no way I’m missing them.”
She chuckled as she moved her gun and badge to her purse. Even off duty, she was still technically responsible if something happened. So she’d be limiting herself to one glass of wine tonight.
Less than an hour later they were pulling out of the garage and on the way to the surprise restaurant Rhys had booked.
She grinned broadly when Rhys pulled off the highway and barely refrained from bouncing in her seat. “You’re taking me back to the Steakhouse?”
“I thought we’d relive our first Valentine’s date only without the argument and sleeping alone this time.” he teased then sobered. “Are you sure you’re okay with me including William and David and their dates?”
“Yes.” Between Slenderman, all her other cases, the wedding, and Rhys’s schedule this was the first day they could all meet. She had come to terms giving up her Valentine’s Day as long as she could have a steak and Rhys, the rest was just window dressing. Besides, the fun parts would happen when they returned home alone.
They pulled into the cottage-style white and brown building that looked like it belonged in Germany instead of Birmingham. The front looked nice and cozy. Luckily, the interior was large and roomy.
Leaving the cold and rain outside, they stepped into the warm and inviting interior. It was decorated in dark woods and creams. The layout was like a pub with the tables in the back room and two side rooms off a central hallway that was carefully guarded by the hostess. Rhys helped her out of her coat, and they checked them before weaving to the front of the crowd in search of the hostess stand.
“May I help you?” the slim dark-haired hostess asked, with a red smile that matched her red dress.
“Yes, we have reservations for Harrison, party of six.”
“One moment sir, I think two of your party has been seated.” Her red-tipped nails slid down a list. “Yes, sir. Two are already here. If you’ll follow me.”
She picked up two menus and swung to the back of the restaurant. Jo took in the nice-looking man dressed in a dark suit and a blue shirt and tie. He wasn’t drop dead gorgeous like Rhys, but few men were. What drew Jo’s gaze was the man’s expression. Adoration shone from his gaze as he chuckled at something the brunette on his right said.
“Is that your friend?” Jo asked pointing to the couple.
“Oh, I should’ve known, William and his wife Gabriella are always early.”
There was one chair next to the brunette while Rhys and his friend would be at the heads of the table with Gabriella and Jo on one side. Across from them would be for the missing friend and his date.
She didn’t care who sat at the head as long as her back was to the wall. Sliding into the chair Rhys held for her, and she smiled, glad she’d gone with the dark blue dress that made it look like she had boobs.
“Josephine hon, this is William and his charming wife, Gabriella.” Rhys made the introductions and Jo shook their hands.
“Pleasure to meet you, Josephine,” William said his voice warm and soothing. As if he’d brought his bedside manner to dinner with him. “He talks about you all the time.”
Lacing her fingers with Rhys’s, she left Rhys to order their drinks while she corrected William on her name. “No need to be formal. Jo, please.”
Gabriella shook her head. “But Josephine is such a pretty name.”
“Maybe, but my porcupine won’t answer to it, will you, hon?” Rhys winked at her, and she rolled her eyes.
“No, I won’t, lambchop,” Jo replied in a sugary sweet voice.
He leaned in and whispered. “I’d prefer lemon icebox pie for my nickname, considering all the obscene sounds you make while devouring it.”
She flushed and narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be sure to note that, how about just lemon for short? Or maybe pie?”
He laughed and stole a kiss.
This Valentine’s was turning out very different from their first, and she couldn’t help but relax as she took in Gabriella. Jo liked her; she wasn’t flashy though her diamond wedding set was platinum. Gabriella’s diamond and ruby tennis bracelet matched the pretty pendant that hung from her neck and ears. None of it was ostentatious, and it didn’t outshine the woman that graced them. The wine-colored
