Wright In Danger

Chapter Thirteen

Beau had been watching the clock the rest of his shift. He'd gone back out with Rosalie to follow up on more of the sightings. It turned out a good number of the calls really only wanted to bend their ears about the kidnapping. How shocking it was to happen in Clairview. There were even those that asked if more patrol cars would be out. Beau told them he would pass their concern along to the chief and get his take. The people were rightly unnerved and they had a right to be. The chief would do everything he could to put them at ease.

Getting off the clock, Rosalie hadn't yet left. He knew she had stayed back intentionally. He hadn't told her about his asking Loraine out but he knew she suspected something was going on with them. Dropping her feet from her desk, she pushed out of her chair. "You're not getting into your car until you tell me what's up with you and Loraine. You were looking mighty pleased with yourself as she was leaving." Keeping a straight face, he started for the door. "I'm taking her out for dinner tonight. I've been meaning to ask her out for a while now."

Rosalie's expression turned coy. "Nice to see you finally mustering up the courage. I've seen the way the two of you look at each other. I'm sure June has too. So. Where are you kids off to tonight?" Kids? She was younger than both of them. "Isn't it enough that I told you about it? Now you want details too?" Making their way down the steps, he sighed. "It's a nice place. That's all you need to know. What are you doing with your night?" She shrugged. "Nothing exciting. I'll probably sit around and wonder about that agent we're meeting in the morning. He better not have a higher than thou attitude. That's all I'm saying."

Getting home he showered, shaved and dressed in a button up and slacks. A far cry from his everyday wear. When he was satisfied with how he looked, he headed out. Having looked up June's address before he left, the drive would put him just at seven for arrival. When he did pull up, he had to take a moment to let it sink in. A date with Loraine. In June's words. He'd mustered up his courage. Knocking on the door, he hadn't completely lowered his arm when the door swung open. 

His eyes widened at the sight of Loraine. She looked absolutely amazing. Her hair was pulled back, two strands lightly framing her face. Her eyes were done up in dark shades while she'd left her lips natural. His eyes then traveled down to take in the knee length black dress that hugged her curves. Finally his gaze dropped to the heels on her feet and he had to swallow. Hard. Returning his eyes to hers, she was smiling. "You clean up nice yourself, detective." Telling himself to keep it together, he held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Loraine hadn't thought to ask where he was taking her, for about ten minutes into the drive. "So. Where is our date taking place?" Coming to a red light, he turned glittering green eyes on her. "I figured I couldn't go wrong with sushi." No, she supposed he couldn't. "You know the way to a woman's heart." Pretending to straighten an invisible tie, she couldn't help her laughter. They arrived a short time later, Beau being the gentleman that he was and assisting her from the car. Making their way inside, the air smelled amazing. The hostess greeted them warmly as she brought them over to the counter. Placing down their menus, she excused herself.

Beau realized he was nervous. How did he open their conversation? There could be no talk of the investigation or the threat she received. They very much deserved a breather from both. Meeting her eyes, he could tell she was equally so. "How did your conversation with June go when you told her we were going out?" The question was safe and sure to be entertaining. June wasn't a studious person. She was vibrant and welcoming. Propping her chin on her fist, she rolled her eyes good naturally.

"She was all for it. Even helped to pick out my dress and shoes and also did my make up. To say she was proud of her work would be an understatement." He mimicked her poster, giving her another once over. "She should be. You really do look amazing. I've actually been meaning to ask you out for some time now. Rosalie was ribbing me about when I was going to get around to it. I'll be honest. I was scared of rejection." Eyes widening, Loraine was surprised by this honesty. His good looks had plenty of women drooling over him. Being scared hadn't even crossed her mind.

"It wouldn't have mattered when you asked me out, Beau. I would have said yes. This feels more like a first date. I need to get my bearings all over again." He liked how easy it was to to be open with his thoughts and feelings with her. He agreed with her view. It did feel like a first date. Maybe by their next they would have it together. Snagging on that thought, he realized he would want a second date with her. This time with her is what he needed.

Neither one paid any attention to the time as they were too lost in each others company. They talked about all the major points in their lives. Luckily for Beau the topic of marriage and children never came. He wasn't sure how to dance around it without raising her suspicion. Getting through dessert, she then suggested a walk. He was in no hurry to drop her off, so agreed. Once outside, she surprised him by looping her arm through his and laying her head on his shoulder. She let out a content sigh. Again, he was grateful she hadn't turned him down.

It was going on ten by the time they arrived back at June's place. He wouldn't be surprised if she told him later, June had been waiting up for her return. To be told all the details of their time together. Keeping the engine running, he got out to open her door. She didn't want this night to be over. It felt as if it had gone by far too fast for her liking. As they made their way to the porch, she couldn't help putting her hand in his. She liked the feel of his touch. It was...comforting.

Facing each other, they stood their smiling. This had been a very successful first date. "Can I ask you something?" Beau said, eyes searching. Pressing her lips together, she nodded. "Ask away." Dropping his eyes, he took her hands in his, gently tracing the back of her hands with his thumbs. "Will you go on a second date with me?" It was one of the only two questions she had wanted from him, so her answer was easy. "Yes. I'll go on a second date with you. Detective Tanner." Even standing under the porch light, she saw the slight blush in his cheeks.

Was this giddiness he felt? "That's a relief. Want to make it Italian?" Leaning in closer, she tilted her face up. "Can you read my mind, Beau?  Because I'll have you know, Italian is my second favorite food." He chuckled. "I'm no mind reader but how could I ever be with someone that turns down pasta?" Laughing she dropped her forehead to his chest. "That's a fine point you make, good sir." As she lifted her face, the laughter died in her throat as she saw the desire in his gaze. They were still a moment. Slowly, he took his hands from hers to pull her closer still. 

Flush up against him, she could feel the beat of his heart against hers. Lids lowering, he leaned down. As soon as their lips touched, she was lost. When they eventually pulled apart, neither could find words. She had just kissed the most sought after bachelor in Clairview. He found his voice first. "Wow. That was...wow." Biting her lip she was of the same opinion. "I look forward to our second date so I can get my second one." Chuckling, he leaned his forehead against hers. "Who says you have to wait?"

Oh, he was temptation. "It'll be worth the wait." There would be no argument coming from him. She was worth the wait. "You should head on in. I'm sure June is beyond done with waiting to hear how your night went." Rolling her eyes, she was smiling too. "Maybe I'll spice it up. Give her the shock value." His head fell back with laughter. "Do it. I'll be waiting to hear all about it. Good night, Loraine." She really was reluctant to let him go. "Good night, Beau. Will you come by the shop tomorrow?" Taking her hand, he dropped a kiss to it. "You bet I will."