The Best of Us (Sullivan's Crossing #4)(22)

“Just a girl. You’re probably in the market for a family man, and while I am that, I should be up front with you. I’m not interested in starting another family. I’ve invested almost eighteen years in parenting.”

Actually, she wasn’t planning a family, either, at least not anymore. She’d been unattached for over a dozen years and had decided there just wasn’t a man out there who was right for her. She’d kept an open mind for a while, once she got through the worst of her broken heart. But until tonight... This first date was unlike any she could remember. Rob was unlike anyone she’d dated. In fact, she’d known he was special before the date.

But why would a forty-year-old man who’d been raising kids for that long want to do it all over again?

“That’s perfectly reasonable,” she said.

“I don’t think I’d mind having a girlfriend,” he said. Then he flinched as if in surprise. “You bring on the strangest thoughts. I’ve never said that to a woman before.”

“Not even your wife?” she asked.

“Probably not,” he said, smiling. “We were just kids. We didn’t seem to realize it at the time but surviving was a big job. We thought we were poor because that’s the way everyone starts out. I think the most serious thought I had about getting married was that I was going to have sex every day for the rest of my life.”

“That was certainly naive of you,” she said.

“Tell me about it.”

The next course arrived—beet salad with sea bass. Then there was paté served on rich toast with half a deviled egg sprinkled with caviar, then exotically prepared broccolini, then a salmon soufflé. Rob described each dish, humming his delight through every bite. “I couldn’t do this,” he said. “I never went to culinary school. I studied management and business. I learned from the chefs and sommeliers I worked with.” Then came the filet.

The servings were very small and at first Leigh wondered if she’d get enough to eat—she had a pretty healthy appetite. But by the time the filet was delivered, she wondered if she could eat another bite.

Once the small chocolate tart and espresso were served, Peter came from the back to say hello to some of his patrons, thanking them for coming. But he pulled out a chair to sit down with Rob and Leigh and an espresso was delivered to him. Rob and Peter were immediately absorbed in a conversation about food, menus, venues and everything related. They shared news of new or noteworthy restaurants and just as much news about those that were closing. Sometimes they were saddened and sometimes amused by the closings—clearly they sat in judgment and were competitive toward all the other restaurants.

Peter went back to work but they lingered. She asked him how he went about finding the right pub to buy; he asked her all about Helen. By the time they left they’d spent almost four hours together, including the drive.

“That was completely lovely,” Leigh said as they were leaving.

He draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. He pressed his lips against her temple. “I love that place. Peter likes to come to my shop, too.” Before he opened her door at the car, he gently pushed her against it. He held her face in his hands and kissed her.

She hadn’t expected that but it only took her a moment to realize she wanted it, oh, yeah. She inhaled the scent of him, put her arms around him, held him tight and returned the kiss. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss. She opened her lips under his and allowed a little tongue play, very satisfied with the deep moan it brought from him. He slid his hands under her wrap and pressed himself more solidly against her. His body, from his knees to his shoulders, was hard as stone. This man was in shape. She pulled away just slightly.

“Is this a good idea?” she whispered.

“Oh, yeah. Best idea I’ve had all day,” he said, going back for more. “You taste like heaven.”

She laughed. “I think that’s clams, broccolini and salmon soufflé.”

“And caviar,” he whispered.

“We’re in a parking lot.”

“And I have nowhere to take you,” he said. “My boys are at home and your aunt Helen is standing guard at your house.”

He kissed her again, deeply and hungrily. She did not pull away. If they had been within five steps of privacy, she would have been doomed. Doomed to pleasure, if she had to guess.

“That’s probably good,” she whispered against his lips. “I haven’t quite decided if I want a boyfriend.”

“Okay,” he said, going after her lips again.

“Have you? Decided?”

“I’m in,” he said. “Take your time.” But then he kissed her a while longer. “I’d like to be alone with you.”

“We’re alone,” she whispered. Then she went after his lips.

A horn honked. There was the distant sound of laughter. “Not alone enough,” he said. “Let me get you home before I get really stupid.”

That made her laugh, but she agreed he was right—this had to stop. This time.

They only talked a little bit on the way home. They held hands, talked about how superior the dinner was, how much they’d like to do it again. She thanked him at least three times, then allowed a brief kiss at the door.

“What are you asking yourself right now?” Rob said.