Carter smirked, all too proud of himself. “They don’t, but if you want it, they’ll do it for us.”
“You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness.” I admitted, shoving my emotions back down before I slowly grinned. “Let’s ruin the tablecloth.”
“That’s my girl.” He grinned back, and something exciting and electric hummed between us as we gazed at each other, leaving me feeling more hopeful than I’d felt in a long time.
This time, I didn’t push the feeling away. He was soothing something inside of me, even if I wasn’t sure exactly what that was. I decided I could let myself have this moment, could let myself feel…happy. Just for one dinner at least. Surely that was allowed.
Carter’s gaze shifted over my head, and he pushed his chair back as a deep voice sounded behind me.
“Would you look at this riff-raff.” A tall, muscular man in a chef’s apron shook Carter’s hand and pulled him in for one of those bro-hugs where they clap each other on the back, way too hard.
“Riff-raff?” Carter grinned. “You’re one to talk.” He motioned to me a moment later. “Ethan, I’d like to introduce you to Sarafina Devereux.”
“No shit.” Ethan shot Carter a look as he reached for my hand. “It isverynice to meet you, Sarafina.” Ethan bent, bringing my knuckles to his lips with a wink, and I blushed when his lips lingered a little longer than I’d expected.
“Okay, okay. That’s enough of that.” Carter said stiffly and gripped Ethan’s shoulderhard.
Ethan chuckled deviously and crossed his very buff arms, pleased he’d confirmed what I’d been trying to figure out all night. Carter and Iwereon a date.
Heat bloomed across my chest at the realization, and I suddenly realized Ethan had been talking to me. “It sounds like you two are going to throw off my whole service tonight.” Ethan said, and I looked at him blankly as he pointed a thumb over his shoulder. “I owe this guy a favor, and he wants me to horrify my regulars and set up a redneck, backyard boil in here.” Ethan rolled his eyes at Carter. “Because that’s totally what I earned the Michelin Star for.”
I could feel my cheeks heating even more. “If it’s too much, we don’t have to?—”
“Hey now.” Ethan waved his hand, cutting me off with a sympathetic look. “Gorgeous, I’m totally joking.”
“Oh,” I breathed, my head still in the clouds. “Okay.” I took a heavy sip of my wine and glanced at Carter, who wasalreadylooking at me.
A date.
We were on a date?
Oh my.
“I’m happy to do it, truly.” Ethan looked at Carter. “I’d do anything for this guy,andfor Liam’s kid sister, for that matter.” I nearly choked on my wine.
Shit-what?
“I’m going to whip up the best damn boil you’ve ever had. We’re going backyard, but elevated as fuck.” Ethan nodded to himself, his mind clearly occupied with the options already.
“Appreciate it, man.” Carter clapped him on the back.
“Anytime.” Ethan nodded. “Holler if you guys need anything at all.”
We watched as Ethan strutted over to the bar and threw back a shot of something clear, before disappearing around the corner, presumably towards the kitchen.
“Pays to know someone.” Carter said as he settled back into his chair.
“How exactly do you know him?”
“Through Liam,” Carter said, watching my reaction too close for comfort.
“Right.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek and adjusted the silverware nervously.
“Does that worry you?” Carter asked, tracing his finger over the rim of his glass.
“Uh, yeah.”
“Why?” His voice was low, thoughtful, as he cocked his head, still watching me carefully.
