Seduced by Innocencey(17)

"Have you two been friends long?"

I thought back to the day we met, when we were six years old and I tore the life from another girl in our class. Ocean didn't judge me or tell on me when she realized I was to blame. She just hugged me and then convinced her parents to join our coven. They died in a car crash when she was thirteen and the coven had been her only family ever since.

But of course, I couldn't tell him any of that. "We've known each other since we were kids. She's like a sister to me, closer than my own sister, actually. What about you? What's your family like?"

"I have a sister and a brother. They're twins, so I'm always the odd man out, but it's okay. We're all still pretty tight."

He pulled off the highway and slowed to stop at a red light, then turned to look at me as we talked.

"What about your parents?" I asked. "Are you close to them?"

His face expressed a range of conflicting emotion, and I knew there was a story behind it, but I didn't press for more. If we got through a first date, I'm sure he'd share more about his life eventually. I certainly had a lot about my own family and history that I wasn't willing to share tonight.

"I love my parents, but we don't always see eye to eye on what my life should look like, you know?"

I nodded. "I do know. I think everyone has that problem with their parents to some degree. They want a certain kind of life for us, and I'm sure it's hard for them to let go long enough to let us make our own choices, especially if they believe our choices are hurting us or others." I thought of what Mother would say about this date and how dangerous it could be getting close to a man.

He raised an eyebrow. "You're very wise."

"Not really. Just observant. There's a difference."

The light turned green, and he focused back on the road. "I'd wager a bet that you're both observant and wise. I'm a pretty good read of people, so I wouldn't argue with me if I were you."

I laughed. "Well, far be it from me to challenge your people reading skills."

His lips turned up in a half grin. "Indeed."

"So, where are we going?"

"An Italian restaurant my sister told me about. It's supposed to have the best meatballs in Seattle."

He already knew how much I loved Italian food from the getting to know each other question and answer phase of our date. "Sounds delicious."

Couples walked hand-in-hand down the sidewalk as we pulled into our parking spot. On the way in, Derek purchased a single white rose from a man selling them and handed it to me. "A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. Though I do believe you outshine even the loveliest of roses."

"Sweet words. I hope they have some meat behind them as well."

"Nothing I say is without substance and truth." A devil of a gleam shined behind his eyes, and I flushed in the few parts covered by Ocean's dress.

As soon as Derek gave his name, we were ushered to a table in a private corner, complete with candlelight and live violin music.

I'd never been on a date before, so I had no real life experience to compare this with, but if I had to judge based on movies and romance novels, I'd have said this ranked as one of the best, most romantic dates ever.

"You sure know how to make a girl feel special," I said as he pulled out my seat for me.

He sat across from me, and the candlelight danced in his eyes as he stared at me.

Had this been Blake, the attention would have made my skin crawl, but with Derek it felt so natural, so right. I couldn't avert my gaze from him either.

Two hours later, I acknowledged that he had been right. They made the best meatballs I'd ever had, not to mention the dessert.

But the best part about the evening had been getting to know Derek. His wit, intelligence and sheer animal magnetism made him impossible to resist.

As we left, he offered his arm to me. "Are you up for an adventure?"

I wrapped my arm around his, enjoying the feel of the hard muscles under his jacket. I longed to feel his body pressed against mine, those strong arms wrapped around my whole body, our flesh touching. It created an ache somewhere deep inside me, made worse by his proximity. In that moment I knew I'd do just about anything he wanted as long as we could spend more time together.

"Sure, as long as it's physically possible with my current outfit. I didn't think to bring a change of clothes."

"You'll be fine with what you're wearing, though maybe a bit chilly. But if you'll let me, I can help keep you warm." With that, he pulled his arm out of mine and wrapped it around my shoulders, holding me close to him as we walked back to the car.

He smelled of aftershave and mint, and I didn't want him to ever let me go.

When we reached his car, he pressed me against it and leaned into me. "Rose, would it be too forward of me to kiss you right now?"