the adorable
dimple I loved so much. His dark hair still damp from a fresh shower and his
powerful, luxurious scent weakened my knees. Yeah, it was going to be hard not to
jump his bones. I continued to admire him, until I took note of his wardrobe.
He was dressed down in jeans, a black t-shirt, boots, and a jacket. “Should I
change?” I felt overdressed beside him.
Marcus’ smile widened. “No, you look perfect, beautiful as
always.” He reached in and kissed my forehead.
“Are you sure, Marcus? I would only be a minute to change into
jeans and a top.”
Grabbing my arm, he tugged me out the door. “No, come on. We have
a long day ahead of us.”
After fastening my seatbelt, I turned to face him in the driver’s
seat. “Where are we going?”
“I told you it’s a surprise.”
“I know. I’m just excited about the whole dating thing. It’s kind
of sexy.”
Marcus let out a low raspy laugh, leaning in to me. His stare
traced from my eyes toward my lips. “Is it now? Will it be sexy enough for you to—”
“Don’t count on it, DeLuca.” He burst into a full belly laugh. I
missed that sound. He quickly kissed my lips and then pulled out of the parking
spot. Sighing with contentment, I slumped back onto the headrest and studied
his features as he drove.
“Are you hungry?” He asked.
“Actually, I am.”
“Okay, we’ll have lunch first, and then we’ll have fun.” He
winked at me and then focused on the road. My stomach fluttered. I felt like a
teenage girl on her first date with the most popular boy in school. I knew it
was a cliché thought, but it was my cliché moment. I thought every female was
entitled to at least one.
After thirty minutes, we pulled into a parking lot in the north
end of downtown. It was also the neighborhood where Marcus lived: Back Bay on
Commonwealth Avenue. His home was absolutely beautiful with the entire original
historic structure and a few modern touches.
We exited the vehicle and strolled down the strip hand in hand,
passing by a few restaurants and bars. We settled for a laid-back bar and
grill. Marcus ordered a beer, and I ordered a martini as we waited for our
meals.
“I’m sure it’s too early for me to drink.”
“By all means, Mia, please drink as much as you like. Besides,
you get horny when you’re drunk.” He winked.
With a dramatic gasp, I slapped my hand against my chest. “Are
you saying that you would take advantage of me while drunk?”
“Yes, I most definitely would.” Letting out a laugh, he shook his
head. “Nah, I’m kidding.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Alright, maybe a little.” We both burst out laughing.
After we ate our lunch, we decided to go for a long walk before
he took me to the surprise spot. It was a little chilly out, but still a
beautiful afternoon. We continued to joke around, flirt, and laugh. It was fun
and nice to have that innocent moment for a change. No thoughts of all the
issues we needed to work on crossed my mind. I wanted that moment to last
forever. I loved seeing Marcus like that. It was the side of him that made me
fall in love with him in the first place.
Marcus came to a complete halt, causing me to jerk in his arm. I
studied him suspiciously. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“We’re here.” His lips spread into a boyish grin.
Bunching my brows together, I looked around us. We were in front
of Lucky Strikes. “Your big surprise is a bowling alley?”
He nodded.
“Um . . . thanks?” I didn’t know what else to say. My handsome,
top notch lawyer/mobster boyfriend took me bowling as a surprise date. I was at
a loss for words, and not in a good way.
“Trust me. You’ll love it.” Grabbing my elbow, he dragged me into
the building.
After we rented our lane and grabbed our bowling shoes and some
alcoholic beverages, we made our way toward lane number eight. I couldn’t
believe we were going to bowl. Still in shock by it all, I tossed off my boots
and laced up the bowling shoes. I was