“Right.” He stopped talking altogether and kissed her like she was the only woman on earth and he’d searched a lifetime for her.

It was true. She was the only woman in the world for him. And now that he’d found her, he would hold on to her with all his strength.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Seth was an exceptionally persuasive man, and he’d made leaving his arms very difficult this afternoon. Tara barely made it into work on time. Then only an hour into her shift, she stepped out to the brewery’s parking lot to give him a call. He picked up before the first ring.

“Dude, I’m trying to work here,” she said in mock anger, wearing a wide grin on her face. “Can’t you be apart from me for one hour without texting me incessantly?”

“It’s important.” He was wearing an equally goofy smile on his face from the sound of his voice. “I need to know if you’re available for our third date this Thursday. I figured the weekend would be packed at the brewery, so Thursday will be easier for you to change shifts with Jack or Alex.”

“Why do you have to know right now?”

“I have to make reservations for this date,” he said, not very forthcoming.

“What kind of reservations?”

There was a pause before he replied. “Secretive kind of reservations.”

“Hmm … I don’t like secrets.”

“Do you like surprises?”

“Maybe. If they’re the good kind.”

“Oh, this will be good.” He sounded positively gleeful. “So are you free Thursday? Around six o’clock?”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to be free.” Tara smiled as his excitement spread to her. “Can you give me a hint about what I should wear? Is there a dress code where we’re going?”

“Yeah, but it’s not strict. Just wear one of your formal dresses.”

“A formal dress?” Her jaws went slack at the same time her mind automatically went through the few formal dresses she had hanging in her closet. “What are you wearing?”

“A tux.”

“Holy Toledo.” The thought of Seth in a tux made her knees go weak, and she had to lean against the lamppost she was standing next to.

Seth’s low, sexy chuckle told her he knew exactly how she was reacting to that tidbit. It had been awhile since she’d seen The Ego. She’d kind of missed it. It was so hot when he got all cocky.

“You have to tell me where we’re going,” she demanded.

“Not a chance.”

“What if I tell you I won’t come unless you tell me?”

“I don’t think you’ll do that.”

Dammit. He was right. She wouldn’t miss date number 3 for the world. She was dying to know what the surprise was.

“The Ego is clouding your judgment. The only thing predictable about me is that I’m unpredictable.” She didn’t know what the hell she was saying. She was trying to salvage some pride here.

“Just come. Okay? Please? I promise you’ll be happy. I only want to make you happy.”