Page 40 of Brutal King
“I do apologize,” Trent told the server as he stood. “No. We won’t be staying for dinner.” He pulled a few bills out of his wallet and handed them to the man.
We headed out to his car.
“I am so sorry for keeping you so late,” he said.
“I’m as much to blame as you are,” I said. “I completely lost track of time. I really find you fascinating, and I enjoyed hearing all your stories.”
The drive back to Ginger was slow and quiet.
“I like this,” Trent said as we neared the restaurant.
“What’s that?”
“This comfortable silence.” He glanced at me. “I’m used to being around people who feel the need to talk all the time... whether they have anything to say or not. I think most people are uncomfortable with silence.”
He pulled into the parking lot and killed the engine.
“Damn,” he said suddenly. “Am I being presumptuous. I mean... were you uncomfortable? Oh, crap. Please don’t tell me that you’re one of those people that I was just criticizing.”
I laughed. “No. Don’t worry. I was quite comfortable in the easy silence you afforded me.”
He let out a relieved chuckle. “Oh. Good.” He opened the car door and got out. “For a minute there... I thought I’d really put my foot in my mouth.”
I followed him to the door which he unlocked and gallantly opened for me.
“I do hope you’re not offended by my holding the door for you. It’s not a show of power over you. Just a simple courtesy I would offer anyone... even another man.”
Again, I laughed. “Don’t worry about it. Come on. Let’s get to work.”
We entered the restaurant, but Trent stopped just inside and looked around.
“What are you looking at?” I said.
“Just comparing what I see here to what we just visited. Don’t get me wrong. I really don’t want to knock that place but... well... look at this.”
“It is pretty cool.”
“And you can’t beat that view,” he added.
I walked up to one of the windows that offered a view a little more to the south. “You’re right. This can’t be beat.”
He came up behind me and took a firm hold of my shoulders as he leaned in to smell my hair. I stood still for a moment, not sure what to make of his move.
“Every day since I started working here, I come and stand at this window and look out and realize what a lucky man I am.”
“I can see why,” I whispered. I swallowed loudly... a certain discomfort that I couldn’t explain.
“I’m sorry,” he said as he released me and backed away. “Believe me. I’m not the type of man who is usually so forward.” He looked into my eyes, delving deep, searching. “I’m not quite sure what it is about you but... you draw me in.”
“And you’re not so bad yourself. You’re a very intriguing man.”
He grinned. “You mean for a blond haired, blue eyed Asian?”
I offered him an inviting smile and he responded with a warm, chaste kiss. I was surprised by the softness of his lips, but equally surprised by the all too brief touch.
He backed away and looked at me. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and low. “Was that okay? I mean, can I kiss you?”
It was my turn to respond with a kiss that was just as chaste as his, but only for a moment. He quickly pulled me in, holding me tight and pressing me against him. His tongue slipped into my mouth and my entire body was suddenly electrified. I felt more alive than I ever had.