Page 37 of Icing on Top

The door clicked open and all thoughts flew out of my mind the second Zoe stepped out in a satin emerald dress. It brought out the green in her hazel eyes and—God help me—it hugged her curves perfectly. Now my hands itched to smooth over the fabric covering her hip.

She smiled shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Hi.”

“Hi.” I quickly scooped my jaw up from the ground and held my hand out to help her down the two short steps. “You look stunning.”

Her cheeks flamed a bright pink, and I smiled even wider.

“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

Her playful words helped cut through the sudden tension between us, putting us back into familiar territory, and my shoulders relaxed as I turned toward the car. She’d kept her hand in my own, and I felt like a giddy school boy walking a girl to class. I only let go to open the passenger door for her.

“So what is our Charlie girl up to tonight?” Zoe asked once I’d climbed in behind the steering wheel. Then she made a face. “Or is talking about children off limits on a first date?”

I chuckled, but her use of the word ‘our’ had my stomach doing a pleasant flip. However, I decided not to look too deeply into it. This was only our first date.

“She’s with my parents tonight having a sleepover,” I answered. “My mom texted me a picture of them making popcorn with melted marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.”

Reaching out to my parents to ask them if they could watch Charlie for the night had taken just about as much encouragement and not-so-gentle pushes from Wes as getting ready for this date had. I hated to inconvenience them at all. Especially for the selfish reason of going out with Zoe. But my mother’s audible excitement on the phone and insistence that I let Charlie sleep over more often lessened the guilt, if only slightly.

“Okay, I’m kind of jealous of her.”

“So you’re saying I should just turn around and take us back to my place for popcorn?” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder.

Zoe laughed and shook her head. “Maybe another time.”

Another time. I liked the idea of that.

Arriving at Montebello, I hurried around my car to open her door for her. Her lips parted, and I held up a finger to stop her before she could even utter a sound.

“I know that you’re an independent woman, but please,” I implored, “let me spoil you tonight.”

Her mouth clamped shut and she eyed me, but I could see her resistance waning. When she didn’t argue, I took that as a win. I offered her my arm, and she took it, walking inside with me to check-in for our reservation.

Montebello was like most fancy restaurants; dark fabrics save the white tablecloths and low lighting that lent to a more intimate atmosphere. The hostess sat us at a table near the back. I didn’t miss the flush in Zoe’s cheeks when I pulled her chair out for her. The ends of her hair brushed over my knuckles as she sat, and I took a self-indulgent second to admire the glossy waves.

“Thank you,” she mumbled softly.

“You’re welcome.”

I took my seat and reached for a menu, Zoe’s nose already buried in her own, presumably to hide her blush. Too bad I’d already seen it.

“Do you like wine?” I asked.

“Never acquired the taste for it. Or any alcohol for that matter.”

A knot loosened in my chest I hadn’t even realized was there.

“Do you drink?” She peeked over the top of her menu at me.

I quickly shook my head. “No. I’ve been sober for several years now.”

Her eyes lingered on mine, several questions in them that I could tell she wasn’t sure if she could ask.

“Drunk driver.” I found myself explaining before I’d even decided to do so. I cleared my throat and shifted in my seat. “It was a drunk driver that caused Sadie’s accident.”

And the loss of her life.

The waiter appeared with glasses of water, and I quickly took a drink in hopes of washing down the lump that had appeared. I waited until he’d left again before I continued.