I glanced down. Damn it, I was messing with it. How did he notice everything?
"Maybe I just like a tidy place setting." I set the napkin aside.
Nathan chuckled. "Uh-huh. Sure."
The waiter came to take our orders. I asked for the house salad and dressing on the side. Nathan opted for a medium rare steak. Once he left, an awkward silence settled over the table.
"So..." I started. "How are things? With the pack?"
Nathan shrugged. "Same old. Border patrols, training sessions. The usual."
I nodded. "That's good."
Another beat of silence. I cast around for something else to say.
"And Elle? How's she doing?"
Nathan's expression softened at the mention of his daughter. "She's good. Adjusting to the new school year. She’s enjoying cheer."
I smiled. "That's great. She seems athletic."
"Gets it from her mom," Nathan said, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice. “I guess me, too, but Mira was a cheerleader.”
I bit my lip. Stupid. I shouldn't have brought up Elle. It was still a sore subject, even after all these years.
Our food arrived, halting the conversation as we dug in. I focused on my salad, trying not to watch how Nathan's throat worked as he swallowed. The way his fingers curled around his fork. Get a grip, Rissa.
But I couldn't help sneaking glances at him through my lashes. Couldn't stop my mind from wandering to places it shouldn't go.
Halfway through the meal, Nathan launched into a story about Gavin's failed attempt at plumbing last year. "So there he is, standing in two inches of water, holding this broken pipe and just staring at it like it's some alien technology."
Ilaughed, really laughed; the image was too ridiculous. "Oh my God. Please tell me you took pictures."
"You think I'd pass up that blackmail opportunity?" Nathan grinned. "I've got a whole album on my phone. For emergencies."
"Like when he inevitably finds out about our date and throws a tantrum?" The words were out before I could stop them.
Nathan's smile faded, his eyes searching mine. "Rissa..."
I looked away, fiddling with my napkin. "Sorry. I didn't mean?—"
"It's okay." He reached across the table, his hand covering mine. "I get it."
I stared at our hands, my heart hammering. His skin was warm, his touch gentle. I didn't want him to let go.
Dangerous. This was dangerous.
I pulled my hand back, grabbing my water glass for something to do. "We should probably head out soon. It's getting late."
Nathan nodded, signaling for the check. "I've got one more stop in mind if you're up for it."
Curiosity piqued, I raised a brow. "More surprises?"
He smirked. "Always."
After settling the bill, and Nathan insisted on paying, we stepped out into the cool night air. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering slightly. Nathan noticed, shrugging out of his jacket and draping it over my shoulders before I could protest.
"Thanks," I murmured, inhaling his scent from the jacket. It smelled way too damn good.
