In the Dark (The Rules #2)(13)

“Maybe.” I shrug and start to turn, glancing at him from over my shoulder. For a moment, I forgot I was in the old one piece. I don’t know what’s worse, flaunting all my goods, tummy rolls and all in the bikini or looking haggard in the old, faded suit. “What do you have in mind to make it up to me?”

His face breaks out into a full grin. “Wait until you see.”

I’m seriously looking forward to it.

The doorbell chimes—and chimes and chimes—and I glance up from where I’m lounging on the couch, reading a book on my phone. I’m not expecting anyone to come over because trust me, no one comes over. I live like a hermit in this house. Interacting with Gabe and his sister was the first live action I’ve encountered since I’ve been housesitting.

Standing, I shove my phone into the pocket of my shorts and take tentative steps toward the front door. The doorbell chimes again, startling me and with a grimace I rush to the front door and peek through the peephole to see who’s standing on the other side.

Mr. GQ himself.

My heart tripping over itself, I undo the lock and throw the door open, getting my grip firmly on the door handle so I have something to hang onto. “What are you doing here?”

Gabe flashes me a brilliant smile and I’m thankful for the door handle. Otherwise I probably would’ve slid to the floor in a puddle. “I’m here to take you out.”

I frown. “But we didn’t make plans.”

“Do we have to have plans in order for me to take you somewhere?” He cocks his head, his hair falling over his forehead. I have the insane urge to push it off, run my fingers through it. I bet his hair is silky soft. “Have you ever heard of being spontaneous?”

My frown deepens. No one would ever call me a spontaneous person. Ever. I like plans. Things happening in an orderly fashion. If that makes me sound like an old lady then so be it. I happily embrace my old lady habits. “I’m not one for spontaneity.”

Gabe shakes his head, shoves his hands into the front pockets of his black cargo shorts. He looks good. Of course. He’s wearing a faded red T-shirt that clings to his muscular shoulders and chest almost lovingly. I wonder if he works out. He has to work out. No one looks that good without putting a little effort into it. Or else he’s just blessed.

“Nothing wrong with a little spontaneous action now and then, don’t you think?” The sly look he gives me makes me think he’s remembering last night. And while the falling asleep portion of it I’d rather forget, there is that spectacular kiss we shared. I don’t want to forget that.

I don’t think he wants to forget it either.

“Maybe,” I say with a shrug.

He drinks me in, his gaze landing on my bare feet. “Get some shoes on and let’s go.”

“Um.” I glance down at myself. I’m wearing last night’s white shorts and a dark green tank top. Not exactly dressed for success. “Do I need to change?” I reach up and feel the back of my head. I never took my hair out of that sloppy bun I twisted it into a few hours ago and I bet I look a mess.

“You’re perfect just as you are,” he says, his tone soft, with just the slightest hint of seduction. Oh, boy. “Now go grab your shoes and let’s get out of here.”

I leave him standing at the door as I go in search of my flip flops, my mind racing at the possibilities. Where is he taking me? What does he have planned? Am I ready to do any of those things he has planned? Just looking at him makes me think of sex, which is wrong and weird and totally unlike me. I’ve never met a guy who I want to flat out jump. Ever.

Gabe is the exception to that rule. If he’d pushed his way into the house and demanded that I strip for him, I probably would’ve agreed.

Wild but true.

Slipping on my black flip flops, I grab my purse and shuffle back to the door, where I find Gabe leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed in front of his chest, his stance, everything about him casual. “Ready?” he asks, straightening away from the doorframe.

“Definitely.” I say with a nod as I walk outside, shutting the door behind me. I turn to it and lock the deadbolt, then smile up at Gabe. “Where to?”

He returns the smile. “Let me show you. This evening will be broken into a few different parts.”

I frown at him. “Such as?”

“It will have to be a surprise.” He offers his arm for me to take. “Ready to go?”

As ready as I’ll ever be.

He takes me to an old fashioned drive in, a burger joint with vintage looking neon signs in bright pinks and blues and tons of cars filling the lot. We somehow find a parking space directly in front but this allows us a glimpse inside and every available table is taken, including the ones outside.

“We can eat in the car,” he suggests, glancing around the pristine black leather interior of his BMW.

Knowing me I’ll probably spill my soda in here. Or a blob of ketchup will drop out of my burger and land on the seat. “Is this your car? And are you sure?” I ask, wrinkling my nose.

“Yeah, it’s mine Don’t worry about it.” He nods, rolling down the window as one of the waitresses approaches his side of the car. She’s cute with bright blonde hair pulled into a high, bouncy ponytail and a ton of well applied makeup on her face. Instead of looking caked on, it enhances her features and I feel sort of less than just looking at her. “Hey,” he tells her and she flashes him a winning smile.