Books from G.A. Hauser > Millers Tale

Book: Millers Tale EXCERPT FROM BOOK Sonja spun in her seat to look at him directly. "How long have you been an LAPD cop, Officer Miller?" "Steve. Call me Steve, please." "All right." "A little less than a year. I'm still on probation." "Well, that explains it." "Explains what?" "Why you haven't turned into a racist pig yet. I'll give you a few more months." "Ouch. That was harsh. You don't mean that." "Don't I?" Dying to touch her, he reached for her hand and couldn't believe how soft and smooth her mocha skin was. "No. I'm not like that." She glimpsed down at the contact, then raised her long dark lashes up to him again. "You will be. You all turn out that way." "I promise you you're wrong about me." The cab came to a halt and the driver shouted, "Sunset Grille." Steve fumbled to get his wallet, feeling very defensive about what she was saying, and painfully hurt by some of the truth in it. He gave the driver the money and a tip, then climbed out and hurried to her side of the cab to open the door for her. Gawking at her legs as they seemed to go on forever in her short skirt, Steve had to physically force himself to calm down and stop staring at her. He gave her his elbow and she held it gently, allowing him to escort her to the front door of the restaurant. A doorman opened it for them and tipped his hat. Having this incredible woman on his arm made Steve feel like he was the luckiest man alive. The host greeted them and then led them to a table near the window. Steve asked, "Is this okay, Sonja?" "It's fine, Steve." She sat down as he held her chair and then set her briefcase under the table. Feeling completely out of his depth in such a fancy establishment, Steve stared at the man holding out the wine list, and took it from him, thanking him. "You want wine, Sonja?" "Why don't you order us a bottle?" "I knew you were going to say that." He shoved his finger into his collar uncomfortably. With Sonja watching him intently when the waiter approached, Steve cleared his throat awkwardly and asked him, "What do you recommend?" He offered his suggestion and Steve nodded, handing him back the menu. After he left, Sonja teased, "Nice save." "Thanks. I'm trying not to fall on my face." "I can see that. No culture or fine cuisine in your family tree?" Leaning his elbows on the table to get closer to her, he replied, "Okay, here's where I either come up with some outrageous lies to make you think I'm high class, or tell the truth and risk you thinking I'm from white trash. Which do you want?" "Oh, lie to me, Steven, it'll be much more fun." "Christ, you are so beautiful." Blinking her eyes at him, she smirked, "Hmm, I tell him to lie and he tells me I'm beautiful." "No! I didn't mean that! Oh, just shoot me." "I could. You have your gun on you." He moved his jacket lapel to cover his shoulder holster. "Sorry. Regulation." Noticing the wine steward returning, he sat back as she observed his actions once more. He was shown the bottle. He nodded. The steward opened it and handed him a sample. He tasted it, nodding again. Two glasses were poured. Steve thanked him. When he left, Sonja asked, "How is the wine?" "I have no clue. It tastes okay to me." She laughed at him and lifted it up to sip. "Yes. A fine bouquet. Slight hint of plums and berries. Rich, full bodied. Good choice." Trying not to gawk at her class, feeling so inadequate he could crawl under the table, he saved himself and replied, "That's exactly what I was going to say." "I know." She smiled sweetly. "You must think I'm insane. You know, to even try to go out with you." "I guess I'm just not sure why you want to?" He looked around them first, then leaned close so he could whisper. "Sonja, the minute I laid eyes on you that night at your house I was completely enamoured. Not only are you intelligent, successful, and witty, you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I know you must think I'm crazy. I'm sorry. I feel like I'm wasting your time. Forgive me." When she reached under the table to his thigh, he blinked his eyes wide. "Don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry about." "Oh, god...you're touching me. Please don't tease me. I'll explode." Smiling in complete pleasure, she smoothed her hand up and down his tight muscular thigh and whispered, "Go ahead, explode for me." A tiny noise came out of his throat. Then he placed his hand down on top of hers and slowly brought it to his lips to kiss. Her expression changed to a soft sensuous pout as she watched him. "Do you want to make love to me?" Thinking he must be dreaming, he cleared his throat and squeaked out, "Yes..." "Are you free today?" "Yes!" "Let's have our lunch then, shall we?" He let her hand go reluctantly, and then raised his glass to her. She tapped his with her own and smiled at him.