Chapter 13

Dawson

I parked the car,my mind racing and my pulse thudding away like a steel drum. I turned to look at Nolan, to take in the sight of his face, but instead I found him staring at me.

"You didn't have to do this," he said, his cheeks still holding his color from the heat of the outdoors mixed with his natural demeanor.

I wasn't lying when I'd told him he needed to quit with the bashful antics. I swear, every time the man sported a blush it made my cock rise to attention, made my heart skip a beat.

Not to mention it made me think about other things... like wondering if his pale ass would brighten like his face if I took my hand to it.

Fuck, now is not the time for sexy thoughts!

I internally chastised myself as I cleared my throat.

"I told you I'm a man of my word," I said as I leaned back against my seat.

Nolan sighed. "I know, but this... this is expensive and fancy, and..."

"And what? I can't like expensive, fancy things?"

"That's not what I'm saying. It's just... I would have been fine with..."

I watched as his eyebrows furrowed, as his shoulders tightened as he looked from me to the sleek building in front of us.

"Not many people in Jasper Springs can undermine me quite like you, Nolan. You beat me, and that's not something I take lightly. Great things deserve great rewards." I shrugged as I opened my door, hurrying to his before he could open it himself. I pulled the door open to see glassy brown eyes staring at me over his glasses, and I stepped to the side, if only to give him room to get out, but also because...

Because if I stood any closer, we might not have made it into the damn restaurant.

"I do not undermine you," he grumbled as he crossed his arms.

I closed the door, casting him a smirk. "I know this is a difficult concept to grasp for you, but maybe I think you're worth it, champ. It's not everyday someone hands my ass to me on a silver platter."

Nolan softened a tad. "That's because not everyone can keep up with your fine ass in order to do so."

I smiled both at his words and at the way they made him blush.

Sweet Jesus, grant me the strength to make it through this dinner without busting a damn nut.

"Shall we?" I said as I slid my hands in my pockets.

Nolan sighed, nodding in approval. "Lead the way."