Page 88 of Code of Heart

“Since I couldn’t bear the idea of my beautiful wife wasting away from longing, or worse, mistaking me for some handsome intruder, I had every intention of surprising you with a real date tonight.” His lips brushed her temple as he added, “That was the plan…until I received the most provocative phone call.”

Levi felt the blush rise along her neck before he saw it, and it lit him up from the inside out. That gorgeous flush painted across her skin because of him.

He smoothed his palm along her back, savoring the moment.

“A date actually sounds perfect,” she admitted softly, her breath warm against his chest. “It’s been a long week…”

“Good, because I’m starving, and not just for you this time.” His mouth curled into a grin as he glanced at the clock. “I made reservations for seven at Fondue Rendezvous. We’ve got about fifteen minutes before we need to head out.”

She pushed up on her elbows, her eyes widening with delight. “You got us into that place? I’ve been trying for months!” Herexpression shifted into playful suspicion as she narrowed her eyes. “Did you shamelessly abuse your billionaire powers for this?”

Levi feigned a dramatic look of offense. “That cut me deep, Auri. What’s the point of being rich and powerful if I can’t use it to spoil my wife with melted chocolate and inappropriate things to dip into it?”

She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face was impossible to hide. “Let me freshen up, and then you can continue your salacious attempts at wooing me over dinner.”

As she stood and padded toward the bathroom, Levi’s gaze lingered on the sway of her hips, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with desire.

Yeah, he could definitely get used to that.

CHAPTER 40

Aurelia

Though it was late summer, the night air had a surprising chill, coaxing them both into long sleeves.

Aurelia reveled in the cool breeze as they walked hand-in-hand toward the restaurant, stealing glances at Levi beside her. Every line of his strong jaw, every flicker of his eyes beneath those dark lashes, was committed to memory like a woman desperate to bottle a perfect moment.

Then it struck her…she was falling for him fast. Too fast.

She had no time to think beyond that realization before a host, dressed in flowing jewel-toned silks, led them to their table. Distracted, Aurelia couldn’t help but marvel at the Moroccan-inspired splendor around her.

Settling into a plush amethyst-colored chair, she ran her fingers over the intricately carved wooden table between them. Overhead, delicate metal lanterns spilled out soft golden light, creating playful shadows across the rich tapestries and patterned tiles that adorned the walls and floors. Jewel-toned drapes in green, sapphire, and deep crimson swayed gently from the ceiling.

It was spectacular—for a place where you have to cook your food.

“Not as spectacular as my view,” Levi said, his voice a low rumble that rolled across the table and curled around her like a caress.

It took Aurelia a stunned moment to realize she had spoken her last thought aloud. Heat rose to her cheeks in a flood of mortification.

Recovering quickly, she lifted her chin and shot back, “I guess one could say you’re…easy on the eyes.”

Levi threw his head back and laughed, the sound warm and full, scattering the last of her embarrassment.

Their server chose that moment to arrive and take their drink orders, explaining the fondue process with practiced enthusiasm. Before he could even finish, Levi leaned back in his chair with a dramatic groan.

“I’m so hungry I could eat the ass hole of a dead horse right now,” he declared with absolute seriousness.

The poor server stood frozen, eyes wide, as if he weren’t sure whether to laugh or bolt for the kitchen. He opted for a quick nod before scurrying away.

Aurelia gaped at Levi. “I can’t believe you said that! That poor man looked traumatized.”

Levi shrugged unapologetically. “What? I’m that hungry. If it were on the menu, I’d consider it.”

She shuddered. “That’s disgusting! Subject change, please.”

She seized the moment to launch into details about the upcoming Harvest Charity Ball, but as she spoke, her nerves tangled her words together into one breathless, rambling run-on sentence.

Frustrated with herself, she abandoned the speech entirely and asked directly, “Are you still planning to come with me?”