Elijah agrees. “Perfect.”
As soon as we’re seated, I laugh. “Well, that answers that. You’ve obviously eaten here before.” I grab the menu to look at it, hiding the jealousy I’m feeling. I have no claim on Elijah, but to think he’s brought his dates here makes me sick.
“Kane and I have our business meetings here when we’re in Jasper,” he says, putting his menu down.
I soften. “What do you recommend?”
He pats his flat belly. “Salad, filet, and the Neva potatoes.”
The way he says it has me drooling. “That sounds good.”
I almost order the chicken, but I know Elijah will convince me to order what I want, so I go ahead and order the steak.
Dinner with Elijah is an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Hell, I’ll probably have dreams of it. He’s attentive. He asks me questions, like he wants to know everything there is to know about me. This almost feels like a date or something, but I know that’s ridiculous.
When our meals come, I dig in, and I only slow down when I see him staring.
Blushing, I nod. “You’re right. This is really good.”
He looks pleased just watching me.
And when the server asks if we want dessert, Elijah orders my favorite, chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
As we’re waiting for the desserts, I rub my hand over my belly. “I’m stuffed. Literally.”
He shrugs. “You can have a bite of the cake, and then we’ll take the rest of it home with us.”
Us. The way he says it fills my head with all kinds of fantasies.
“Have you thought of boy names?”
The question throws me off. This whole time I’ve thought I was having a girl, but the pictures in my purse tell a different story. “No. I haven’t… I didn’t even think…”
He shrugs, sensing that my anxiety is rising. “It’s okay. You have time.”
I take a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right. I do have time. I’m not going to stress about it.”
He nods. “How are you liking the job?”
I put my hands on the table. “I love it. I’ll be honest, Eli. I thought you were creating a position for me since I’m Kane’s sister, but I think you actually needed me.” I shake my head. “Not me, but I mean… you know… you needed help.”
He puts his hand on top of mine. “You were right the first time. I needed you. You’re fitting in great at the office, and you’re doing a really good job. I’m really happy to have you there.”
I couldn’t stop my smile if I tried. “Me too, Eli. I’m happy to be there too.” I shake my head. “I didn’t realize how much I neededto be back here in Whiskey Run. And having you and Kane as part of my life means everything.” I nod. “This was the right decision.”
Something sizzles between us. There’s no denying it. It’s like I can feel the attraction, and my body heats up.
He stares into my eyes, and his voice is husky, filled with emotion. “And just so you know, I’m not going anywhere, honey.”
There’s a promise in his words, but before I can ask him what he means, the server is back with our desserts.
The promise lingers between us as part of me believes him, and that could change everything.
CHAPTER 9
ELIJAH
It’s like I have a permanent scowl on my face.
