“To new beginnings,” I repeat, clinking my glass against hers.
We stare at each other over the rim of the glasses, taking our time savoring the champagne. I try not to make a face, but the liquid is so bitter, it’s hard not to spit it out.
“Wow, that’s…” Iris’s voice trails off.
“Sour,” I finish.
She chuckles as she sets the flute back on the table. “We won’t have to worry about me having more than one glass. It’s too tart for me.”
I lean forward, clasping my hands together. “I need to be honest with you.”
She mimics me until our faces are only a foot apart. “What is it?”
“I liked when you snuggled against me.”
Her face turns a bright shade of pink. “Can I be honest too?”
“Yeah,” I say softly.
“I wish I remembered because I’m sure I liked ittoo.” She eases back into her chair, never taking her eyes off me.
“Well, damn,” I mutter. “We could do it while you’re awake, and you can find out.”
She smirks, and for a moment, I think I’ve gone too far until she says, “We may have to do just that.”
I’m stunned into silence. Something that doesn’t happen to me often. I compose myself as I lean back, staring at her. “Really?”
When did I become the type of man who got excited about snuggling? It isn’t me. Never has been. But there is something about Iris that makes me want to get closer, even if it is only cuddling. She has a shit past, and I’ll take whatever type of touching she is comfortable with. I only know I want whatever she is willing to give.
“We’ll see. So far, my answer is yes.”
So far… “I won’t fuck it up,” I promise her.
Iris laughs, and it’s the most beautiful sound in the world. “I have faith in you.”
“Here we go,” Eileen says, interrupting our moment. “The first course features bacon-topped deviled eggs on a fried tomato base with house-made garlic aioli.”
My mouth instantly waters at the sight of them as she sets the plate on the table. “Damn,” I whisper, trying not to drool on myself.
“These look amazing,” Iris tells Eileen.
“They’re my absolute favorite,” Eileen replies. “Would you like anything else to drink?”
“Water, please,” Iris says.
“Make it two, please,” I tell Eileen before she leaves.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like this before. I’m excited to taste it,” Iris says to me as she lays her napkin across her lap.
“Me too,” I say as I stare at her, but I’m not talking about the food in front of us.
Iris catches my eye, and when her cheeks turn pink again, I figure she’s reading all my dirty thoughts.
“And I don’t think it will be the most delicious thing I taste tonight either.” I’m feeling her out now. I want to know how timid she is or how against sex she is after her douchebag ex left her. Maybe, just maybe…
“I hope it’s not,” she fires back without missing a beat.
“I plan to savor every single bite.”
