"Good evening, Mr. Gryphon, and Mr...?"
It took Leo a moment to realize the server was speaking to him. He tore his gaze away from me, startled, and sat upright in his seat.
"Uh, it's Evans, but you can just call me Leo," he said.
My gryphon purred with petty pleasure inside me. Evans must've been the last name Leo was born with. He hadn't yet taken on Terry's last name, to my supreme satisfaction. That man would never stake a claim on my fated mate again. He was mine.
The server doled out the crisply framed paper menus. "Mr. Gryphon and Mr. Evans, here is the menu for the evening. Our special is the Scallop Picatta with Sauteed Spinach, caught fresh from the ocean behind you."
She winked. Leo gazed over to the waves with a smile. He looked like a child enjoying his first time at an amusement park. It occurred to me that Leo might have never experienced a five-star hotel or service like this before.
If he stays, he can have this all the time,I thought. The idea deeply appealed to me. I would wine and dine him as often as he wanted.
"Ah, everything looks so good," Leo said as he scanned the menu.
"Remember not to look at the prices," I teased him.
Leo smirked. "I'm looking and choosing to ignore them. How's that?"
I laughed softly. I loved his fire. He was my little mouse with the heart of a lion, just like his name implied.
"I'll have the special, please," Leo said, handing the menu back.
I nodded at the server. "The filet for me, thank you. Anything special to drink, Leo?"
He flushed, looking a bit embarrassed. "I didn't recognize any of the drink names on the menu. Could I get a fancy cocktail or something?"
My heart warmed. He was so sweet.
"Of course you can," I assured him. "One fancy cocktail for Leo, and my usual wine, please."
"Right away."
As the server left, Leo looked around, soaking in his surroundings. Above the relaxing music from the speakers and clink of silverware was the rhythmic push-and-pull of the waves. Our table sat at the edge of the deck, right beside the water. The smell of clean salt filled our noses. It was something I'd never tire of—especially with my fated mate across the table from me.
"Oh," Leo said, his eyes widening. "What a beautiful sunset."
Until now I'd been too distracted by Leo to notice it. I turned to look. On the horizon, the setting sun turned everything brilliant pink and orange. It was beautiful, yes, but nothing compared to Leo's brilliance. I refocused my gaze on him as he stared out at the pastel waves. When he noticed me staring at him, he blushed, his cheeks turning the same shade as the pink light.
"What?" he asked with a laugh.
"Nothing. I'm looking at something beautiful," I said honestly.
Leo's flustered words evaporated as the server returned with our drinks. She placed a plum-colored wine in front of me, and a bright orange fruity drink in front of Leo. The glass was rimmed with sugar and it sported a mini party umbrella.
"Hope that's fancy enough for you," the server said. "I'll be back with your entrees soon."
Leo grinned, looking excited about his drink. He took a sip of it. "Ooh, that's good. Wanna try it?" he asked, gesturing it towards me. Then he blushed and mumbled, "Er, sorry if that's weird. I know we barely know each other..."
"Not at all," I said.
My heart flipped upon hearing his kind gesture. I craved a kiss from Leo and I'd settle for an indirect one. I opened my palm to show him I was accepting his offer. He smiled and slid the glass towards me. I tasted the drink—it was fruity and sweet, but knowing Leo's lips had touched the rim of the glass was even sweeter.
"It's very good," I said. "I'll leave the rest to you. Would you like to try a sip of my wine?"
Leo eyed my glass. "I'm not usually a wine type of guy, but..."
I pushed it towards him and he took a small sip. His jaw worked as he rolled it over his tongue, as if trying to decide how he felt about it. My eyes watched the movement in his throat as he swallowed it.
