Breach of Honor by Naomi Porter

10 Will

HER BRILLIANT BLUE eyes nervously roamed the restaurant. Tugging her earring was indeed her tell. I had noticed it in the club, along with the same anxious and unsure eyes that had yet to relax since we’d arrived. I should have chosen a better restaurant, one where everybody didn’t know my name… if possible.

I reached my hand across the table for hers. “Do you want to leave?” I didn’t want her uncomfortable.

She laid her hand in mine, giving me a small smile as she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to being looked at so much. This doesn’t normally happen to me.”

“I beg to differ. You just hadn’t noticed all the eyes on you until now. You’re stunning; people can’t help but stare.” I kissed her hand, and a flash on the right side of us stole Miranda’s attention. “Ignore them, focus on me.”

Her cheeks flushed. She leaned forward and whispered, “This is normal when you go out?” She sipped her wine, eyes darting around the room.

“Not always.” A small fib. The truth was, if we were together, she’d get used to the attention. Eventually it wouldn’t bother her, or so I hoped. “You know what? Let’s go. I have an idea.” I hailed our server and took Miranda out of the stuffy, paparazzi-laced restaurant.

“Where are we going?”

I pulled her close, kissing her softly. “Do you like burgers?”

She flashed me her gorgeous smile, gleaming white teeth, and sparkling eyes was her reply.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Yes.” She gripped the back of my neck and kissed me deeply, her gratitude evident. I’d do anything to make her happy at this point.

The valet pulled up in my car, I helped Miranda into her seat, and we were off. “Do you have a favorite joint?”

“Is there any choice other than In-N-Out?”

“I guess not.” I laughed. “There’s one on the way to my house. I mean, if you’d like to hang out there… no pressure.”

“I’d like that.”

Damn, I couldn’t wait to get her alone.

As expected, the line of cars in the drive-thru wrapped around the building. Admittedly, I wasn’t a regular In-N-Out customer. I’d only been to one a few times, but the long lines, at any time of day, could not be ignored.

“Do you think we should go inside?” I asked.

“Dressed like this? We’ll get lots of attention looking like we just walked off the red carpet.”

“Point made. I have my gym bag in the trunk.”

She scrunched up her nose.

“I promise the clothes are freshly washed… for the most part.”

“Okay.”

I found a spot in the Costco parking lot next to the burger joint to avoid getting trapped among the crowds. Retrieving my bag, I noticed the evening air was brisk but bearable for November. I removed my sport coat, tie, and dress shirt, leaving on my white crew-neck tee. I pulled out my Dodger baseball hat, and Miranda’s giggles filled my ears.

“I like your style,” she said, hopping out of the car. “My turn.” She arched her brow, walking around to my side. Pushing me against the hood of my car, she kissed me again. I loved how she’d initiated the last couple of kisses.

It put me on top of the world.

I snaked my hand around her back and slowly tugged her silk blouse out of her skirt as she unbuttoned it. The scene ignited something in me. Miranda pressed into me, and as she removed her shirt, a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. She wasn’t like any other girl I’d met before.

Chewing on the corner of her bottom lip, she slowly removed her top, revealing a black lace tank. I passed her my blue Adidas track jacket. It swallowed her up, but she rocked it, even messing her hair up a little. She exuded a spunky attitude I adored… onher.

“Let’s go. I’m starving.” She beamed, taking my hand. I let her lead the way.

As predicted, the line inside was to the door. Miranda, in her nude stilettos, drew some attention, but I didn’t expect anything less. I kept her close, kissing her temple often. When she turned in my arms for a real kiss, I went weak in the knees. Her unapologetic attitude turned me on even more than out at the car.

Our turn arrived and Miranda approached the counter, holding my hand. “I’ll have a number one Animal Style with cheese fries and a chocolate shake.”

“Animal Style?” I furrowed my brow, searching the menu. “I don’t see it.”

She turned in my arms, placing her hand on my chest. “William St. James the third,” she whispered, her lips touching the shell of my ear. “If I want Animal Style, they better damn well figure out how to give me what I want.”

A shiver shot down my back at the sound of her demanding tone. “But—”

She tossed her head back and giggled, turning back to the counter. “He doesn’t get out much.”

The kid taking our order raised his eyebrows. I was ready to defend her if the twerp said anything to upset her. Instead, they both laughed, knowing glances passing between them. An inside joke, maybe? I sort of felt stupid with the long-ass line behind us, but I kept my cool to see how this played out.

“Make the same for my boyfriend.” Miranda gasped, putting her hand over her mouth with wide eyes and a red face. She quickly corrected herself. “I mean my friend.”

I smirked at the young dude helping us. Miranda was so damn cute. I didn’t mind the slipup. I kind of liked the sound of it. Boyfriend.

“Right,” the kid said, chuckling.

I paid the bill, and we took a seat in a corner booth. Miranda slid in, and I sat beside her. Worry spread across her face. I could tell she was going to apologize again, and I didn’t want her to. Before she could say anything, I covered her mouth and kissed the hell out of her.

“Don’t apologize,” I said, releasing her lips. “The burger, Animal Style, what’s up with that?”

“It’s on the secret menu. You’ve lived here your whole life, right?”

“Yes.”

“How do you not know about the secret menu?”

“Because this is like my third time here, maybe fourth.”

She gaped.

“It’s not that weird. We just rarely ate fast food.”

“But this is In-N-Out.”

I shrugged.

“Well, I hope you like what I ordered you.”

“And if I don’t? How do you plan to make it up to me?”

She flashed a sexy smile, leaning into me with a hand on my chest. “I can make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

I roared with laughter. “I’d rather you kiss me.”

And she obliged, kissing me until our number was called.

As we ate our messy burgers, Miranda educated me on In-N-Out. The burger and cheese fries were tasty. And the shake was so thick I took a great deal of pleasure watching Miranda suck on the straw.

After we stuffed our faces, we headed back to my place. Miranda had quieted the closer we got to my house. If I had to guess, it was the location that kept her silent. And maybe the price of homes.

Unlike the few women I brought home, she didn’t gush over it. Instead, she took it all in slowly, wearing an unreadable expression that scared the shit out of me. Gone was the playful, flirty woman I was falling for. I felt the distinct change in her acutely, from eating Animal Style burgers to entering my home.

It made my heart crash against my chest in one frantic thump after another.

I needed to know what was going on in her head.

Miranda

I don’t belong here. Why am I here? Why me?

This swanky, luxurious life wasn’t something I ever thought I’d be a part of. Yes, I wanted to make a comfortable living and have a lovely home, and I had my dream car—a BMW. But in Southern California, living comfortably was expensive.

People like the Kardashians and the St. James family lived an affluent lifestyle. Obscene wealth came to mind.

Such a life was not for the average Joe like me.

The wall of windows called to me, another breathtaking million-dollar view. Everything in William’s home was pristine with the finest furnishings, original artwork, and artifacts I assumed were collected on his travels. All were gorgeous and undoubtedly expensive.

None of this should surprise me, knowing the basics about SJI and his parents. What I couldn’t wrap my brain around was how I would fit into this world—William’s world.

Music pulled me out of my mental dissection of the situation before I fell into a not-good-enough funk. William’s strong arms wrapped around me.

“Dance with me.” He took my hand and led me to a spot between the living room and gourmet kitchen. I did love the open concept space. “Stevie Wonder would say, ‘Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing.’ Stop thinking and let the music carry you away… with me.”

His captivating smile summoned me.

William twirled me around, his hips swaying from side to side, matching the rhythm in the song. He stepped away from me, moving his body confidently—expertly. I recognized some salsa moves I’d seen many times during my couples’ ballroom dance lessons. He mesmerized me as he danced, turning me on with his talent. God he was sexy, drawing me to him and then stepping back. With his eyes on me and his flirtatious smile, I couldn’t help but relax and show him my moves.

I swirled my hips seductively as I unzipped his jacket. He took it from me and tossed it aside. His hot hands moved up and down my bare arms, sporting a devilish grin as I shimmied my shoulders and turned in a circle.

William came up behind me, placed hands over my stomach, and pulled my body to his. We molded together, completely in sync as if made for each other.

“You are a fantastic dancer. Where did you learn to dance like that?” I asked.

“Do you really like it? You don’t think it’s weird I can salsa and tango?” He twirled me around, then pulled me firmly against him. The heat of his breath cascaded over my neck as he hovered inches above my lips.

“I don’t think it’s weird at all. In fact, I find it sexy and irresistible.”

“I find you irresistible.” He nipped the corner of my mouth a few times, lulling me into a trance, then he stopped. “Would you like a glass of wine… or something else?”

“Wine would be lovely. You sure know how to tease a girl.”

“Actually, I’m trying to refrain from tearing your clothes off. I did say you were irresistible.” He winked, flashing me a devilish grin as he waltzed into the kitchen.

“Controlled and a dancer. You’re an accomplished man. I like that, William.”

He chuckled, deep from the belly. I could tell I made him nervous. It thrilled me to the core.

“Feel free to call me Will.”

I nodded. I preferred Will anyway.

“I want us to get to know each other better. I mean, I think we can both agree we aren’t lacking in the chemistry department.”

“I don’t disagree, Will.” The magnetic lure between us was off the charts. He handed me a glass, and we sat on the sofa. “What else do you like to do, other than dancing?”

He studied me over the rim of his wine glass

“What’s wrong? I wasn’t flirting. It was a genuine question.”

“It’s just… nobody has ever asked me what I like to do before.”

“How’s that possible? It’s a basic first date question. The way you looked at me just now, I thought you were going to call me out for asking a clichéd question.”

“Maybe that’s the problem. I don’t date much.”

Club Rendezvous popped into my head then. Did he only do hookups?

“Why is that? A good-looking guy such as yourself… I’m sure you’re not lacking in the women department,” I teased, but he didn’t seem amused.

“Why didn’t you rave about the restaurant or gush over my car or house?”

“Is that a trick question? Are you offended I didn’t? Because the restaurant was amazing. I’ve read all the reviews, and I’ve had couples brag about getting reservations there. You chose well. And your car is very nice. I just happen to be a BMW girl.”

I shrugged, not liking the direction of this conversation. Did Will need his ego stroked? That would be a major turn off.

“And my house?”

What was with him? My hands were clamming up under his interrogation. I fought the urge to tug on my earring.

“It’s magnificent. The open concept layout lends a relaxed, casual feel and I appreciate your choice of colors: denim, sand, and dark rich woods. They’re perfect for welcoming people into your home. Your art collection and furnishings show your personality. It’s all that I believe to be you, Will. But my favorite part about your home is the view out those windows.” I pointed, craning my neck for a glimpse. “I’m sorry if I—”

“Don’t say another word.” Will took my glass and set it on the coffee table. “You’re different from any woman I’ve ever known. You’re authentic, and I feel like you see me, not my money.”

I was about to tell him I don’t care about his money when he scooted toward me and claimed my lips. Together we fell back on the sofa, entwining our arms and legs while our tongues tangoed. Music continued to play for what felt like hours during our make-out session. I wasn’t sure what happened before Will’s passionate kiss, but I was glad it happened.

“Dance with me.” He breathed, pulling me up. “I need to cool down.”

“Got you going, did I?” I teased him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Baby, you have no idea the power you have over me.” He swayed, holding me, a hand on my ass, the other gripping my neck as Adam Levine sang about Sunday mornings, stealing covers, and sharing skin.

Stevie Wonder and Maroon 5 would always remind me of dancing with Will on our first date. The deep blue sea in front of me and Will’s magnetism winning me over, my worries fleeted while in his arms.

There was nowhere else I’d rather be at the moment.