Rough: Daunting Temptation (Coral Gables Series Book 1) by Drucie Anne Taylor

drive a tractor, how to midwife a cow and calf. Had to do that twice already. Yes, and I know how to ride. Farming life is fun but I came here to see something else," I tell him.
    "Sounds exciting," Ethan nods.
    "And where do you come from?"
    "I'm from Denver, Colorado," he answers.
    While we are talking about our backgrounds, he turns into the parking lot of the Greek restaurant.
    "So you're more of a city person," I venture.
    "True. But I also enjoy hiking in the Rockies or spending time in nature. I like both," he says.
    We get out and walk over to the restaurant. On the pebble walkway, he takes my hand, which takes me by surprise. We're not a couple, nor are we in love, so I don't know why he does it. Men are inscrutable.
    "I think it's cool that you're from the Lone Star State," he says.
    "What's cool about that?" I ask, perplexed.
    "It means you're a cowgirl, tough, hot ... It makes you even more interesting than you already are," Ethan says with a wide smile and holds the door open for me.
    The waiter greets us.
    "Good evening. I reserved a table for Black," Ethan says.
    "Yes, sir."
    He takes us to our table. The place is pretty. Columns that remind me of Greek temples embellish the booths. Greek art decorates the walls, and the music sounds quite traditional to me. I like it. Ethan and I sit down in a corner seat, leaving enough space between us so we can face each other.
    The waiter hands us the menus. "Would you like something to drink?"
    "Yes," Ethan says. "We'll take a bottle of Chardonnay."
    White wine? I've never had white wine before. I hope I won't get tipsy.
    "I'd like a glass of water with that," I chime in.
    "We'll take a bottle of water, too," Ethan tells the waiter, who disappears with a nod.
    Then Ethan looks at me. "I hope you like white wine."
    "I don't know. This is my debut, because I've never had it before," I explain.
    He smiles at me. "You'll like it."
    "I hope so."
    Then we study the menu, and I fancy the mixed grill plate, but as it is expensive - and probably way too much food - I go on reading the alternatives.
    "Mixed grill sounds good to me," Ethan says.
    "Yes, I thought so, too, but I know I cannot eat that alone," I smile.
    "How about one of those for two people?"
    "Okay."
    The waiter brings wine and water, fills our glasses and takes our order. Then he vanishes again.
    "Here's to you, Camille," Ethan says as he raises his wine glass.
    I blush as I raise mine. "To a wonderful evening," I say. "I prefer that. Don't toast to me."
    He gives me a broad smile. "To you and a wonderful evening."
    His gaze is suddenly so intense that my nipples harden, which makes me feel very uncomfortable. Thank god I am wearing a padded bra, or I would feel so awkward.
    "You know I think you are damn pretty, Camille?" Ethan asks after we have both taken a few sips.
    "Now I do," I stammer, taking another sip for want of something cleverer to say. With those words, the evening has turned into an awkward mess, at least for me. I can't think of anything else to say, don't know what to do, and my appetite has vanished completely.
    ***
    After an evening of forced smiles and discomfort, we are sitting in the car again. Ethan has told me a lot about himself, for example that his father works for Qwest. That's a telecommunications company with its main branch in Denver. His mother is a housewife, and he has two older sisters as well as three younger brothers. I immediately forgot their names again. My brain shuts down and I tune out when I am bombarded with too much boring input. Of course he wanted to know everything about me, too, but I did not talk that much. I don't see myself or my life as particularly interesting, and I abhor telling people about myself. I know what most people see in me. Yes, I am naive. I still like Delsin after all, in spite of knowing who he is. And yes, I can be a bit of a pain in the neck sometimes, but only for Hailey, Thally and Ave. I guess.
    "You want to go out again tomorrow?" Ethan asks