“You’re lying.” I grinned and nudged his shins. It was sweet, but unnecessary. "Tonight is for you. Have your cake, and eat it too."
“No, really.” He sat up properly, lightly grasped my forearms, and looked deep into my eyes. His dark, hot chocolate gaze warmed my insides. “Shelby, will you please share the cake with me? That would make me happy.”
My gaze fell to his lips. How was a hungry girl supposed to reject such sincerity? “Okay.”
He scooted farther into the booth. “Come sit by me.”
“Yes, sir.” Rubbing my cheek on my shoulder, I slid in beside him and stuffed my fingers under my thighs.
He leaned closer, the aroma of cinnamon filling my lungs. “Why are you acting all shy?” he asked.
I covered my burning cheeks with my hands. “I don’t know. It’s embarrassing.” Not budgeting for two slices of cake, nofuture plan, getting moved to tears over sweets and sincerity. Plus, it was hard being snuggled up on one side of the booth like we were in love without being able tosaythat thing because it’s too early.
He wrapped his arm around me. “What’s embarrassing? Were you planning to feed me?”
“No.” I giggled and nudged him.
He raised his brows. “Do you want me to feed you?”
“No. Although, at home, maybe little things…” I hid my face against his chest.No fantasizing at the dinner table, Shelby.I tightened my fist on his sweater and nuzzled the softness. “This feels nice.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “I agree.”
I looked up, my heart as strong and steady as any marching drummer boy. “I am feeling lots of things.”
He arched his brow. “Good things?”
I nodded, hugging him tightly.
“Complicated things?”
I nodded again. How did he know me so well already?
He stroked my hair. “You don’t have to explain if you’re not ready. But if you want to, you know where to find me.”
Could I say it?I love…
The server placed a huge slice of cake with tons of toppings in front of us.
“Cake," I blurted out.
"Good job," the server said sarcastically, but not mean, as he left.
Oh, goodness. I was trying to say something better, something sweet. I sunk into Harvey's side, hoping our snuggles would replenish my bravery.
Harvey chuckled and eased the plate towards me. “Go ahead. Make sure it’s not poisonous.”
He was giving me the first bite? I slid the spoon through the first layer and smiled. “Aw, it's nice dating someone with the spirit of generosity."
“Are you saying I’m like Santa? I thought I was grinch-y.” He frowned.
Sucking my spoon clean, I hummed and gently rocked side to side to dance with the chocolate on my tongue. “You’re complex. And amazing.”
He touched his lip ring and grinned, his cheeks flush. “Shelby, how am I supposed to keep my cool guy façade when you do these things?”
“Do what?” I crossed my ankles and batted my eyelashes.
“Be cute. Now, gimme that cake.” He stole my spoon, even though he had his own, and dug in, elbowing me out of the way.
