“What’s not to like? The color reminds me of some of the metals I use in my jewelry. It’s beautiful.” I smile back at him.
“I’m glad you like it, MacKenzie. Now buckle up.”
I reach behind me and pull the seat belt around me. He takes hold of the buckle and clicks it into place. He presses the start button, and we’re off. “So, you’re not going to tell me where we’re going?”
“I’ll give you a hint. It serves my favorite food group.”
I blink at him and wonder why he thinks I’d know that tidbit of information. Then I recall his shirt. “Tacos?”
He chuckles. “Yep. You remembered. This place has a lot of different things to choose from, so you should, hopefully, be able to find something you’ll like.”
“Oh, I’ll eat anything. Look at me,” I say, pointing to my body.
“You’ve got a great body, MacKenzie. It’s womanly.”
I snort at his description. “Yeah, I guess. If womanly means a big butt and thighs, I’m certainly womanly.”
Sam stops the car abruptly. He turns to me. “MacKenzie. You’re beautiful. I love your ass, what I’ve seen of it. I’d like a closer inspection, though.” He winks and continues to drive south down Michigan Avenue. The drive takes a little over twenty minutes even though the restaurant, Frontera Grill, is only blocks away. Traffic at this time of night is insane.
We pull up to the valet parking; Sam jumps out and runs around to my side of the car. I’ve already opened my door, so he reaches in and takes my hand. I’m careful not to step in the slushy snow as he guides me to the door. He tosses his keys to the valet and gives him a pointed look.
As soon as we enter, the sweet smells of this Mexican restaurant hit me. I’m taken by the décor. It’s warm and inviting while still having that sense of fun with colorful paintings all around the space. At the hostess stand, a gorgeous brunette woman smiles at Sam. “Hey, Sam. I’ve got your table ready,” she says, leading us back.
Our table is in the back corner of the restaurant. It’s private for us, but I can still look about the place and take in all the creative little touches everywhere. “This place is beautiful. I love all of the artwork.”
“I thought you’d like it.” He smiles.
Our server approaches with our menus and asks us what we’d like to drink. “Water, please.”
“Aren’t you going to have a drink? Would you like wine?”
“Oh, um, yeah. Can I look at the menu first?” I ask our waiter.
“Sure, not a problem. And you, sir?” our waiter asks, turning to Sam.
“I’ll wait as well.”
“Wow, this all looks amazing.” I have no idea what to pick. Shit. Everything is expensive. I’m not going to order a thirty-dollar entrée. I stick with the appetizer menu. Spring tostadas are only ten dollars. I’ll get those. I close the menu and wait for Sam.
“You find some things that sound good?” he asks with a smile.
“I think so.”
“Me, too.”
When the server returns, he starts with me. “Um, I’d like a Modelo and the spring tostadas.”
“And for dinner?” he asks, looking a little confused.
“Oh, no, that’s it.”
I smile at the waiter and then turn to look at Sam. He doesn’t look happy. “MacKenzie. You can have anything you want on the menu. Hell, you can haveeverythingon the menu if that’s what you’d like.”
“I’m fine with what I picked.”
Sam lets out a slow sigh. “I’ll have a Modelo as well. I’d like the Oaxacan carne asada, the shrimp local ramp mojo, and the classic puebla-style enchiladas, and two plates, please.”
“Wow, you must be hungry,” I say with a giggle.
