Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(96)

Carson looked down at Poe. The cat’s tail twitched. Up. Down. “Poe needs his food. I need to get him set up.”

After a second, she sighed. “I hear you, honey. All right.”





Chapter Twenty





Following the hostess, Holt put his hand on Josie’s lower back and guided her past the noisy, packed bar and into the restaurant section where only the clink of silverware and low hum of conversation broke the quiet. An upscale restaurant, Georgina’s had become increasingly popular, and on New Year’s Eve, there was a line out the door and a long, long waiting list. He was damn lucky Georgina had fit them in. Whatever he’d owe Clancy in favors would be worth it.

Holt smiled at the lovely woman at his side. Being a guy, he did adore having Josie completely naked, but he had to say, she was pretty damn gorgeous when she got dressed up. He’d almost swallowed his tongue when she’d opened the door tonight. Her deep green dress set off her beautiful eyes and dark red hair. Cut almost to her waist, the bodice revealed the inside curves of her breasts. Wonderfully snug to mid-thigh, the skirt section had a tantalizing slit in the front.

When he’d made a circle with his finger, and she dutifully twirled for him, he’d seen her entire back was bared except for the tiny straps. Jesus.

Although he’d figured she couldn’t possibly be wearing underwear, he’d managed to wait until he got her outside before checking.

No underwear. He’d been half-erect ever since.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”

Her tiny snort made him grin. “You did. You know, in Texas, we’d say ‘that girl cleans up well’”.

“Baby, you clean up very, very, well.” He kissed her lightly, then held her chair for her.

As he took his seat, the hostess handed them menus, introduced their server, and added, “Ms. Georgina wants you to have a wonderful evening—and says I’m to note your lady’s dislikes. Otherwise, she’s in charge of your meal.”

Josie blinked, and then laughed. “You know the most interesting people, Holt.” After a second’s thought, she told the server, “I hate raw fish in any form. Otherwise, I like everything.”

“Very good, miss.”

The server left. The sommelier appeared, opened a bottle of wine, elicited Holt’s approval, poured their glasses, and disappeared.

Josie was shaking her head. “I’ve never had service like this. Are you some billionaire and didn’t tell me?”

“I do okay but no.” Holt clinked his glass against hers. “Georgina is married to one of my firefighter crew—you’ll meet them all one of these days—and she thinks I should get out more.”

Josie’s lips tipped up. “I take it she doesn’t know about your Friday and Saturday nights at the den of kinky sin.”

“Ah, no.” Holt sipped the wine and smiled at the rich smoky flavor. “She does know Nadia and I aren’t together any longer.”

“Holt, I’m beginning to think the entire city knows about your ex.”

He grinned. “Yeah, well, Nadia isn’t one for keeping anything private.” He reached across the table and squeezed Josie’s hand. “You, however, are a whole different animal.”

But he wasn’t going to push. Not…yet. Instead, he turned to lighter subjects. “Is Carson going to fight with Stella over what to watch tonight?”

Josie relaxed, laughed, and started in on a Carson story.

*

Sometime later, Josie frowned as Holt poured the last of the wine into her glass. Not that she was complaining, but she had to admit her mind was a bit fuzzy. “You stopped at one, and I’ve had…a lot more.”

“I’m driving,” he said easily, then rose at the approach of a beautiful brunette in a black suit. “Georgina, you outdid yourself with the selection. Please give our compliments to your staff.” He bent down to kiss her cheek.

She beamed at him. “I surely will, sugar.” Turning she smiled at Josie. “I’m Georgina. It’s wonderful to have you both here this evening.” The sincerity in her Southern-accented voice couldn’t be mistaken.

“Will you join us?” Holt asked.

Georgina looked delighted. “If I won’t be intruding, I’d love to sit for a moment.” Before she even turned, an attentive wait staff carried over another chair and seated her.

Josie almost laughed, thinking of the way the submissives hovered around all the Shadowlands Masters. “You have amazing people here.”

“Oh, I do.” Georgina smiled up at the young man. “Thank you, Manuel. Can you bring us a carafe of coffee, please?”

“Right away, ma’am.”

The brunette settled into her chair with a comfortable wiggle and turned to look Holt over. “All recovered? Clancy said you’re back at work.” She added to Josie, “My Clancy works with him at the station.” The wedding ring on her finger said her Clancy was probably a husband.

“I’m back to normal,” Holt agreed.

“Good. Stupid nasty stalker.” Georgina put a hand on Holt’s face and frowned at the long scar. “That’s healing, too. Good.”

He laughed. “You have a soft heart, sweetie. By the way, Clancy told me the restaurant is delivering leftover food to the homeless shelter. Thank you.”