Our drinks are brought to us a short time later, and we tell the waiter we need another few moments to decide on our meals. The appetizer comes in the meanwhile, and we enjoy it as we decide what to eat.
“Any idea what you’re getting?” I ask Austen.
“Was thinking about theCoq au Vin.”
“That does look good, but I’m going with theDuck à l’Orange.”
“You’ll have to give me a bite.”
I grin. “Maybe if you say please.”
His eyes sparkle as he reaches for his drink. We finish our appetizer and put in our meal order, which comes soon after. The food is delicious, of course. I give Austen a bite of the duck, to which he moans and says he regrets getting his meal. He gives me a bite of his chicken, which is good, but I prefer the duck. I give him a few more bites which he does not deny.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” I say, as we finish up our drinks and wait for the check.
“Of course. You deserve it after all the hard work you’ve put into your career.”
I huff out a laugh. “A lot of people say I didn’t do anything for my career. That I was lucky I was born handsome, and that’s that.”
Austen rolls his eyes. “I’m not so dumb to think that’s the case. Sure, sometimes it is, but not always. I’ve seen how hard you work.”
“Sometimes I don’t want to do it anymore.”
“What? Why?”
I shrug. “The traveling, mostly. It was fun at first, but now… I don’t know. It’s hard sometimes.”
“I can see why that would be,” Austen says. “Can’t you just work around here?”
“Yeah, I could, but not the good stuff. Nothing that would allow me the lifestyle I’ve gotten used to.”
The check comes and Austen pays the bill, then we head back to my place. I’m not one to get excited over surprises and presents, I’m not a five-year-old, but the thought of Austen getting anything for me is exciting. I like that he thinks of me when we aren’t together or just thinks of doing things to make me happy. Just shows that he cares.
Which obviously he does since he so eloquently blurted out that he loves me. It was adorable. Also the best thing I’ve ever heard a single person say.
After all these years, I finally have what I’ve always dreamed of.
But do I?
I may have Austen’s love, but does that matter when he’s married to someone else? I won’t ruin the night by thinking about it. It’s a problem for later.
The moment we’re inside, I turn to Austen.
“Tell me what it is.”
Austen grins, walking to me and pressing his lips to mine.
“So eager.”
“Damn right,” I say. “So give it to me.”
“Well, here’s the thing…” He steps back, and I frown.
“What?”
His bright blue eyes meet mine and he smirks. “You’re actually going to be giving it to me.”
I raise a brow, watching as he slowly walks backward. Once he’s in the hall, he turns and heads into my bedroom.
