“What’s wrong?” He asks. The slight worry furrowing his brow is cuter than it needs to be.
“Food has been presented to me the entire time and now, I’m choosing.”
Cole puts down his menu, giving me his full attention. “Which approach do you prefer?”
I must have been more starved of a thoughtful man than I thought because his consideration turns me on when it shouldn’t.
“Now that I think about it. A mix of both. I love the idea of someone knowing me well enough to provide things before I have to even think about wanting it, but I also like to make my own choices.”
“So a happy balance of both?”
Without thinking, I grab his hand that is resting on the table and give it a reassuring squeeze. His hand, however, clasps mine and holds it into place. We’re holding hands and I don’t feel the desire to disengage. The simple yet intimacy of the moment already has me warm but it must be Cole’s mission to make me hot.
“Just let me know, Jessamine. Whatever you want I’ll make it happen for you.”
I fight the urge to squirm because damn that made me want to climb into his lap.
“Is it the partnership deal or are you always this sweet?”
The question somehow fell out of my mouth when I didn’t intend to ask it. He doesn’t pause or break eye contact.
“I’d have to say it’s you. People just bring out different sides of each other. So however I am to you, it's for you.”
I straight up giggle like an idiot because I have no response. He joins me in the moment.
“What’s funny?” He implores while smiling.
“Nothing, It was just unexpected candor. Thank you.” Moving to a lighter subject, I remove my hand from his and use it to drink my water. “What was your motivation for the resort and drinks?”
Cole glances at the menu. “I’ll tell you all about it after we order.”
“That’s fair,” I agree, moving my attention back to my menu.
There is literally something for everybody on the menu. All of the major restrictions or diets have been considered. Impressive.
“I think the garlic parmesan ribeye steak bites are calling my name.”
“Sounds good. Which sides are you considering?”
“Mashed potatoes, of course.”
“Well, when you’re in Texas.” He starts.
“Oh please. You’re going to tell me white men from the East coast aren’t known for liking steak?”
He holds up his hands in surrender. “Guilty.”
“That’s what I thought.” I scan the menu. “I’ll choose the sauteed spinach. I haven’t had it in awhile. Oh, the shrimp dish sounds good too.”
“So get it as well.”
“No, it’s okay.”
The last thing I ever want to be accused of is taking advantage of a situation. Therefore, I never over-indulge when someone is treating me.
The server comes back to take our order. “Give us the entire menu, please.”
The poor guy double takes and pauses. “Um, the entire menu?”
