door, excited to take her out on a real date. When she pulled it open, she took his breath away. Standing there dressed in a tight navy-blue dress that stopped above her knees. The material hugged her curves in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. Her legs were bare, except for the stunning pink high heels.
Dawson had to adjust himself. “Fuck… you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” Zoey giggled.
The sound sent a jolt right to his crotch. “Shall we?”
“Definitely. If we stand here too much longer, I’m going to push you back inside and take advantage of you.”
Dawson grabbed her hand, leading her down the stairwell and outside. Hand in hand, they walked around the side of the building. Dawson spun her, pressing her back to the brick wall. Wedging his body against hers, he ravaged her mouth. Zoey’s hands fisted in his hair, moaning into his mouth as he leaned into her.
Pulling back. “Sorry. I couldn’t go another minute without kissing you.”
Dawson helped her straighten her dress. “It’s quite alright. I like the aggressive side of you.” Zoey leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. “But I am starved. We can have dessert later.” She turned, walking ahead of him towards downtown.
Dawson bit his lip as he followed behind her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her ass as it swayed in front of him. He’d be lucky to make it through dinner without wanting to take her on the table.
Zoey couldn’t help the grin stretching across her face. She’d never felt this way with a man. Something about Dawson made her feel safe. He caught up with her, lacing his hand with hers, and walked toward a little Italian bistro down from her shop. Seeing as her store was downtown on main street, she was close to everything.
The hostess seated them in a booth overlooking the water. It was a picture-perfect date, and as Zoey looked out at the breathtaking view, she sighed. The sky was laced with ribbons of purple and pink as the sun slowly made its descent. The water was smooth like glass, reflecting the colors filling the sky.
“Beautiful,” Zoey whispered.
“Yes, you are.”
She turned, a blush creeping up her neck, turning her cheeks a deep shade of red. “Thank you. But I was referring to the view.”
“I know. But you’re more beautiful than the view.” Dawson strummed his thumb across her knuckles. He held her stare until the waiter broke their silent lust.
After they’d ordered, Zoey decided she wanted to learn more about him.
“So… I know you were in the military, but tell me about your family.”
Dawson’s jaw clenched and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. He took a deep breath. “It’s just me. My parents died when I was eighteen. I think that’s what made joining the military so easy.”
“Oh, Dawson.” Zoey slid her hand across the table, covering their already twined hands with it. “I’m sorry. We don’t have to talk about it.”
“No. It was a long time ago. I was eighteen when it happened. They’d gone out on our boat for Memorial Day. I didn’t go because I had finals and needed to study. Truth be told, I just wanted to hang out with a girl. Funny thing is, I can’t tell you her name now. Anyway…” He took a sip of water, “The police said it was quick. Another speed boat hit them, overturning theirs, killing them both on impact. My high school didn’t make me walk or finish my finals. They just graduated me. I went and joined up two weeks later. What else was I supposed to do? I had no one. No family, no siblings. The military just seemed to fit.”
Zoey could see the pain in his eyes, even though he was doing his best to hide the devastation he must have felt at such a young age.
“I know what it’s like to lose a parent. But for you, to be young like that and lose both…” She shook her head. “It’s unfair and awful. Alright, enough of that. Let’s change the subject to a happier one. What are you looking for in a relationship?”
“You.” Dawson smiled. Pulling her knuckles to his mouth, he pressed his lips to her skin.
“Seriously, Dawson. Are you looking for something serious, casual, or do you want marriage? I’m just trying to get to know you.”
“Well,” Dawson smiled as the waiter placed their meals in front of them. “I don’t do casual. I like to focus all my energy on one person, so serious, I guess. And marriage is always something I think about at my age. I mean, I’m not getting any younger. What about you? Do you want kids or a husband?”
“A husband, yes. Kids? Eventually maybe… I don’t know, my business is just taking off. I’m not sure kids would fit in right now. I mean—I’m not opposed to them, eventually.” She shrugged nervously. “I am only twenty-five.”
She watched as he took her words in. He didn’t seem put out by them, but she couldn’t help feeling like she’d said the wrong thing. “The right man could always change my mind.” She cracked a smile, her eyes full of mischief when she spoke.
“And have you found the right guy?” His question was loaded, his gaze sending a spark right to her core.
“Maybe.”
Dawson paid the bill. “So, what would you like to do now?”
“I want dessert…” She cocked an eyebrow, knowing he knew what she meant, seeing as they paid the bill and were ready to walk out.
“Your place or mine?”
“Mine’s closer.” Zoey grabbed his hand, practically dragging him out of the restaurant.
They were both giggling as they approached her store.
“What the fuck?” Dawson’s growl startled Zoey. He pushed her behind his body in a protective stance.
“What… is something wrong?”
Zoey peered around him. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the glass window at the front of her shop. Someone had painted in big red letters, MINE. It covered the entire length of the glass, the still damp paint oozing down the pane and pooling on the sill.