“There’s one in particular here that’s my favorite,” he said. “It’s small and simple, but their food is down-home country.”
“Sounds delicious. I’m starving, so I hope it doesn’t take too long for them to prepare the food.”
“It shouldn’t be a problem.” He was quiet for a minute and then asked, “Besides working with Kayn’s bucket-list recipient, what have you been up to all these years?”
“Well, like you, I went to college. My mother had been pushing for me to follow in her footsteps, so I did.”
“I heard from my mom that she’s the director at the school of nursing now.”
“I’ll be honest,” Eve said, shifting in her seat to see him better. “I’m surprised your mother even remembers us.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be. I guess you’ve been traveling so much that you don’t know that our mothers serve on the same fundraising committee for the hospital.”
“No. I didn’t know that.” Why had her mother never mentioned it? She rubbed her temple, recalling the conversation with her father and his wish that she’d come for a long visit. Maybe he had a point.
Darius pulled into a parking lot.
“Oh, this is quaint,” she said, leaning forward. “A log cabin restaurant.”
“I told you, down-home country. The inside atmosphere matches.” When she reached for her door, he touched her hand. “Let me get that for you, please.”
“I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.”
“My partners always get a lady’s door. Ezreal says it’s a sign of respect, and Rafe’s mother would tan his hide if she caught him not doing the same. I don’t want to look bad in comparison, so you’d be doing me a favor.”
Eve eyed him but didn’t move. Kayn was also one of those guys who conscientiously opened doors. Darius hopped out and hurried around to her side of the car where he opened hers with a flourish, his eyes twinkling. For a second, she saw the boy she’d once loved. Blinking at the unexpected stinging of her eyes, she stepped out of the car.
“Thank you for letting me retain my reputation,” he said.
“Any time.”
Eve approached the restaurant with the intent to make a statement. Before he could take the handle, she did and opened the door for him. Stepping back from it so he could enter first, she gave him her best saucy grin.
“Turnabout’s fair play. If you can respect me, I can respect you.”
“As you wish.” He stepped inside but waited for her and held out his arm.
Eve hesitated a second before taking it. After a dozen years, she’d thought the electricity between them would be gone. Nope. If anything, it was even more powerful. At least on her part. She took his arm, and they walked to the host, who seemed to know him. All Darius did was hold up two fingers, and the man nodded, picked up two menus, and indicated they should follow him.
“Buffaloandbison?” she asked once they were seated, scanning the menu. “I thought they were the same thing.”
“I did too.” Darius glanced at her over the top of his menu. “It turns out the American bison is native to North and South America and Europe while the Buffalo is from Africa and Asia. Who knew, right?”
“They serve emu too? Aren’t they like ostriches?” Eve shook her head, feeling a little queasy at the thought. “I don’t think I could eat one.”
“You eat chicken, and they serve duck and goose at your father’s country club. Why not a giant bird?”
“I guess, but I think I’ll stick with a hamburger.” Eve pointed to the drink section on her menu. “What is this Cherrywine?”
“It’s a cherry tonic.”
“A carbonated beverage. Is it alcoholic?”
“No.” Darius signaled their server that they were ready to order.
“That’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about taking nursing jobs all over the country. I’ve gotten to try a lot of regional foods and drinks.” Eve gave her order and added, “I also think I want that Cherrywine float.”
Darius ordered the same thing she had minus the drink, choosing water instead.
