“I’ve never been there. Is it expensive?”
“It is my pleasure to pay for your meal, Coco,” he told her gently, before adding, “Inside, it’s a casual bar with dark wood paneling. People from all professions will be there after work. Your scrubs and my shirt will fit in perfectly.”
“That sounds amazing. Thank you.”
He knew she thanked him for both bits of information. “Of course. I’ll enjoy sharing it with you. Want to follow me?”
“Yes. I put your phone number from the matched announcement into my directory. Can I call you if we get separated?”
“Of course.” Roman would never lose her in route. She was too precious.
In a few minutes, they parked side by side toward the back section of the lot. “It’s busy,” she said, looking at all the groups hanging around outside as they waited for a table.
“Having a reservation here is vital.” Roman opened the door and steered Coco inside with a hand on her lower back. He enjoyed touching her and noted she didn’t shy away from him.
The hostess led them immediately to a large wooden booth toward the back. He’d requested a seat with some privacy. Roman owed his friend, Harry O’Malley, big now. This was perfect.
He gestured at the leather bench seat on one side and requested, “Sit with me.” To his delight, she scooted in, allowing him to claim the space next to her. “Thank you, Little girl.”
They took a few minutes to discuss the menu. Roman shared his favorite dishes. To his delight, she decided to take his advice and try one of his suggestions. When the flurry of ordering drinks and food finished, he angled himself slightly to face her.
“I’m enjoying your company, Coco. Would you tell me about yourself?”
“I just graduated from a veterinary technician program and got lucky to find a job with Dr. Rossi and Isabella. It’s the best vet clinic I’ve ever seen,” Coco said with a smile.
“You don’t have to tell me that. Dr. Rossi took amazing care of Buster. I miss him a lot. My house feels very lonely.”
“Do you think you’ll get another dog?”
“Someday, I’ll go to the shelter and find someone who needs a home,” Roman said. “Right now, I’m focused on you.” Even in the dimmed lighting, he could see her blush slightly.
“Do you think PLAYTIME ever makes a mistake? I mean, you’re an eleven and I’m a three.”
“You are very lucky we haven’t set up rules and consequences for you, Little girl,” Roman told her sternly. “If you ever speak so poorly of yourself, you’ll be stretched over my thighs for a severe spanking.”
She swallowed hard. “You’d spank me?”
“Definitely. Does that scare you?”
“You wouldn’t hurt me.”
He stared at her for a moment, marveling at the conviction in her tone. “I would chop off my own arm first. I would, however, redden your bottom to help you remember you are special and wonderful.”
Tears filled her eyes. “No one has ever thought I was special. I’m just me. Coco. The girl who mixes up words and flounders when she speaks with people.”
“Perhaps those are your secret powers, Coco. Not weaknesses,” Roman suggested. He leaned forward to kiss her lightly, keeping himself under strict control in the restaurant.
“You’re pretty good with words,” Coco whispered when he shifted back against the leather seat back.
“I’m pretty good with the truth,” he corrected her. “They must know we’re hungry. Our food is arriving.”
Roman kept the conversation light as they ate. Coco devoured her meal, praising the selection that Roman had recommended. His food tasted better than ever before. Good company enhanced everything.
He held her hand as they walked back to their vehicles. “When can I see you again?” he asked. When she hesitated answering, he added, “Do you work this weekend?”
“On Saturday for a half day. Then I’m free.”
“It’s supposed to be a beautiful day. Would you like to come over to swim?”
