“Little hole in the wall spot I found years ago. I come here every time I’m in town. Kind of a tradition now.”
I smiled. “Sounds perfect.”
He glanced at me—not with the cocky grin or the flirty smirk, but something softer. “Is this okay? I know we didn’t really make a plan.”
“It’s great. Honestly, I love not having to make a decision for once.”
Ben stepped out and rounded the car with Sawyer on his heels. Before Ben went to open my door, Sawyer said something to him that I couldn’t make out from inside the car. Ben gave a slight nod and stepped back.
Sawyer opened my door.
I peered up at him, eyes catching his.
“Ready?” he asked, offering his hand.
I nodded and stepped out, and his hand found the small of my back as we walked toward the entrance. The street wasn’t packed, but there were a few paparazzi scattered around, snapping pictures. A couple of shouted questions flew our way as we walked inside.
Sawyer didn’t flinch as he leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Almost there.”
I fought the shiver that rolled down my spine.
The moment we stepped inside, the energy shifted. The noise melted away, replaced with low conversation, the gentle clink of silverware, and soft jazz playing through the space. The lights were dim, golden, dreamy.
It smelled incredible—garlic, fresh basil, and something baking in a wood-fired oven. My stomach gave an embarrassing growl.
Sawyer’s hand slid from my back to my waist, guiding me around a corner as a petite woman in her sixties burst through a swinging door from the kitchen. She wore a black apron, her gray hair piled into a bun.
“Sawyer James,” she shouted in an Italian accent, her face lighting up. She threw her arms open for him. “My boy! Look at you!”
He let go of me long enough to pull her into a hug. “Miss Isabella. You’re still the boss around here, huh?”
“Always.” She kissed both his cheeks with loud smacks. “You haven’t been here in forever. I was starting to think you forgot me.”
“Never,” he said, smiling big and boyish.
She turned, eyes narrowing, studying me. “And who is this beauty?”
“This is Ellie,” he said, sliding an arm back around my waist. “My girlfriend.”
My heart did a not-so-casual somersault. I glanced up at Isabella, who watched me with a knowing look, her eyes twinkling. “Oh, this is your girl, huh?”
Sawyer looked entirely too pleased with himself. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, she’s a pretty little thing. Keep her, will ya?”
“That’s the plan.”
I laughed, warm all over. “I’ll try to make it worth his while.”
“Oh, I like her,” Isabella said, patting my cheek. “Smart mouth. That’s what this boy needs.”
“I’m right here,” Sawyer muttered, but he was grinning.
She waved a hand. “Good. You need someone who doesn’t fall for that ‘I’m so tall and charming’ act. He’s actually a big softie inside. Sit, sit. I’ll bring wine. You want the usual?”
He turned to me. “What do you like?”
“I’m not picky.”
