Page 47 of Diners, Damsels & Wolves

“That’s only if the teacher assigns a good book,” he said, making Rachel laugh.

Settling into her chair, Clarissa listened to them talk. She had a feeling he was sharing real stories from his time in school, telling them as if it were present to help soothe Rachel’s confusion.

It was wonderful to see how at ease he was with Rachel, and how willing he was to placate her. The three of them talked over the tray of chocolate-covered fruit, she felt a sense of comfort and familiarity grow in her chest as the night wore on.

* * *

Wrapping her hoodie tighter over herself. The cool spring night nipped at Clarissa’s face, she ignored it. Standing on the front steps, she looked up at Thomas. He was breathtaking with his handsome features outlined by the hazy moonlight, his red hair a deep auburn in the night.

“Thank you.” She wasn’t sure how to say what was on her mind. “I’m happy you decided not to reschedule. I had a good time tonight.”

“Does this mean I’ve fully graduated from ‘stranger’ status?”

“I think you earned it,” she said.

“I’m glad,” he said, all hints of a joke gone. “I wanted to let you know I don’t think I’ll be able to come to the diner tomorrow, but I’d like to see you again. What days do you have off work?”

“I work every day. Tuesdays are usually the longest, other days can be if I pick up an extra shift.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Don’t pick up an extra shift on Friday.”

“Is that a request, or a demand?” She laughed.

“How about this, I’m going to make plans for Friday, and I’m going to be here whether you’re ready or not,” Thomas said.

“You going to take Rachel out if I’m at work?”

“Oh certainly, she clearly thinks I’m charming.”

“Who said I didn’t?” The words were out of her mouth before she realized what she’d said.

“You do?” He smiled. She couldn’t tell if it was endearing or infuriating.

“Well, I guess it would depend on what you were doing. You definitely have your moments, and other times, you get that smug look on your face like you just ate a canary. It kind of ruins the illusion.”

“I’ll work on that.”

It was only then that she realized they’d been inching closer while they were talking. He was now thoroughly in her space, and she was not-so-subtly leaning into him, her head craning up.

“So, what are you planning for Friday?” she blurted, to keep herself from attacking his lips. They were pink and flushed against his fair skin.

“I didn’t realize you’d decided to show up.”

“I’m still mulling it over.”

He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “If you decide to join me on Friday, then you’ll get to know what the plans are.”

Breath hitching, her face was no more than a breath away from the bare skin of his neck. Her lips parted. The smallest of movements and they would brush his neck. Trail up it to the sensitive part behind his ear, nibble on his earlobe. She wondered if he would moan. His voice was usually low and rough. What would his moans sound like? It would be so easy to find out …

Jerking back, she scampered up the steps to the door. “Thank you again. Have a good evening, Thomas.” She didn’t wait for him to respond, catching a glimpse of his shocked face as she shut the door.

Placing a hand to her chest, she fell against the door, panting. What was wrong with her?

Dinner had been put in the fridge; Tom refused to take any of the leftovers home. The dishes sat on a towel, drying. He’d rinsed while she washed. She’d reveled in the comfort this simple domestic task had brought her. Even when Rachel wasn’t having a meltdown, it was hard not to constantly feel alone. Tom spending the evening with them made her realize just how isolated she’d become.

His smile, attentiveness, kindness, his very presence, had obliterated her illusion. Not only did she crave interaction, she ached for it. For someone she could truly be herself around, someone to share the ups and downs with. And heaven help her, someone to share intimacy with.

How long had it been since she’d held someone’s hand other than Rachel’s? The simple act of him brushing a lock of stray hair from her face was enough to send her overboard. She’d have to be careful.