Filling up the Virgin(238)

“What about you?” I asked. “I mean, I read up on you a bit. You decided not to run the family business.”

He shrugged and leaned back in his chair. “I guess I didn't think it was a good use of my time. Even when my dad retires and I become primary shareholder, I can just appoint someone to run the day-to-day affairs for me. I have better things to do with my personal time.”

“Like helping out people in need,” I said, thinking of his volunteer work after the storm.

“Exactly.”

We made small talk for a bit longer, until it was time for me to go open the bar. Rick walked me to my car, and when we got there, he took my hand in his. He looked into my eyes, and I saw the spark of desire there. But I hesitated. I couldn't see myself having a place in this man's life. Could I?

“I'd enjoy seeing you again,” he said.

“I...I'd like that.” I blushed and lowered my eyes.

He reached up and touched his fingers under my chin, tilting my face up towards him. I held my breath. He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I slipped my hands around his neck, savoring the taste of his kiss. His stubble scratched my chin, delightfully masculine. He put an arm around my waist, holding me. His arms were strong. Safe.

I was breathless as we parted. I leaned back against my car, trying not to giggle like a little schoolgirl.

“Dinner, sometime soon?” Rick asked, caressing my cheek. “That is, if you ever have a night when you're not bartending.”

“I take Mondays off,” I said. “One of my workers runs the bar that night.”

“Monday night, then,” he said. “I'll pick you up at 6:00?”

“Sounds wonderful.”

He headed off, and I got into my car and drove back to the bar. For the rest of the night, I found myself thinking about his kiss, and looking forward to the dinner date next week.



* * *





CHAPTER 6:

Rick picked me up for dinner Monday night and took me to a little steakhouse downtown. I was surprised, but not at all disappointed, that it was a small, middle-class establishment. I knew quite well that Rick could afford a lot better. It made me wonder if he was trying to pretend like he was a normal, everyday guy, or if he was worried that I'd have thought he was showing off if he took me to a five-star restaurant with meals that were $200 a plate.

I didn't want to ask, though, so I decided to be more subtle. “You come here often?”

“Oh yes,” he said as he held my chair out for me. “Me and the boys come down here every couple of weeks. Nothing beats a good steak.”

I smiled at his response. Maybe, I figured, he simply had good old fashioned down to earth tastes.

I ordered a hearty steak and potatoes myself. Most girls I knew tended to eat more daintily, trying to watch their waistline. I'd been a plus-size girl since I was a teen, but I was more than comfortable with my weight. I knew I had curves in all the right places, and that I could be sexy and seductive without starving myself in the process.

I could also tell that Rick was a man who appreciated the way I looked. While we ate and talked, I kept catching him sneaking a glance here and there. It brought a swell of pride to my chest to know that I could draw a man's eye, especially a man like Rick.

After dinner, Rick ordered a bottle of wine to go, and slipped our server an excessively generous tip to get her to look the other way when he took two wine glasses with us on our way out. We drove down to the waterfront and went for a walk under the moonlight. A paved path wound its way along the shoreline, looking down over the cliffs. The waves crashed against the cliff face down below us, and the lights of some ships shone off in the darkness near the horizon.

Rick poured us each a glass of wine. We sipped the wine as we walked, quiet for a little while, until we were far enough down the walkway to have privacy.

“You know, you're a fascinating woman,” Rick said as we stopped to lean against the railing, looking down over the shadowy waves below.

“Oh?” I asked. “I don't see what's so fascinating about me. I'm just me.”

“You're strong,” he said. “You aren't afraid to stand up for yourself, even when you're up against drunken marines. You've got a good heart. And lovely eyes.”

I smirked. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“Only when it's true,” he said, turning towards me. He reached out and caressed my cheek. I nuzzled against his palm and sighed. He had a gentle touch, and it made me feel warm.

He ran the backs of his fingers down my cheek, then slid his fingers back into my hair. “You're very soft,” he whispered. He stepped closer, pressing his body against mine and leaning in to whisper in my ear. “And warm.”