Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) by Nikki Belaire Page B

He’s nervous too
.
    Crossing her arms, Carrie leans against
the doorframe. “So, where are you two kids off to tonight?”
    He takes Shae’s hand, seeming to ignore
the slight tremble of her fingers as they squeeze his. “We’re going to
Bernard’s on the Water.”
    Carrie lets out a low whistle. “Wow,
that’s a fancy place. Are you sure you can afford it, Nick? It’s pretty pricey,
you know.” Another mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Speaking of which,
Shae’s precious cargo. Do you have a safe vehicle to transport her in? And,
what are your intentions after dinner? She’s a respectable young lady, so she’s
not going to tolerate any unwanted advances.”
    Shae leans toward her, giving her
sternest look to dial down the crazy. “What are you doing?”
    Carrie shrugs her off while Nick rolls
with laughter, playing along with her inquisition. “I assure you, ma’am, my
intentions are honorable. I believe I have adequate funds to purchase dinner,
and my car is in proper working condition.”
    “Very good. But let’s talk about your
sexual expectations? Shae has a reputation to uphold, you know.”
    Oh, my God. She did not just say “sexual
expectations” to Nick. Shae loops her arm through his. “Come on, it’s time to
go.” As they walk past, Nick tells Carrie good night, and Shae laughs and
shakes her head. “You are so embarrassing.”
    Carrie swats Shae on the bottom and
whispers in her ear, “I love you too. Now, enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” She
shouts after them. “Have fun, kids! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
    Outside, Jacks opens the car door for
them. Shae smiles at him before climbing inside. “Thank you.” As they ride in
the limo, she turns to Nick. “I’m sorry about Carrie. I don’t know what got into
her. I told her what you said about the third degree, and I guess she wanted to
give you a hard time.”
    “I can see why you’re best friends. It
did help to take the edge off. I hate to admit it, but I was a little nervous.”
    His confession confirms her suspicions,
yet still catches her off-guard. This rich, powerful, maybe even dangerous, man
feels nervous about spending the evening with her. All the while having no idea
of his impact on her, unaware the effect his attention has to her heart. She
smiles before tucking her hair behind her ear. “Me too. But I feel better now.”
    He squeezes her hand before bringing it
to his mouth and kissing it. “I’m starving, so I hope this place is good.”
    “I hope they have Bananas Foster.”
    His laughter echoes through the car as
they pull into the restaurant parking lot. Arm-in-arm, they enjoy a short walk
on the pier leading to the entrance. Once inside, expansive windows provide a
breathtaking view of the ocean from every direction. The lights twinkle on the
rolling waves like stars.
    Once they’re seated, he orders champagne.
A string quartet plays quietly in the corner as tuxedoed waiters move
unobtrusively throughout the room. The epitome of elegance, they sweep away
crumbs with tiny brushes and hang finger towels over their arms when they serve
food. Even traveling across the world on her tour, she’s never experienced a
sophisticated setting quite like this.
    “It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for
bringing me here.”
    “Thank you for saying yes.” The
earnestness of his expression conveys a message of more than coming to the
restaurant. As if she gives him something beyond sharing a meal together.
    After their drinks are poured, Nick
raises his glass. “To real dates.”
    Toasting his persistence, she laughs
before clinking her flute against his. Her eyes close at the exquisite fruity,
bubbly taste. When she opens them again, he gazes at her, his lips twitching
with a playful smile, as if he enjoys her pleasure.
    “Tell me how you got discovered.”
    “On YouTube, of course. My friend’s mom
posted a video of us in our school musical. A talent scout saw it and tracked
me down.”
    “You