This conversation feels like it’s slipping closer to lecture territory, so I attempt to stop it in its tracks. “Another rule that Lisa and I had was that we didn’t talk about who we were dating or sleeping with.”
“You slept with him?” He takes a step closer to me. “When he said he would have shown you the time of your life I assumed he meant a first fuck, but that happened already?”
I look down at my dress. My breasts are heaving and that’s not because I’m trying to look sexy. I’m breathing heavily. It’s a combination of the adrenaline rush of finding out that Donald wasn’t who I thought he was and hearing Sebastian talk about fucking.
“We didn’t.” I shake my head. “It was just a kiss.”
“A kiss?” His brows jump in surprise. “You kissed him?”
I run my hand along the side of my neck, feeling flush. “It was more of a peck after our first date last month. A goodnight, so-long-until-next-time kiss.”
That lures a smile to his mouth. “Good to know.”
I look back toward my closed bedroom door. “I’m going to change my clothes and then make some microwave popcorn for dinner.”
“Don’t change.” His eyes meet mine as I turn back when he speaks. “We’re going for spaghetti.”
“Spaghetti,” I echo. “We’re going out for dinner?”
“You’re all dressed up.” He rakes me from head to toe. “You haven’t eaten yet. I haven’t either. Let’s go grab some pasta.”
My pulse thrums at the thought of spending an evening with him. My heart shouldn’t be racing. He’s not suggesting a date.
We’re just two people going out to share a meal.
“After you, Matilda.” He motions toward the apartment door. “You’re about to have the experience of a lifetime.”
“I am?” I ask with a smile. “How so?”
He rests his hand against the small of my back. “Come with me and I’ll show you.”
Sebastian wasn’t joking.This is an experience I’m never going to forget.
I’ve had a lot of spaghetti in my life but none as delicious as this.
The pasta at Calvetti’s is in a class of its own. It’s handmade with a rich sauce and spicy meatballs. I’ve almost eaten every bite of food on my plate.
Sebastian finished his ten minutes ago.
“I told you it was amazing.” He smiles broadly. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here.”
“I can’t either.” I laugh. “Maya’s been here with Julian. It was on one of their first dates.”
I leave out the extra X-rated information my sister provided about Julian touching her under the table while they were sitting in one of the booths that line the back wall. My gaze darts in that direction to a couple seated next to each other, kissing with fervor.
Maybe that’s part of Calvetti’s experience.
You come for the pasta and stay to come.
I shake off my ill attempt at a new slogan for this quaint family run restaurant.
“Do you use dating apps to meet men often?” he asks in a low tone.
I swallow a sip of red wine. “I wouldn’t say it’s often, but I’ve met a few great guys that way.”
“Great?” He eyes me suspiciously as he reaches for the glass of ice water in front of him. It’s the only thing he’s drinking tonight. “Yet you’re still looking.”
I sigh heavily. “Isn’t part of the fun the search?”
