Chapter Ten

“So,” a booming voice intruded. “What can I get you to drink?”

Ernst looked up to see that same large man standing in front of them. Picking up the menu, he glanced over it and asked, “Kacy? What do you want?”

The man she had called Darnell interrupted. “I know what she wants. I was asking you.”

Kacy shrugged and sent Darnell a look. “I want you to meet my friend Ernst, Darnell.”

“Friend?” Darnell asked, sounding like a schoolmarm instead of the three-hundred-pound man he was. “I ain’t never seen you bring a friend in here to sit at your booth. Not a male one anyway.” Those dark eyes moved back to Ernst. “You must be something special. How about I bring you a lemonade and if you don’t like it, I will get something else for you.” He was gone before Ernst could say anything one way or another.

“Where do you know Darnell from?” Ernst questioned.

“I did the electrical work here when they first opened, and have been eating here ever since.” She frowned. “I’m sorry; I sort of just assumed you would like what they serve.”

“Hey, I love food; as long as it’s good, I’m happy,” he reassured her, touched by her concern.

Kacy smiled at him. “Well, then, you will be happy. His wife is an awesome cook.”

“I love how your eyes crinkle up at the corners when you smile,” he blurted out. It was his turn to grin as he saw the blush move across her skin.

Soon, they were dining on hushpuppies, greens, fried Saba over rice, and frog legs. Darnell had de-livered it on one large plate so they could take smaller portions and put it on their own plates.

“Oh, Lord, this is good.” Ernst laid his fork down beside him and leaned back in the seat. “I’m stuffed. I think I am going to have to run an extra twenty miles to work this off.”

“I knew I liked you,” Darnell said. “Any man who eats like you and is so obviously fond of my Kacy is good in my book. Now, what’s gonna be for dessert?” He tossed down the dessert menu. “I will be back in a bit.”

“Dessert? After that amount I just ate?” Ernst turned his head to look at Kacy who was nodding.

“Have to have dessert. They would be insulted otherwise.”

“Are the portions always this big?”

“Yep.”

“Jesus, I think I should let the team know about this place. It is awesome.” Ernst leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for sharing it with me.”

Darnell returned. “What’s for dessert?”

“I want Bananas Foster,” Kacy said.

“I’ll have an order of bread pudding,” Ernst said. “And a coffee please.”

“Be up in a few.” Darnell took two steps and turned back. “Y'all make a great couple. I like him, Kacy; keep him.” Then he left.

“He’s a smart man,” Ernst observed with a grin. “You should listen to him.”

Kacy rolled her eyes but blushed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

After their desserts had been delivered and it was once again just the two of them at the small corner booth, Ernst asked, “Do I get to know more about you now?”

“What were you looking for?” she hedged.

“I don’t know…a phone number. An address.” He put down his fork and placed his gaze on her face. “Look at me, Kacy,” he pled.

Slowly, she met his gaze. “What?” Kacy questioned.

Ernst noticed the distrust that lurked in the back of her eyes. “I want to know where you live. I want to be able to call you. Hell, I want to call you my girlfriend.”

Kacy swallowed. “I…I…I…”

“Kiss me, Kacy,” he said.

That got her attention. Those dark brows of hers scrunched together as she asked again, “What?”

“Kiss me. Right here. Right now.” Do you trust me enough to do that in front of your friends?

Not even looking around the room at the patrons who’d fallen silent and begun watching the couple in the corner, Kacy put down her fork. Getting up on her knees on the bench, she moved over so their mouths were millimeters away. Her copper eyes gleamed with the emotion he wanted them to have for him. Love. Desire. Trust.

She straddled one of his legs and her hands rested against the smoothness of his chin. As her head moved closer her eyes drifted closed. It seemed as if all her feelings were poured into this kiss. Her tongue ran over his lips before sliding between them and entering the warmth of his mouth.

Ernst let her have control of the kiss for about five seconds. His body was rock hard the second she’d gotten up on her knees and moved toward him. But when her tongue slipped into his mouth, he forgot himself. Easily dominating the kiss, he grabbed her around the waist and held her there while his mouth plundered hers.

Both of them were hot and horny when they broke apart. Her eyes were like liquid metal and his were burning with promise—a promise to finish what had been started.

Kacy got off his lap and silently picked up her fork to try and eat some more. Her hands were shaking so bad it was almost impossible.

“Let’s go,” Ernst said. “I want to have you to myself for a while.” Kacy nodded, clearly not trusting her voice to speak. Ernst paid for dinner and soon they were back outside.

“You can follow me home,” Kacy said in a quiet voice.

“Are you sure?” Ernst asked, not really wanting her to think on it and back out of the offer.

Kacy nodded and spun on her heel, apparently not willing to give herself an out, either.