"That does sound good," Evie agreed, pushing maudlin thoughts of Ollie aside. She was here to enjoy herself, not wallow.
As they placed their orders, Evie found herself relaxing. Asher had an easygoing charm that put her at ease. His blue eyes crinkled warmly as he asked about the bakery's holiday preparations and how she was coping with the festival, as well as juggling her Santa’s Helper role.
"It's been absolute madness, but at least it keeps me busy," Evie admitted with a rueful laugh. "I'm up to my elbows in gingerbread and peppermint bark from sunup to sundown. But I love it."
She took a sip of the Cabernet Sauvignon Asher had ordered to complement their meal, savoring the rich flavor. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere enveloped her, soft lighting and festive decorations creating an intimate mood. For the first time in days, she felt the knot of tension in her shoulders start to loosen.
"I can imagine," Asher said. "The toy store's been a zoo, too. But seeing the kids' faces light up makes it all worthwhile."
His enthusiasm was infectious. Evie found herself leaning in, drawn by his warmth and genuine interest. When their food arrived, savory aromas wafted up from the plates, and her stomach growled appreciatively.
As they ate, conversation flowed, and Asher regaled her with amusing stories about the toy store's holiday rush.
"And then there was the dad who insisted on testing every remote-control car himself," Asher chuckled. "I thought he'd never leave!"
Evie laughed, picturing the scene. "Sounds like you have just as many big kids as little ones in your shop."
It was hard to imagine this man once had a far more cut-throat role. “So, you don’t miss being a hot-shot lawyer?” she asked, curious.
Asher shook his head decisively. “Absolutely not! That was a soul sucking job if ever there was one. I’d choose being happy any day.”
Amen to that.
As they finished their meal, Evie realized she'd barely thought about Ollie or Adrian all evening… or Shepherd. Asher’s gentle humor and genuine interest had drawn her out of her own head.
When the waiter cleared their plates, Asher's expression grew more serious. "Evie, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but... I've really enjoyed spending time with you tonight. I'd love to do this again sometime, if you're interested."
Evie's heart fluttered. So, this was a date after all.
She was just processing that little tidbit when Shepherd approached, looking even more grumpy than normal.
Evie stiffened but refused to let his rejection show. There were other fish in the sea, as Posy would say, and she was having an enjoyable evening with one of them.
Nevertheless, Evie's pulse kicked up as she met Shepherd's intense gaze. His dark eyes flicked between her and Asher, and she could practically see him grinding his teeth. For a moment, the restaurant's cheerful ambience faded away, leaving only the three of them suspended in awkwardness. Well, it felt awkward to her. Maybe the men didn’t notice.
But what the hell was Shepherd doing, stopping by while she was having dinner with Asher, when he’d done his level best to avoid her all week?
"Evening," Shepherd grunted, his gruff voice cutting through the tension.
Evie's cheeks flushed hot. She fumbled for something to say, hyper-aware of Asher's questioning look and Shepherd's looming presence.
Okay, so Asher wasn’t oblivious.
The wine she'd enjoyed earlier now churned uneasily in her stomach, but she could still be the bigger person.
"Hi Shepherd," she managed, hating how breathy her voice sounded. "Fancy seeing you here."
Shepherd's eyes narrowed slightly. "Just picking up takeout," he muttered, holding up a paper bag as if in explanation.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Evie's skin prickled with awareness. She caught a faint whiff of Shepherd's familiar scent, and it sent an unwelcome flutter through her chest.
Damn him! Nope! Not going there.
Asher cleared his throat. "How's business at the coffee shop…”
“What are you doing, having dinner with another man?” Shepherd’s irritated voice interrupted Asher’s friendly attempt at civility.
Seriously? This was the way he wanted to play it?
