Power Play [Pleasure Playground 2] by Eliza Gayle

her from Chase's office and out the front door of the building. Sunset had long passed, and Jennifer lifted her gaze to the sky, hoping for a glimpse of a star-filled night. A cool breeze floated across her warmed skin, providing little relief from the war that raged inside her.
    "I'm not dressed for dinner,” she protested.
    "You're fine for what I have in mind.” He ushered her to his car and helped her in on the passenger side before returning to the driver's side and sliding behind the wheel. After a few seconds, Jennifer sank into the pale leather seats of Daegan's vintage Mercedes. She'd admired his car from afar, but this was the first time she'd seen it firsthand.
    "Nice car."
    "From one connoisseur to another. Your Mustang purrs like a kitten."
    She couldn't help but smile. She'd had no idea he noticed. “My mom's second husband owned one, and I loved it. When I was a kid I swore I'd drive one too. I saved for years for that car, but it was worth every penny."
    Daegan curled his hand around hers and rubbed his fingers across her knuckles. Her stomach tumbled at the gesture. With a newly formed lump in her throat, she didn't know what else to say. Fortunately, Daegan must have sensed her discomfort, and they drove the rest of the way in silence. Jennifer took a deep breath and relaxed. She enjoyed the quiet. It was a relief to realize he didn't expect her to entertain him every second they were together. Instead she reveled in the intimacy of her hand in his and the simple way he'd managed to put her at ease.
    For a few minutes she could pretend this was a date. Her first real date. Not that she'd ever admit that little nugget of humiliating information.
    The car slowed, and Jennifer studied their surroundings. He'd driven them to the east side of town not far from the arts district. He pulled into a partially empty lot and eased them into a parking spot. She immediately recognized the Black Finn. An Irish American restaurant she'd passed by often.
    "Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine,” he assured her. She met his gaze and smiled, thankful for his words.
    Before she could respond, he leaned across the seat and kissed her. Warm lips nibbled her mouth with a gentle touch until he coaxed her to open. His tongue touched against hers briefly before he drew away and stepped out of the car.
    He led her inside with a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. She'd never experienced this no-nonsense, follow-my-lead side of Daegan. Most of their encounters were either sarcastic and flirty or him aggressively working to get a response out of her. Tonight he seemed almost reverent.
    Daegan spoke briefly to the hostess before she led them to the back of the restaurant to an alcove tucked behind a wood-burning fireplace. Jennifer was relieved to discover no other diners at the surrounding tables. Here, amid the candle glow and soft music playing in the background, they could enjoy a nice dinner nearly alone.
    A waiter appeared, and Daegan gave their drink and dinner orders. Slightly annoyed by his assumptions, she cleared her throat to catch his attention.
    He smiled. “Trust me. I've ordered a sampler of their best selections. All the food is fantastic here.” The waiter slipped away quietly, leaving them alone.
    "I can't eat stuff like that,” she whispered. “I have a shoot tomorrow."
    "You can and you will,” he replied in that tone that said you will listen and follow.
    She wanted to insist. Hell, she felt like standing up and stomping her feet, he made her so mad. Instead, she picked up her glass and took a swallow to keep from blurting out the vicious words about where he could stick his heavy-handed attitude.
    "So what happened today?"
    Jennifer choked on the water she'd been sipping. “You don't mince words, do you?"
    He shrugged. “Life is too short not to get to the point.” Daegan intertwined their fingers. She didn't know what to think of his habit of touching her every chance he got. She wasn't