I cut into the steak and took a bite before it got cold.
“Oh my God!” I moaned. “That’s so good. I haven’t had steak in ages.
“I’m glad you like it.” He offered me a mini sauce jug. “Try this on top.”
I took it from him and inspected the dark contents.
“What is it?”
He smirked.
“Give it a try.”
I tipped the jug over my steak and a dark red liquid poured out. I bit my lip and cut another slice trying to guess what it was because even though it looked like jam, I was sure it couldn’t be.
As soon as the sauce-covered steak hit my tongue, an explosion of flavors erupted inside me. It was bittersweet and fruity but somehow it paired amazingly with the steak.
I couldn’t help but moan at the amazing flavor profile lighting up my senses.
When I tried to cut another slice I noticed Dare was staring at me with heavy eyes and a quiver to his lips.
I wiped my mouth on instinct, the extra attention making me very self-conscious and Ι swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.
“Is this blueberry?” I asked.
“Blueberry vinaigrette,” he nodded. “You like it?”
“Are you kidding? That’s so good. Why aren’t you selling it?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t know if anyone would be interested.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Dare, darling. Sell the damn thing,” I told him before I could stop myself.
He smiled.
“Thanks,” he mumbled. “If you think it’s worth it, I will.”
“It is.” I took another bite and before I started chewing, I prompted him. “You were about to tell me about your family.”
He took a deep breath and sat back.
“Right. Yeah. Well, family is back in Texas. We don’t really talk, to be honest. I haven’t seen them in a few years.”
“Because of the gay thing?” I asked, taking a guess and hoping I had the correct read on his sexuality.
“Yeah. They couldn’t wrap their mind around a big burly guy, a SEAL no less, being queer. They thought the Navy would fix me.”
“Yeah, because being surrounded by testosterone and muscles when you’re gay isthe worst!” I fake groaned.
Dare chuckled.
He was so handsome when he laughed. Heck, he was handsome most of the time. But especially when he looked happy. He could light up a room with those dark blue eyes that felt as if they could see right through me.
“Yeah. Exactly,” he said.
“So you’re not from Mayberry?” He shook his head. “Wait, a sec. You’re from Texas? Where is the accent? What happened to you?” I smirked.
