Carefully leaning over into the booth, I snatch my purse from my seat.
“I’m not driving. Lincoln would have my license. I’ll go to my car and call someone from out there. It’s rude to talk on cellphones in a restaurant, and it’s too loud.”
Nodding, she adds. “Okay. You call outside and have your driver come back inside for your things. I don’t think you can.”
Rude, much? I can do whatever it is I want. Although she’s probably right. Now that I’m standing, I’m rethinking this whole going outside or doing anything. I drank way more than I thought I did. Woooo, I am remarkably sloshed, or that’s how Roni, would explain how I’m feeling right now. I added the remarkably to keep myself from sounding too much like a redneck.
“Oh-okay.” I mutter and vigilantly make my way to the door.
Whoa! Guess walking in heels and being tipsy wasn’t such a bright idea after all. Stopping half way to the door, next to a booth full of six nicely dressed people, I put my hand on the black cushioned back and steady myself. Blinking a few times, I try to wash the drunken goggles from my view, no such luck.
Dammit, I really am hammered. Roni is going to murder me when I call her to be DD. I’m the Veronica Phoenix, proclaimed sensible one. This doesn’t bode well for my perfect record.
“Don’t go far.” Raul smiles, opening the front glass door for me.
“No worries. I just going to call Roni.” I slur, showing him the phone I’m holding.
Crap! Now… I’m slurring. She’s really going to be angry. I’m breaking her date with Bob for this.
My heels clicking on the pavement becomes a serious distraction as I look down at my feet to watch myself walk. It’s really beautiful out tonight and it even smells like spring. The bright floral fragrances hang heavily in the night air.
Turning the corner around Vino’s, headed to my Bug…
Umph! Shit! I stumble, running into a rock hard body. Mayday-Mayday I’m going down!
Flailing my arms, my hand holding onto my cell for dear life, I brace myself for impact and I squeeze my eyes shut in fear. My heart thudding so loudly in my chest it pounds into my ears. Suddenly, thick searing hands save me, by grabbing my upper arms and pressing me firmly against their hard chest. Out of nervousness or fear, not sure which, my entire body shivers and I keep my eyes closed.
Inhaling a deep breath, a man’s scent assaults my senses and I fall into heaven. It smells just like him, like my Gage.
What did I just think? No! Not Mine. It can’t be him.
“Lex.” The clearly agitated, panty melting voice says, and clears his throat. “Lex.”
“Uh?” I whisper.
“Did you hear a word I said?”
I shake my head. I haven’t heard a thing. Unless my mind is deceiving me, or I’ve passed into a drunken dreamlike state this is Gage. He has me wrapped into his strong arms. God! I love how he touches me. He’s so warm and comforting. Like a thick blanket of soul seeping security.
“Lex?!” he yells startling me, causing my eyes to pop open.
“Did you hear me?” He’s definitely aggravated.
Glancing up, I take in his moonlit handsome face. Sweet Jesus he is to die for.
“You’re so hot.” I slur, blinking rapidly.
Chuckling and shaking his head in notable amusement, he blushes, and shyly smiles. “Thanks. Now, I was asking, why are you here? And you’re drunk. You weren’t planning on driving were you?”
Closing my eyes, I try to remember the questions.
“Too many question…things. One time.”
Now laughing he softly glides his hand down my side, to my lower back, and I instantly meld into him, our fronts intimately touching.
“Sweetheart, look at me.” His gentle tone evokes a sensual shiver to wash over me and I bite my lip, suppressing a moan. I’ve not been drunk in years and I’ve never been drunk around a man that I desire more than chocolate. This is a first.
Opening my eyes, I gaze up into his.
“Why are you here?” he softly questions, caressing my lower back, igniting a fire in my belly. I want him so much. God, no wonder women throw themselves at Gage. He’s the whole package.
“A man bought dress. Asked me to eat.”
“Where is he now?”
I innocently shrug. “Dunno. Not that kind of date.” I’m honest; I don’t know what else he needs or wants to know.
He looks at me confused. “Okay? Why are you drunk outside?”
“Going to…call…Roni to pick…up me.” I fumble over my words and lick my dry lips.
Shaking his head with a tiny smile, he states confidently. “No, I’m taking you home. I’m parked right there.” He points to his truck.