Distorted. Part 3

"This is one of the restaurants the front desk recommended," Paul told me. "Should we try it?"

"Yes," I said, already opening the door to walk in. I loved Italian food and this place looked wonderful. Walking to the hostess, I told her we needed a table for two. Picking up two menus, she motioned for us to follow her. We got to a little table in the corner and sat down. Looking around, I couldn't help but feel the charm of the restaurant. It had the typical red and white-checkered tablecloths and a candle burning at each table. Soft Italian music was being played through the speakers, giving it an authentic feel. A few tables were occupied, but it wasn't noisy which I was happy about.

Looking over the menu, I decided on the spinach ravioli with an asiago cream sauce. I hadn't had anything since lunch and I was starving. I ripped open a roll and slathered it with b.u.t.ter, taking a big bite. Hearing Paul's laugh, I looked up at him, chewing and swallowing my roll.

"What?" I asked him, dabbing my mouth with the napkin.

"You're just cute. Most women would refuse to eat the roll or at the least, take dainty bites, but not you."

Feeling embarra.s.sed, I set my roll down. "Sorry, I'm just so hungry. I haven't had anything to eat since lunch."

He reached over and covered my hand with his. "Aly, please. Don't apologize. I said it as a compliment. I think it's very refres.h.i.+ng that you don't pretend to be something you're not. I love that you are comfortable enough with me that you can dive into that roll."

Relieved, I picked up the roll and took another bite. Chuckling, Paul took his hand back and continued to look over the menu. As soon as he lifted his hand from mine, I felt the loss of it. Sighing, I continued to eat the roll when our server finally came to take our order.

"Good evening and welcome to Luigi's. I'm Tate and I'll be your server tonight. Would you like me to tell you our specials this evening?"

We both nodded. Tate smiled and indicated to a chalkboard on the wall, listing the specials and their prices.

"We have a delicious chicken gnocchi veronese which is made with a variety of cheeses served over a bed of noodles. Our second special of the night is our famous mouthwatering linguini in a light saffron sauce. This dish is my absolute favorite. Are you ready to order, or may I start you out with some appetizers?"

Paul raised his eyebrows to me and I shook my head. "I think we'll just skip right to ordering our meals," he said, indicating for me to go first.

"I'll have the spinach ravioli with the asiago cream sauce, please," I told him.

"Anything to drink?" he asked.

"Water is fine."

"Are you sure, Aly? I was thinking of ordering a bottle of wine," Paul interjected.

"Oh, you were? Well in that case, yes please," I said with a little smile.

Paul's burst of laughter warmed my insides and I couldn't help but join with him. "That settles it, then. Your finest bottle of wine and I will have the chicken fettuccine," he told Tate.

"Both great choices, but you really can't go wrong here. I will go put your order in and bring you our finest wine." Gathering our menus, he turned and walked through the swinging doors.

Paul grabbed a roll and split it open. "This place smells delicious, doesn't it?" he asked as he b.u.t.tered his roll.

"Yes," I said, breathing it in once again. "I cannot wait to eat. I'm starving."

Paul sat back in his chair, looking at me. His green eyes had a darker tone to them tonight, one that made me suddenly feel little currents run up and down my arms. What was he thinking?

"How are your parents doing?" he asked.

My parents? That was not something I would have guessed was on his mind. Not wanting to show my surprise, I took a sip of my water.

Tate returned with our bottle of wine. "Here you go. This is our finest in the house tonight. It's the 2008 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon at $135 a bottle. I hope it meets your satisfaction." He uncorked the bottle. Pouring some in our gla.s.ses, he told us our meals would be out shortly then left us to our drinks.

"My parents are doing well, thanks," I answered after Tate left. I started twisting my hair around my finger, trying to keep myself busy and not focus so much on how s.e.xy he was. "They just got back from yet another cruise to the Caribbean and had a fabulous time." I took my first sip of the wine. I moaned in pleasure when I tasted it, it was so good. Looking at Paul, I saw his gaze was focused on my lips, then at the hair wrapped around my finger. Realizing I showed a little too much pleasure at the wine, I blushed.

"I'm glad to see you like the wine." He winked at me. Now it was my turn to watch as his full lips met the wine gla.s.s and he took his first sip. Watching him swish it slowly around in his mouth made my stomach flutter. When I saw his eyes on me as he swallowed the liquid, they burned right through me and I couldn't breathe. It was the s.e.xiest thing I had ever seen and I knew I couldn't hide it.

"d.a.m.n," he said. "I really like this wine. I'm going to have to buy a bottle to take back home." He swirled the wine in his gla.s.s and took another sip, still not taking his eyes off me. I knew I was staring but I couldn't help it.

He raised a brow and chuckled. "I'm not sure if it's me or the wine that you're enjoying at the moment, but I'd prefer to think it's me so don't tell me if I'm wrong."

Blus.h.i.+ng again, I averted my eyes to my own wine gla.s.s and took another sip. "Well, in that case, I won't say anything at all, Pierce."

He put a hand over his heart. "You wound me, Chase," he said, using my last name for the first time that I could recall. I found it cute.

"Well, you did tell me not to say anything if you were wrong. I'm pleading the fifth," I teased as Tate brought us our meals. Setting them down in front of us, I about died at the aroma. I was so hungry.

Once Tate left, I dove in. I didn't even care anymore if Paul thought it cute or not. I just needed to satisfy my hunger.

Paul took a gentle bite of his food and I laughed. Shoving my hair behind my ear, I took another bite of mine. The asiago sauce was amazing. I reveled in it, then took another sip of wine. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

"How's your food?" he asked.

"Oh my gosh. It's so good, Paul. How's yours?" I asked between bites.

"It's good, but I'm afraid not nearly as good as yours. Do you mind if I have a taste?"

I shook my head. He leaned over and stabbed a piece of ravioli with his fork. For some reason, sharing my dish with him seemed intimate, something that couples would do, even though we weren't. I looked to see his reaction and could tell he loved it.

"Mmm, that is good, Aly. I wish I would have ordered this instead."

"You can have as much as you'd like," I offered to him. I'd offer him anything if it would make him happy.

"No, I don't want to take away from your meal. I want you to enjoy every bite."

Not arguing, I took another bite. Deciding to have another roll, I reached over to grab one when apparently Paul had the same thought and did the same. We laughed as both of our hands grabbed the last roll.

"You go ahead," I told him.

"Please take it," he said at the same time.

More laughter. "No, seriously Paul, take it. I have the better meal tonight. It's the least I can do," I told him.

"I will take it, then. Thank you very much."

I took an extravagant bite and made a show of enjoying it. I moaned over and over at how good it was and put a hand to my throat. When I'd swallowed the last of it, I finally looked at him to see if my show had worked.

I think it worked, but not in the way I'd expected.

Paul had a look of pure desire on his face and there was no way for me to deny it. I guess I went too far in my overacting. Feeling stupid, I just sat there, not wanting to bring any more attention to myself.

"I have to say, I wish I was that meal, Aly," he said quietly.

Jolts went through me. Looking down at my plate, I suddenly lost my appet.i.te. I couldn't think straight.

As if he heard me, Tate came by and asked us how our meals tasted.

"So good, Tate," I said. "I don't think I've ever tasted a better asiago sauce. Please give my compliments to the chef."

Tate gleamed. "I will do that. I'm so glad you like it. And yours, sir?" he asked, turning to Paul.

"It's good, but I had a bite of hers and I must say, it's delicious. I'm jealous I didn't follow her lead and get it myself."

"Would you like me to bring you one? It would be of no charge. We want to make sure our customers leave completely satisfied," Tate offered.

Paul smiled. "Oh no, but thank you. I'm suddenly quite full."

"If you're sure," Tate said. He told us he'd be back to clear our plates shortly and turned to take the order of the table that recently arrived. The tension that was there before he came over returned, and I wasn't sure what to do.

"Well, that was great, but I'm so full," I said, not knowing what else to say. He still had desire in his eyes and he continued to stare at me as he finished off his wine. He set his empty gla.s.s down and leaned back, continuing to look me over.

"It's getting late, Aly. We should get back to the hotel and get some rest for tomorrow. What time would you like to meet for breakfast?"

His change of subject caught me by surprise. "We're supposed to be at the Hidden Creek neighborhood at one o'clock so should we meet at nine to eat?"

"That would be fine. I think we'll need only an hour or two to drive around seeing the neighborhoods, then have a quick bite of lunch before meeting at one o'clock. I'm quite eager to get this going."

Tate came back with our bill and cleared our table. I reached over to get my purse when Paul shook his head. "I don't think so, Chase," he said. "I am paying for the expenses on the company credit card."

Oh, right. That made sense. "I didn't think of that. Okay, thanks."

Paul gave Tate the credit card and we waited for him to bring it back. I looked around me and noticed a cute younger couple dining. The man had his hand on the woman's hand and it appeared they were in deep conversation. Suddenly the woman started laughing and the man joined in. They appeared so happy and I couldn't help but smile.

Tate came back with the receipt and thanked us for coming in. We thanked him as well and wished him a good night. I rose from my chair and grabbed my purse. Paul waited for me, then put his hand on the small of my back and followed me to the door.

We thanked the hostess as we walked outside. It was pitch black by now and I was grateful Paul was with me. We headed back toward the hotel, not saying much on the way. I enjoyed just being beside him without the pressure of Casey or work getting in the way.

We made it back to the hotel and reached the doors to our rooms. Getting my room key out of my purse, I looked up to thank him for a fun evening. I found him standing against his door, looking at me with his arms folded across his chest.

"I'm really glad you're here with me, Aly," he said quietly.

"Me too. I can't wait to finally meet Mr. Shay and some of the residents of Hidden Creek. The next year or two will be intense with these two projects going simultaneously, but I know it will be so worth it."

Smiling, he stepped toward me. Reaching his hand to my face, he suddenly changed his mind and dropped it to his side. "Well yes, that too, but I'm just glad you're here with me as my a.s.sistant and friend. You are too modest to admit it, but you are a huge part of Pierce Homes success."

I wanted to take him in my arms and hug him. Disappointed I couldn't, I just smiled. "Thank you."

"Listen, it's late. We need to get our rest. We have a big day tomorrow. Sleep well, Chase," he teased as he leaned over and brushed his lips against my cheek.

Feeling weak from the contact, I nodded. "You too," I whispered. I unlocked my hotel room door and waved goodnight. Shutting it, I fell back against the door and sank to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees. Raising my head to look at the ceiling, I asked for strength to get through the next twenty-four hours. I knew I needed it now more than ever.

Waking up to the sound of a text alert, I groaned and looked at the clock. Eight o'clock. Why does the night go so fast? Picking up my phone, I saw the text was from Paul and smiled.

Good morning, suns.h.i.+ne. Time to rise and s.h.i.+ne!

Frowning, I texted him back.

I don't wanna!

A minute later, he replied.

LOL, too bad. Get up!

Typing fast, I hurried and responded.

You can't see, but I'm sticking my tongue out at you.

Laughing, I got out of bed and started getting ready for the day. I was nervous, but so excited to tour this area and meet the people we will be helping. My heart still broke when I thought of the little girl in the photo. I was hoping I'd get to meet her and her mother. I had a special place in my heart for them and wanted to see them in better conditions.

I heard my text go off again. Smiling, I picked it up. Of course it was Paul.

Promise?

Laughing, I typed back.

I'll see you soon, Pierce.

Turning my iTunes on, I showered and finished getting ready. Dancing around to The Foo Fighters, I couldn't help but feel giddy at Paul's texts. I had to keep reminding myself not to take it too far, but his flirting was beginning to make me wonder exactly what his feelings were.

I finished blow-drying my hair, and then went to my suitcase to pull out the outfit I'd packed for today. Pulling on my skinny jeans and pink blouse, I strapped my gold sandals on and checked myself in the mirror. Feeling satisfied with my light brown eye shadow, mascara, and pink lip-gloss, I ran the brush through my hair one more time and grabbed my room key. Checking the time before I left. I saw it was 8:57am, so I stepped out of my room and hurried to the elevator so I could be on time for breakfast.

I walked into the hotel cafe and immediately found him at a table. As I got closer, I could see he was on his phone. He saw me and signaled me over.

"Baby, I'll be home late tonight, I told you that. We have a full day here so there's no way I can make it home earlier."

My heart sank when I realized to whom he was talking. I knew it was ridiculous for me to expect her not to invade our time, but it still stung. Chastising myself for thinking there could be something more between Paul and me, I put on my best smile and sat down across from him in the booth.

Promising he'd call her as soon as he got home, he hung up. "Sorry about that. She seems to think I can drop everything and get home for her friend's party tonight. I told her I couldn't before we left." He sighed. "Anyway, how are you? Still sleepy?" He gave me a lazy smile as his emerald eyes sparkled and my heart melted, again. Determined to not continue letting him affect me this way, I sat back and folded my arms.

"Nope, I am feeling wide awake, thank you very much. I am ready to conquer this day, Pierce," I said in a mock serious tone.

He raised a brow. "Well that's good to hear. I wouldn't expect anything less from my best employee."

"Darn right I am. Don't you forget it," I teased.

"I wouldn't dream of it," he said as he quirked his mouth to a small smile. Those d.a.m.n jolts ran through my body yet again and I cringed. The affect he had on me needed to go. I remembered Ethan's warnings, and in doing so, the magic feeling with Paul disappeared.

Our server came and we ordered our breakfast, pancakes for me and a ham and cheese omelet for Paul. We sat back and went over what we needed to do for the day.

"I have my voice recorder on my phone so we can talk to people and get their ideas. We can't guarantee them anything, but getting their thoughts will help us tremendously. I also want to see how many families are in need. I expect some will be hesitant to our being there. While they need help, new things can make some uncomfortable and hurt their pride. I don't want to do that, so let's make sure not to push. We need to respect their wishes."

Paul gave me a lazy smile. "There you go again," he said.