Broken Dreams(86)

“Oh, umm…that’s fine. Come on in.” She smiled. “She should be ready. I’ll go get her.” Before she turned away from him, her eyes danced around his face. He knew she was looking at his bruises.

Henry stepped in the door, and took a quick glance around the tiny apartment. The furniture was a bit on the shabby chic side, and Elaina’s organizational skills weren’t the best. He would have to fix that. There was no way that he would be able to tolerate it.

Claire looked back over her shoulder and took another look at him, up and down. As he was looking around, he ran his hand through his hair. He sported a five o’clock shadow, and she noticed that it looked far better on him than anyone else she had ever seen with one.

He touched his face, feeling more self-conscious about everything above his neck. Claire rushed off to what he presumed was Elaina’s bedroom. He leaned up against the door, and did a quick zipper check. Thankfully, he was together…physically.



***



“Oh, my god, Elaina!” Claire’s whisper was intense. “He is smoking, but what’s with the bruising on his face?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t asked yet. I’m so nervous. I hope I don’t fuck it up.” I started to chew on my thumbnail again, and Claire slapped my hand out of my mouth. “Ow! You bitch!”

“Shhh! You’ll do fine! Now, go out there and get that gorgeous man!” She practically pushed me out of the bedroom. I walked out, and he was leaning against the door jamb with his hands in his pants pockets, looking rather sinfully delicious. I couldn’t remember if I had put deodorant on. I didn’t want to pull a Mary Katherine Gallagher right in front of the Adonis that was in my living room.

Henry looked stellar in his suit. It had to be custom tailored because it fit his body perfectly. His hair was messy, but it still looked done to perfection. He had this swagger about him that made him even more attractive to me. And those eyes? They were amazing. I could stare into them for hours.

His eyebrows raised and his lips parted when he saw me. When he realized he was gawking, he stood up straight and finally said something. “Wow. You look absolutely stunning.” He licked his lips like he was dying to taste me. If it was up to me, I would have skipped the drinks and dinner, and would have offered him to come have a look-see in my bedroom. Good thing Claire was there to keep me from doing that.

“Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.” I blushed as I walked up to him. I felt like a school girl getting a complement from the hottest guy in class. He smelled good, looked even better, and I was dying to feel his scarred pink lips on mine. I wanted that tongue in more places than one.

“So…the girl who doesn’t wear dresses wears one for me?” His eyes sparkled.

“You should feel special,” I said softly, while looking up at him through my eyelashes.

“Oh, I do. Believe me. I do. You have no idea.” His deep raspy voice rumbled in his well-defined chest, which could easily be seen through his suit jacket. He reached out and brushed his thumb across my cheek, then kissed it. His cool breath sent chills down my spine. My knees almost gave out at that moment. “Ready?”

“Yes.” My voice hitched a little. “Definitely.”

“I’ll lock up for you.” I was startled when I heard Claire’s voice. I forgot she was even there. “Have fun!” Claire sounded a little over-zealous. I hoped she wouldn’t be there waiting up for me when I came home…if I came home. I had a feeling it was going to be one hell of a first date. He offered me his arm and we left.

Henry walked me out to his truck, which was sitting at the curb. It was a completely blacked out Tahoe. When I say completely blacked out, I mean it was all black and looked stealthy. The windows were tinted so dark that it had to be illegal. The wheels were black, and the police-style push bar was black, as well. All the trim pieces, and even the emblems, were blacked out. It was obviously a custom job, which had to cost thousands of dollars. I was getting the feeling that he was loaded.

He looked proud to be walking with me, which I didn’t quite understand. He was on a much higher level of sexy than I was. When he opened the door for me, his delicious spicy scent hit me hard, and I loved it. I wanted it wrapped around my body. He held my hand while I climbed into the seat. The seats were leather, and the truck looked to have every option in it. It was so much different than what I was used to.

“All set?” he asked.

“I’m good, thanks.” I blushed again. I had no idea what the hell was wrong with me. He closed the truck door, and I watched him walk around the front and get in. He was so fucking stellar. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I still had no idea why he wanted a date with me.