Page 53 of Disavowed

The way he filled out his dark slacks and matching jacket…he looked damn good. And it didn’t hurt that the top button of his white dress shirt was undone, revealing a sexy wedge of skin and dark hair. The guy would get any woman hot for him.

So why isn’t my blood sizzling?

“I just need my purse.” She grabbed her black satin evening bag from the nearby table and tucked it under her arm. Jack took it from her, holding it while she slipped it on.

“Ready?” He placed his hand at the small of her back.

“Definitely.” She smiled up at him. It was high time she got back into the dating scene, and if nothing else, she planned to enjoy his company and a nice meal.

Their table at La Rosa was private, situated in the back of the restaurant, and Daisy already knew how romantic the atmosphere would be. Alex had given her a play-by-play of the first date she and Gray had at La Rosa. Including the chocolate fondue.

Alex had described La Rosa’s chocolate fondue dessert as one of the hottest, sexiest culinary encounters she’d ever had. She and Gray had fed each other fruit dipped in melted chocolate, and then licked the chocolate off each other’s fingers.

“Wine?” Jack asked as a waiter handed him a leather-bound book.

“Of course.” She could really use a drink to relax, and it bothered her that she did.

“Do you like the place?” From the expectant look on his face it was important to him that she did.

“I love it.” She glanced around, taking in the floor-to-ceiling velvet drapery, the elaborate chandeliers, and the tiny dance floor. “My friend came here on a first date with her husband and told me how beautiful it was inside.”

“I’m confident this will be the first of many dates for us as well.” He smiled and reached across the table for her hand.

When he threaded his fingers through hers, she met his gaze and smiled back, although she was already wondering how many dates they’d really have. Luckily, the waiter was quick to bring them their wine, and he released her hand. Not that it didn’t feel good. It just didn’t give her goose bumps, or tingles, or whatever it was she really, really wanted to feel from his touch.

After the waiter had left, they held up their glasses while he made a toast. “Here’s to us, and here’s to the future.”

She clinked her glass with his. “The future.” She took a long sip.

“Speaking of the future,” he said, “I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but I’m amazed that you aren’t already married with a house, two point three kids, and a dog. I mean, you’re beautiful, talented, and successful. Your business is obviously prospering, so what’s next in Daisy Fowler’s future? Do you ever think about settling down and having kids?”

She raised her brows. Whoa. He sure moves fast. They hadn’t even finished their first date yet, and he was already planning a family with her? “One day, yes.” With the right man. “But I have to say, most men would run like jackrabbits if a woman asked them about marriage and kids on a first date.”

He stared at her, his eyes taking on a growing intensity that she found a little unnerving. “I’m not most men. When I see what I want I go for it. I’ve got one more side job I’m committed to, and then I’m all yours.”

Suddenly feeling the need for space, she leaned back. She liked Jack, but he really needed to ease up on the whole domesticated-man thing.

“Sorry,” he added quickly. “I can tell I’m making you uncomfortable. Guess I came on a little strong.”

Maybe. Then again, maybe I’m not accustomed to a man who isn’t afraid to put himself out there and be honest about what he wants.

“I appreciate your candor,” she said. Perhaps she was judging him too harshly. It wasn’t as if Dom had ever talked with her about marriage or kids, but she really did want that. For now, however, a change of subject was sorely needed. She leaned forward. “So did I hear correctly? In addition to working all those hours for me, you’ve got a side job?”

“Yeah, but it’s the last one, and it’s almost over. Something I committed to long before I was lucky enough to meet you.”

“What exactly is your side job?”

He took a sip of wine before answering. “Nothing exciting. Just a little extra cash on the side. Padding for my nest egg.”

She frowned. “Most men would consider nesting akin to being neutered.” She guessed Dom did.

“I don’t.” He shook his head, again staring at her with unrelenting intensity.

Odd that I didn’t notice this intensity in him before.

“Well, that’s refreshing.” The more she thought about it, it really was. “So tell me about your childhood.” Although her glass was still fairly full, she reached for the wine bottle to top off. She sorely needed something to do with her hands. Anything to disrupt the way his eyes were locked on to her like a heat-seeking missile. “Do you come from a big family?”

“Kind of.” He took the bottle from her and did the honors. “Two sisters and one older brother. What about you?”