The Mane Attraction
Page 86

And he wasnt doing much better. He kept tapping the table with his fingers, and she briefly debated biting them off.
Shed known this would be a bad idea.
This sucks.
What? Your shrimp cocktail?
Shit. Sissy hadnt realized shed said that out loud, and now she had those gold eyes watching her.
No. This. She dropped the shrimp shed been holding for the last ten minutes back onto its plate. We have nothing to say to each other, and considering we are two of the chattiest people Ive known, that is saying a lot.
Mitch let out a sigh. I know. I feel awkward. I never feel awkward. He briefly frowned and added, I make other people feel awkward.
Sissy reached across the table and patted his hand. And youre really good at that, too.
He pushed his plate of potato skins away. Okay. So whats the problem?
We are. This isnt us. I mean, I look like goddamn Gidget, and youre acting likelike
Like what?
Like Brendon.
Mitch winced. Ew.
I mean, are you comfortable in that sports jacket?
Do I look comfortable? Its freakin hundred and two degrees outside, and he made me wear this goddamn thing. He tried to make me wear a suit.
Why? Sissy asked dryly. Are you planning on going to a funeral after our date?
Finally, Mitch grinned. Not unless its my own.
Take it off, Mitchell.
Okay. He was already pulling the jacket off his big shoulders. And you take off the dress.
Sissys hands were reaching for the ties when she stopped and smirked at him. Smooth.
His grin grew wider. Cant blame a cat for trying.
Bastard. But this time, she wasnt mad.
Okay. Keep the dress on, but that headband
Sissy tore it off before he could finish and shook her hair out. Better?
Oh, yeah.
And Sissy liked how he said that. Like the lust was getting to him.
Resting her elbows on the table, she leaned way over and tried to peek down at his pants. You sportin a lead pipe there, hoss?
At the moment, I could start my own plumbing company.
Sissy laughed, and she knew the snotty cats and bears were staring at her, but she didnt care. Theyd left Smithtown and come into Taylor County. Mostly oblivious full-humans lived here, and it was considered neutral territory for the breeds. Of course, this fancy steakhouse got most of their business from the local cats, dogs, and bears. They did have a really good steak and gave very healthyportions.
All right, Mitch said as the waiter took their half-finished appetizers away. Youve gotta tell me how your aunts got you in that dress.
They wrestled me into it. Francine damn near broke my armwhat are you doin?
Mitch had his head back and his eyes closed. Im replacing your auntslovely as they arewith Ronnie and Dee-Ann. There. He looked at her and motioned for her to continue. Go on. Ive got the whole scenario set. Its like one of those women in prison movies from the seventies.
There are oils involved, arent there?
Baby, there are always oils involved.
The shoes eventually came off, too, tossed carelessly under the table, and Sissys feet were tucked up under her as she offered Mitch some of her New York strip steak. Like him, she preferred her meat medium rare.
So explain to me how we got here tonight. The aunts wouldnt tell me a damn thing.
I wanted to go on a date with you.
Thats it?
Thats it. Sorry that I wasnt a little more interesting.
Its not uninteresting. But Im not usually the first girl guys think of when they want to go to a fancy dinner.
You are to me. I like you, Sissy. And if you draw that damn box again with your fingers, Im breaking them.
She quickly looked down at her food, but he got the feeling she was smiling. Fine. Be like that. Im only trying to keep us from getting ourselves into trouble.
Its a little late for that.
I know.
Mitch put down his knife and fork. Okay, lets look at some hard, cold facts. The whole boundaries thing doesnt work for two people who spend their whole lives fucking with other peoples boundaries.
Oh, my God. Sissy started laughing. Youre right.
So lets deal with realities. Ill be going back to Philly next week. I testify, and then Im gone. For good.
Sissy looked up at him and nodded. I know.
Then lets really enjoy the time we have together.
Sissy put her hand over his, and his cock became instantly hard from the innocent action. You do understand youll never get over me, right? Every woman youre with from now on, youll compare to me and find them lacking.
She was joking, but he had the distinct feeling she was absolutely right. But Mitch was a take-your-enjoyment-where-you can kind of guy. He wouldnt be Mr. Hero and cut their time together short. Instead, he would enjoy every moment, every second.