Page 11 of Rekindling Little River (Littles of Rawhide Ranch #14)

Dave

Dave was more nervous for this dinner than he’d been for anything before. How could one person come to mean so much in such a small amount of time? He wasn’t sure. All he knew was that River meant more to him already than anyone ever had.

He adjusted his collar, took one last look in the mirror and, deciding he was as good as he’d get, made his way out his door and the few feet to River’s. Knocking lightly, he resisted the urge to fidget. He wasn’t a high-school kid hoping for his first kiss, after all. He was closing in on forty.

A shadow covered the peephole in the door and Dave took a deep breath as he heard the sound of the locks disengaging. When the door swung open, Dave about swallowed his tongue. He’d seen River dressed nicely before, but there was something about them tonight that made them breathtaking.

They shifted nervously and Dave had to gulp a few times and clear his throat to get his voice working. “You look absolutely stunning.”

He knew he’d said the right thing when a flush warmed their cheeks and a glow lit their eyes.

It was no less than the truth though. Dark gray, bootcut jeans fit like a second skin and were embellished with jewels designing a dream catcher going down the left thigh, and as they turned to grab their key off a side table he saw that the same design in a mini version covered the back pockets.

A pearl snap shirt in a lighter gray had rhinestone feathers similar to those on the dream catcher on the pants hanging from the right breast pocket.

A dark gray hat with a band of rhinestone feathers and dark gray boots with silver tips completed the look.

Their joy in the outfit made them sparkle brighter than the clothes and accessories did, and Dave found he couldn’t get enough of the joy that lit River’s brown eyes.

River closed their door and checked to ensure it was locked, before tucking their key into a pocket and allowing Dave to take their hand and lead them down the hall. Just holding their hand made Dave feel ten feet tall and bulletproof.

He led them to the Mexican restaurant, loving the authentic feel of the décor.

Cloth tablecloths in alternating shades of teal, orange, gold and red covered the tables.

Plates with different Aztec designs hung on the walls alongside colorful sombreros.

It reminded Dave of a place he loved to eat at back home and warmed his heart.

They were seated quickly with chips and salsa provided before their waiter could even make it over to get their drink orders.

The quick and efficient service just added to the restaurant’s appeal.

It wasn’t long before they’d gotten their drinks and were ready to order.

River told him what they’d like and allowed him to order for them, and the gesture was one he couldn’t be more grateful for.

He really did have a deep-seated need for control.

He just hoped that River wouldn’t find it to be too much.

Conversation flowed through dinner, keeping to lighter topics which gave them the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Dave couldn’t believe the difference from the night before.

Tonight, when he led the conversation to more personal topics, River allowed it, answering freely and openly as if they hadn’t blocked almost every attempt the night before.

He wasn’t complaining though. He was finally learning more about the Little one who was already capturing his heart.

When they’d finished dinner and had shared some fried ice-cream for dessert, he led River to the giant seating area surrounding the large fireplace. They settled side by side on one of the couches and Dave turned to River.

“I know he contacted you when I made the request, so you know I got your limits list from Master Derek and I assume you got the one I asked him to send to you.”

“I did.”

“Is there anything you want to add, or stipulate for our particular agreement?”

They went over a few things, clearly defining what they’d each like to see from their time together.

It was amazing to Dave how closely their desires meshed.

He’d been surprised to see the level of care which River hoped to receive.

They’d always been so independent and composed he’d assumed he’d have to compromise to ensure they both got what they needed but he’d assumed wrong.

After a while, they fell into a comfortable silence watching people come and go through the main building.

Finally, Dave asked the million-dollar question.

“Do you want to start tonight? Or, would you prefer to sleep on it and jump into our new dynamic in the morning?” Dave really hoped they chose tonight.

He didn’t want to wait another minute to make them his.

“Tonight is good.” As soon as the words were out of their mouth, Dave put his hand around their shoulders and gently pulled them closer.

When River snuggled into his side as if they were a puzzle piece made to go just there, Dave’s heart squeezed and fluttered with warmth.

This was going to be perfect. He just knew it.