Page 14 of Midnight Roots

I slip on a black lacy thong and my nicest lacey black push-up bra. Then, I slip into the dress and examine myself in the mirror. Not bad for someone working on a shoestring budget.

I go to the bathroom and do my makeup. This is something that takes me a while because I'm not very adept at it like most girls are, but I manage to blend and contour and make myself look pleasing to the eye. I at least hope I'll look pleasing to Heston. I check the time, it's almost six. I take out my new high heels and slip them on, standing once more in front of the mirror. Then, I add the final touch: a spritz of perfume.

I look like a far younger version of myself when I dress like this. I hope that's not off-putting to Heston. I grab my clutch and make sure I have some emergency cash in casehe expects me to pay for half the meal, though I'm praying he doesn't. I'm hoping he's the gentleman he appears to be.

I take my house keys and slide them into my clutch before I leave, going to wait outside for Heston to pick me up in that big ol' truck of his.

As I stand on the curb, a few people walking past take notice of me. I hug myself and look up and down the road. It would be comforting if he would show up. I feel like a weirdo just standing out here waiting. A car slows down and stops next to me, and I shift uncomfortably.

The window rolls down, and I recognize one of the elderly ladies who comes to the cafe during the lunch rush.

"Dillon, are you okay, honey? You look far too pretty to be about the streets?" she asks worriedly.

"I'm waiting for someone to collect me," I say with a smile. "I'm going on a date."

"Are you now? Well, he's one lucky guy. Do you want me to wait with you until he gets here, honey?"

"No, that's okay," I say with a grin. "Thank you for caring, though. It's so nice of you."

She nods. "I'll see you tomorrow then." She rolls up her window, puts her car into gear and trundles off.

I look around and notice other people walking along the street. Why am I afraid? This isn't Austin. The city is full of dangers. Thisis just a sleepy town, and I'm going out with some rancher boy.

Chapter Twelve

Heston

I pull up outside her apartment building and see her standing on the sidewalk, waiting for me. She looks breathtaking. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful date if I tried. Everything about her is perfect. She's put so much effort into looking nice for me.

I can feel that my cock wants to stiffen just at the sight of her, but I control myself. I adjust my pants and get out, going to open the door for her.

"Here you go," I offer her my hand.

Her hand is small and warm inside of mine as I help her up into my truck. She buckles in and smiles at me as I close the door. If she only knew the thoughts I was thinking right now.

I climb back into the driver's side, and I start the engine. "We're going over to Lovewood, the town over. Is that okay?"

"That's fine," she says. "Is it far?"

"About an hour and a half drive, but I promise it'll be worth it for the steak they serve," I comment.

She smiles at me, and I smell a hint of perfume on her. It's delicious, like a berry woody smell.

It's intoxicating.

We sit in a comfortable silence on the drive to Lovewood. There's hardly any traffic, and the air is nice and warm coming through the windows—the last of the summer days.

Once we're in town, I pull up to the steak house I have my heart set on. It's not fancy like the city would have, but it's nice enough for a date. From the outside, it almost looks like asaloon with its wooden swing doors and the style of architecture, but once you look through the window, you can see it's a classy place: cozy tables, candlelight dinners, wine.

I get out of my truck and quickly go around to her side to help her down. I put my hand on the small of her back as I guide her into the steak house and up to a server. "Table for two, somewhere private, please."

"This way, sir," she says with a Southern drawl.

I let Dillon walk first and I follow, pulling her chair out for her once we reach our table. "A bottle of your finest wine for the young lady and a beer for me, please."

"I'll take a beer, too," Dillon says suddenly, blushing. "Wine is so expensive. A beer will do just fine."

"A simple woman, I like it," I chuckle. "Fine, two beers and your menu."