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He reached down and took her hand. “Are we ready?”
She nodded. “Got everything I need.”
Removing the key ring from her hand, Ethan secured the apartment door.
As the couple began the short walk to his car, he gently dropped his arm around her shoulders. “There are advantages to living on the first floor of a three-story complex, especially when the elevator doesn’t work. I always get my favorite spot right outside every time I’ve come over.”
“You have been lucky. Tenants are assigned covered parking spots in well-lit areas nearby. I used to park in a visitors’ slot until management caught on. I was reprimanded, of course.”
Ethan placed a light kiss on Dakota’s forehead. Just that slight touch set off a firestorm below his waistline. He fought hard to keep his manhood from responding, but he had been on fire for Dakota from day one. “Let’s get a move on then.”
Getting into the car wasn’t a surefire way for Ethan to keep his visible desire in check, but it might help to hide it. Dakota wasn’t ready for anything more than the few kisses and hugs they’d shared—and he wasn’t the kind of man who’d press her. Any physical connection of the intimate kind had to come by mutual agreement. He found her exciting and refreshing, a far cry from some of the women he’d run into.
Learning that twenty-four-year-old Dakota was studying to become a teacher was a good feeling for him. She had said she’d gotten a late start on her educational goals, but she hadn’t told him the reason. Once she received her B.S. and teaching certification, she planned a career in special education. He had a good friend who was in the same field. There were never enough educators and special-education teachers were badly needed.
Dakota smiled every time she saw the silver convertible. Equipped with a mesh wind protector, the top was already down. She didn’t have to worry about her hair. She had a natural wave pattern and there wasn’t much that could destroy it.
“Your car looks like it was recently washed and waxed, but I can’t recall seeing it any other way. I guess if I had this nice of a ride I’d keep it spotless, too.”
Opening the door for Dakota to get in, Ethan chuckled. “After our first date, I was sure I had bored you to tears by telling you how much I loved my brand-new car. Once I got home, I realized I’d acted like a stupid teenager with his first set of wheels.”
“You did talk about it a lot, but you weren’t boring. Your enthusiasm was contagious and so were you. Cute, too.”
“Cute, huh?” he mocked her, slipping into the driver’s seat. He instantly started the engine and backed out carefully.
Dakota was comfortable on the plush ash-gray leather seat and her mind instantly reverted back to when and where they’d first met. It was one of her fondest memories. She touched his arm gently. “Do you remember our first meeting?”
“I’d never forget it. A few weeks have passed, but it’s still fresh in my mind. The library near your junior college campus happens to be in my Torrance neighborhood.”
“You mean your upper-crust hood, don’t you?”
“That’s how you see it. What do you remember about that day?”
“I was going to the library to pick up a couple of books to complete a research assignment. The fall term had just begun,” Dakota remarked, thinking back on it.
Although Ethan worked as an assistant professor of English at a prestigious Southern California university, he’d gone to the Torrance Library to pick up a book he’d needed right away. Driving all the way back to the campus where he worked would’ve eaten up a lot of time.
Ethan briefly looked over at Dakota and smiled. “We reached for the same book at the same exact time. As our hands connected, we both felt the sizzle.”
Dakota batted her lashes. “Before I could look away, you had me captivated.”
“While you stood there blushing like a new bride on her wedding night, I took the initiative to introduce myself to you. It’s one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.”
He had told Dakota how desperately he had to have the book they’d both gone for.
“If you let me check it out first, I’ll see to it that you know exactly when I plan to return it to the library,’” she teased, citing him verbatim. “‘I’ll need a phone number to do that.’ You were a smooth one, but I also got the impression you were sincere.”
“Don’t you know for sure yet?”
“The jury hasn’t ruled on it, but it seems to me they’re leaning in your favor.”
“I was pleasantly surprised when you forked over your number.”
Dakota grinned. “I did, didn’t I? I was surprised, too.”
Unable to get Dakota out of his mind, Ethan had ended up calling her the same evening. The couple had stayed on the line talking for a solid two-and-a-half hours, resulting in his asking her out on a first date.
Ethan held a Ph.D. in English Literature. Dakota recalled his telling her something about wanting to write a nonfiction book in the near future with a grant he hoped to receive, but he hadn’t gone into much detail. He’d seemed secretive about it. Publish or perish, she figured.
Dakota had been impressed with his credentials, but his job wasn’t what had turned her on. It was something deeper.
Ethan helped Dakota out of the car after parking under the Redondo Beach Pier.
The ocean air was crisp and cool, smelling strongly of sea salt. “We’re dining at Tony’s. Are you familiar with the popular restaurant located in the heart of the pier?”
Dakota nodded. “I hear great ocean views and fiery sunsets make it very romantic, but I’ve never eaten there.”
After Ethan assisted Dakota with the tangerine sweater, she held up his navy single-breasted Pierre Cardin blazer while he slipped into it.
Ethan took Dakota’s hand and began strolling leisurely toward their destination. “We don’t have to be in a hurry.” He looked at his watch. “We have thirty minutes before our reservations. Sunset is about an hour or so away and we definitely don’t want to miss out on the spectacular view.”
“The boardwalk is such a fun place, with lots of interesting things to do and see and enjoy. I ride my bike around the pier every now and then.”
One thing Ethan wanted to make sure he accomplished was to purchase a candy apple for Dakota. She had told him how much she loved them and how hard they were to find around L.A. L.A. heat caused the candy to melt easily. Because he wanted her to have a nice surprise, he planned to slip away to the candy-apple stand once they were seated.
Ethan let go of Dakota’s hand and put his arm around her. “Are you cold?”
“It was a bit chilly before I put on my sweater. I’m fine now.”
“If you need my jacket, tell me. Don’t want you freezing.”
“I started to bring a lightweight jacket, but I didn’t want to get bogged down with a lot of stuff. I’ve lived in Southern California all my life. I knew what kind of weather to expect. I promise to ask if I need your blazer.”
“I’ll gladly give it up. I also keep a windbreaker in the trunk, so we’re prepared for how chilly it might get.”
“It seems you’re always prepared for everything.” She liked that about him.
Ethan was an orderly person, much like she was. He was also big on anticipation, including contemplating her needs. She’d often thought he could read her mind. They also had scheduling in common. She kept a daily planner and so did he. The hours of her days were accounted for practically down to the minute. Dakota didn’t like last-minute anything. Things in her life worked better when there was order.
When Ethan had phoned Dakota on the spur of the moment, the evening of the first meeting, she recalled welcoming the call. He had made his intent crystal clear before they’d finished talking. She had been interested in him from the start, loving how charismatic he was. He would’ve never known how much she liked him if he hadn’t taken the initiative.
Ethan gave his name to the hostess stationed at the restaurant podium. The couple was immediately seated at the window table he’d requested beforehand.
After making sure Dakota was comfortably seated, he took the seat right across from her. He liked gazing into her sparkling hazel eyes, mesmerized by everything about her. His attempts to play it cool often ended in disaster. When she looked at him, his eyes betrayed him, melting into hers. The girl gave him goose bumps and caused him to have a raging fever, all at the same time. Reaching across the table, he covered her hand. “What about a glass of wine?”
Dakota smiled softly. “White merlot, please.”
Ethan summoned the waiter. Once the young man appeared, he ordered the drinks. He liked wine but he preferred a chilled pomegranate martini every now and then. One was his limit when he was the designated driver.
Before Ethan got to his feet, he leaned in closer to Dakota. “Excuse me for a few minutes,” he whispered in her ear.
The soft music playing overhead soothed Dakota. She couldn’t believe she already missed Ethan. He hadn’t been gone more than a couple of minutes. Although he hadn’t said where he was off to, she assumed his absence had been necessary.
While sipping on the white merlot, she began to feel a little self-conscious. A couple of guys a table away were giving her the once-over, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. People staring at her unnerved her. She knew it was probably silly, but that’s the way it was.
Ethan quickly reseated himself across from Dakota, giving her that megawatt smile she loved. Before she could blink her lashes again, he leaned across the table and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Did you miss me?”
“I did. Glad you’re back.” She looked over at the table with the two guys, fighting back the urge to stick her fingers in her ears and turn them back and forth. “I was a bit uncomfortable while you were gone.”
Ethan looked puzzled. “Why’s that?”
“The guys at the next table had fun staring me down. It made me nervous.”
“You’re very pretty, Dakota. Any red-blooded male would enjoy staring at you. I’d think you’d be used to it by now.”
Dakota shrugged. “I’m not. Having someone eyeballing me so intently isn’t something I’d want to get used to. I guess you think I’m silly.”
Ethan shook his head. “Not in the least. Sorry if I gave you that impression.” He briefly covered her hand with his again. “Ready to order?”
The lobster was pretty expensive but that’s what Dakota wanted. She didn’t have the money to offer to pay all or even half of it. “Is it okay if I order the lobster?” She felt classless as soon as the request was made.
If Dakota hadn’t been serious about her query, Ethan probably would’ve laughed. From the look on her face, he knew he shouldn’t make fun. “Order anything you want. I don’t go to restaurants I can’t afford.”
Eyeing Ethan with open curiosity, Dakota considered his comments. “If I ever ask a guy out to dinner, I’d like to know what I’m getting my wallet into beforehand.”
Disliking Dakota’s comments about asking out another man, Ethan frowned. “I hope I’ll be the only guy you ask out. I’d be jealous if you dated someone else.”
“What exactly are you saying, Ethan?”
“It’s simple. I don’t want you to date anyone but me. Understand?”
Nervous now, she swallowed hard. “You’ve made yourself plain enough. What about you? Dating anyone besides me?”
Watching Dakota closely, Ethan took a sip of his martini. “I haven’t asked anyone out since the first night I called you. I’m a one-woman man. I haven’t dated exclusively in a long time, but I’d like to have that with you. Is it possible?”
Dakota admittedly had some issues of trust, but she worked on that particular insecurity on a regular basis. Her heart had been broken before, a couple of times—and not just by men she’d been romantically involved with. Neither was it only men that she didn’t always trust.
Dakota was flattered by Ethan’s question. He seemed very sincere. She didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to be happy. The last steady boyfriend she had was over six months ago. She wasn’t sure she was ready for anything exclusive, but she did love being with Ethan. If they didn’t have a chance to act on their obvious chemistry, she’d never know how far things could go.
The waiter arrived at that very moment. Feeling like she’d better take the bull by the horns, Dakota decided it was best to go ahead and answer Ethan’s question. He would only revisit the matter later. “About your question, I’d love to give us a chance to see if we can build toward exclusive. I like being with you. I feel special when we’re together.”
Ethan moved his chair closer to hers. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips into her palm. “All we need is a chance, Dakota. I’m happy you’ve decided to give us one.” He kissed her gently on the mouth. “I won’t make you regret it.”
Dakota’s concentrated gaze connected with his. “I believe you.”
Once Dakota finished ordering the surf and turf, lobster and steak, Ethan asked for a pound and a half of Alaskan king crab. Both ordered garden salads and baked potatoes as side dishes.
“How was your day?” Ethan asked, after the waiter disappeared.
“It has been a good one. Classes were intense and I stayed busy at work, but that makes the time go by faster. The phone lines ring nonstop, but such is life at any telemarketing job.” Literally, she thought. “I have a lot of studying to do over the weekend, but I’ll manage.” Dakota was glad she didn’t have the type of job where work piled up and had to be taken home.
What would Ethan think of her job? Just imagining it caused Dakota to shudder.
“I’m always busy at my job. It’s very seldom that I don’t have a backlog of work. I always feel like I’m behind even when I’m not. I’m not complaining, though. I love what I do for a living. I was born to teach.”
Dakota wished she could at least halfway like what she did to earn a living.
The waiter returned to the table just as Ethan finished his comment. He carefully set down the meal in front of the appropriate diner, warning the patrons that the platters were hot. “Miss, would you like me to deshell the lobster?”
Dakota smiled up at him. “That’d be nice. Thank you.”
Ethan put up his hand in a halting gesture. “I can take care of it, Dakota, if you don’t mind.” He glanced apologetically at the waiter.
Dakota smiled brightly. “Please, go right ahead.” She smiled sweetly at the waiter.
The waiter smiled back at her knowingly as he walked away.
Ethan scowled slightly. “Sorry if I embarrassed you. I just think taking care of you is my responsibility.”
“I wasn’t embarrassed. And I just happen to like chivalry.”
“Good. I don’t want you thinking I’m possessive, ’cause I’m not.”
“Stop it,” she scolded gently. “Your gesture was so sweet.”
“Thanks.” He’d almost apologized again but stopped short. The last thing he wanted was overkill.
Ethan saw Dakota safely into the car before he went into the trunk to retrieve the surprise he’d purchased for her. He had to laugh at himself. He’d never felt this giddy over anyone.
Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, holding the candy apple down, with a piece of red ribbon curled around the stick, at his left side, which made it difficult to close his car door. Turning to face her, he brought the candy apple out and handed it to her. “I got this for you. I hope you enjoy it.” The smile she cast him made his insides tremble.
Leaning over the console, she kissed his cheek. “So this is why you disappeared earlier. You are too sweet. I can’t believe you remembered I told you it was a favorite.”
“Oh, I only go over in my head everything you say at least a couple dozen times a night.” He reached over and slid the back of his hand down the side of her face “Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you all that.”
She laughed. “Please keep it up. I’m enjoying the flattery. I feel like I’m in a dream world when I’m with you.”
“It’s not a dream, Dakota, but I know what you mean. It’s for real. I’ve never felt anything so real.”
Dakota went into Ethan’s arms without any prompting from him. She pulled slightly back and looked into his eyes. “It feels real to me, too. And I’m feeling you.”
Dakota hadn’t revealed to any man her deep, complex layers. Ethan just might be the one male she could open up her heart to. If he kept being so attentive to her, treating her like something fragile and beautiful, she felt like she could really let herself go with him.
Chapter 2
Dakota looked up at the dreary gray concrete complex, wishing she didn’t have to come here by herself. If her parents had survived a fatal car crash several years ago, she wouldn’t be here alone. The couple had been coming home from the theater late one evening when a semi jackknifed into their car, killing them instantly. Shortly after their deaths, her parents’ employer-paid medical coverage had been terminated.
Dakota had been left in charge of her eight-year-old sister, Danielle, who had Down syndrome, after their guardian/ grandparents had both passed away three years ago, her grandfather dying first. Everything had fallen solely on Dakota’s shoulders, just as the young woman had turned twenty-one. She was sixteen years older than Danielle.
