My arms burned, my fingers a little raw from the rolling. I didn’t care; I would have traveled to the other side of town if that meant I got to see her.

She insisted on pushing me the rest of the way and parked me at the table.

I grabbed her hand before she left, kissing the back of it, the coconut scent so strong on her skin. “You look gorgeous tonight.”

The long blue dress was cinched at her waist, showing those curves that I loved to hold, the top cut low enough to give me a hell of a view of her cleavage.

“Thank you.” She blushed and took her seat, glancing at the menu. “I’ve never been here before, but the reviews say it’s amazing.”

“It is. I used to be a regular.” I checked out the list of rolls, trying to remember what I used to order. “But it doesn’t compare to Japan. That’s the best sushi I’ve ever had. If that country isn’t on your list, add it.”

“It’s already there.” She grinned. “And I’m dying to go.”

“You will, baby.”

A waitress appeared at our table and asked, “What can I get you to drink?”

“Sauvignon blanc,” Whitney replied.

“Whatever wheat beer you have on tap.”

“I’ve never had beer with sushi,” she said once the waitress left. “I expected you to order sake.”

I took the napkin off the table and spread it across my lap. “The guys stopped by for lunch, and we had a few before they went to the Sox game. I’m sticking with what I started with.”

“Beer is all Emily drinks, and when I have a day off, she always brings me one when I’m in the shower.” Her brows rose as she studied my face. “Tell me you’ve tried that.”

“Can’t say I have.”

“We’re going to change that. It’s one of the best things ever; you’ll see.”

“Looks like I know what we’re doing tomorrow.”

She laughed, a sound that didn’t get lost in all the noise around us. Instead, it reached me on the other side of the table, wrapping my chest like her blanket once had. The feeling only intensified when she slid her hand across the small space, clasping mine.

“Thank you for taking me out.”

I examined her beautiful gaze. This woman was far more special than she even realized. “There will be many more dinners, Whitney.”

“Well, my thanks doesn’t end there.” Her stare moved to the sky before it returned to me. “You’ve opened my eyes to things I never believed in.” She took a deep breath. “To feelings I never expected to have.”

“I’m fucking crazy about you.” I squeezed her grip, watching the headlights of the passing cars dance over her face. “You’re incredible.”