She listed the titles like she was reading a grocery list. I stared at her, stunned. Not one, but three books in such a short period of time. They may not be as long as her usual reads, but they are not your typical books.
“What else do you like to do? I asked casually. Taking another bite and chewing slowly, I studied her. I already knew she loved reading and had done a lot of it. She was seemingly obsessed with herbal tea and her plants. But there had to be more.
“Painting,” she simply stated.
I nodded, wondering how much there was I didn’t know about her. “Do you paint or just browse the artwork of others?” I asked.
“I can paint. But I haven’t had time for the last couple of years. Studies and work kept me busy,” she replied.
I considered setting up one of the extra rooms as a studio where she could paint. There was something more I could do to make living with me more comfortable. It would also keep her busy, preventing boredom.
“See, you are the one who keeps on changing the topic and straying from talking about Bratva! That can only imply that I am right, and I have thus won the conversation,” she said, smirking at me. I could see the satisfaction in her eyes.
Smiling broadly, I finished my burger before responding. “These books you have read. Well, let’s just say they don’t portray all the facts correctly.”
I could see her searching for something in my eyes. “Some were written by Bratva men and others by inside sources, I can’t see them being off course.” She replied.
Grinning, I kept my tone low as I contradicted her. “Oh, my little Bambi! These books only tell half-stories. You could even say they only portray the bad, as that is what people want to hear. They’re focused on some groups. We’re not all the same.”
Sitting upright in her chair, she shot back with ferocity. “I’m not your little Bambi! I’m not even sure why you would call me that.” The irritation in her tone was clear as daylight.
I admired her spark, her cuteness when she got mad and annoyed with me. Adding a little huff to my tone, I replied quickly. “You’re as innocent and cute as Bambi. Especially whenyou’re trying to make sense of this world filled with big bad wolves, as you put it.”
“Who knows? Maybe you are the big bad wolf in sheep's clothing!” she shot back with sharpness.
“Is it because the big bad wolf kidnapped little red riding hood?” I questioned licking my lips.
Her cheeks instantly lit up, glowing red. I could see her struggling to keep the smile at bay, but her lips were pulling tightly at the ends, finally forming that gorgeous smile. Lowering her gaze, she quickly finished her meal.
Before I could tease her some more, the waiter appeared. “Would you mind bringing one of your dessert specials?” I asked as he collected our plates. He nodded and left.
Looking at Sophia, I saw her rolling her eyes. “Whenever you’re done with your dessert, can we go?” she asked sarcastically.
“Oh, dear, little Bambi, what’s the rush, hon?” I replied. “We have the whole day, you know.”
She lowered her gaze again, looking at her hands. What did she want to go and do? “If you are in such a rush to sit next to me, you could have just asked. I am easy to oblige.” I said as I swiftly moved my chair next to hers.
Her eyes shot open wider than I had ever seen. A nervous expression shot across her face. “What? What are you doing?” she breathed out heavily.
Before I could reply, the waiter returned with the one dessert I ordered. “Here,” I said, waving at the space before her. He placed it down and left. Gently gripping her chin, I spoke softly. “Just for you, my little Bambi.”
She shook her head as she spoke. “Thank you, but please move back to your side of the table now. You are too close for comfort.”
Moving quickly, I placed one arm around her back. With my other hand, I lightly gripped her face, turning her head to the side. Leaning closer, I brushed her ear with my lips as I whispered. “Okay, my little Bambi, the big bad wolf will move back.” Before letting go, I made a low growling sound.
This made her giggle, a delightful sound, sweet and so innocent. Warmth spread through me. She was charming to be around. Getting up, I moved back to my side of the table, shaking my head.
What am I doing? I felt like smacking myself in the face. I shouldn’t work myself up to her like this. I sat watching as she dove into the pudding. She took a bite, closed her eyes, and waited for it to melt before taking another bite. She was truly enjoying it.
Feeling pleased, I kept my mouth shut, allowing her the small pleasure. My emotions were going haywire inside. I was trying to get a grip on them.
Once she was done, she wiped her lips before speaking. “Thank you, that was lovely.”
Smiling at her, I nodded as I rose. “Let’s get going,” I said, holding out my hand. She took it and got up.
As we got out the door, she started pulling back. “Aren’t you going to pay for our food?” Sophia asked.
Shaking my head, I replied in a light tone. “No, they’ll just send me the bill, and I’ll pay later.”
