Page 136 of End It All

Blake pushedthe food around his plate. He’d eaten maybe three bites. Conversation had flowed easily between us, but I could tell something was wrong.

"You don't like it?" I asked.

"It's not that I don't like it."

I eyed him before he sighed. "It's just missing thatumph,you know?"

I nodded. "Yeah, it doesn't taste nearly as good as your cooking."

His cheeks took on an incredible hue of red that made me want to jump over the table.

"And as fancy as this place is, it's not us."

Blake's shoulders fell as he nodded and sat back. "Sorry. I know you probably planned out the first date and?—"

"It's not over yet." I drank some of the wine, not loving the taste in the least. Really should have gotten high prior to coming. "We can always go grab a burger from our favorite place once the main part of the date is done."

"Huh?" His head tilted showing off all the tattoos on his neck as his hair fell to the side. I wanted to lick every single one of them.

"We're here to pick out a mark."

"Really?"

I nodded. I wasn't a thief, but I saw how brightly Blake lit up any time he talked about doing a job.

"There is a special event here tonight that will run another two hours. That means whoever you choose won't be home by then."

"I need so much more information than that," Blake said, but the excitement was written all over his face.

"High stakes; fun reward."

"If we get caught..." Blake started.

"I'll handle it."

Blake nodded, not doubting my words. His trust meant more to me than all the money in the world. He scanned the room and was up in seconds. I thought he'd go and find his target, but he stopped next to me and bent over, placing a kiss on my lips. It was sweet and soft.

I was up, grabbing his hand and leading him to the dance floor.

"You know how to dance?"

"Baby, there are a lot of things you don't know about me yet." I winked, pulling him in close. "Don't worry, I will happily share them all with you."

Blake let me lead. He stepped on my toes a few times before he found his rhythm. Other couples joined in while some continued to eat.

If I could, I'd stay like this forever. Feeling my man pressed against me as the world disappeared around us? There was nothing better.

"Think I found a mark," Blake said.

"Okay, baby. You're calling the shots."

"You're going to listen to me? I'm, like, in charge?" Blake asked.

I laughed. "Yeah, this isn't my usual thing."

"You sure about this?" Blake stared up at me expectantly.

"Baby girl, we're in this together. Life, death, and crime."