“Embarrassed. Awkward. This isn’t how I pictured the two of you meeting.”
His tone flattened. “Why not?”
“Because I don’t want you to be in a position of having to wait on us. I wanted you to be able to sit and enjoy a meal together, not worried about tips or managers or anything else, including our family drama.”
“Aw, pidge, I can be charming in any situation.” He lovingly pinched my cheeks to make me smile.
Snickering, I clasped his wrists. “I know you can. So, you’re okay with us sitting in your section?”
“I demand it,” he said, then pulled me toward him.
With every kiss, my worries melted like butter in a warm pan.
We’d be fine as long as we had each other’s backs.
He jerked his chin. “I have to wash my hands. You go ahead.”
“But—”
“Trust me.” He smackedmy butt. “Now, get.”
I sheepishly passed the hostess desk only to return with my mom and sister to ask, “Table for three, please?”
The hostess sighed and grabbed our menus. “Table or booth?”
“Table,” I answered.
“So it’s easier to escape,” Kat joked.
Mom rolled her eyes and strolled ahead of us to follow the hostess.
Kat grinned, hips swaying as she fell into line behind me. “How was ‘the bathroom?’”
I shot her a warning glare. “Good, thank you. I’m sure you’ll see it yourself soon.”
He’d probably make a better impression if Mom didn’t find out we’d just had a mini rendezvous.
“Enjoy,” the hostess said without any enthusiasm, then clip-clopped away in dark heels.
We grasped our menus, but I was too busy scanning the room for my boyfriend to actually read it.
Mom glanced over. “Do you know what you’re ordering?”
“Yes. I was just looking for the bread basket,” I said.
“She’sreallyhungry,” Kat said knowingly.
I struggled between laughing or kicking her under the table, but she smiled and busied herself with the menu as if to show she wouldn’t tease me too badly.
The scent of vanilla meringue wafted over before my boyfriend sashayed to the table and set down a basket of warm bread. “Hello ladies. My name is Angel, and I’ll be your cake liaison today. What would you like to start with? Drinks, appetizers, or are you ready for the main event?” He rubbed his hands together and flashed me a mischievous, breathtaking smile.
I sat up, my heart racing. “Uh, I think we might need one more minute.”
Mom waved me off. “Oh no. I decided quickly—don’t want to waste your break. I’ll have the cobb salad.”
“I’ll have the short ribs medium-rare, please.” Kat handed him her menu, then arched an eyebrow at me. “See anything you like, Tori?”
“Y-yes.” I flushed and glanced at Angel.
