The please got me. I nodded and opened my own menu, my mouth watering at the options. Lobster rolls, crab cakes, grilled salmon, shrimp scampi, clam chowder.
When the waiter came, I ordered the seafood platter, which came with a little bit of everything. Mikhail ordered the same, plus an appetizer of calamari and two additional sides.
"You're going to explode," I said.
"I need the fuel. Following you around all day is exhausting."
"I'm not that difficult."
"You walked up four flights of stairs today instead of taking the elevator."
"The elevator was crowded."
"The stairs were on the opposite side of the building from your class." He leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "You did it on purpose."
I bit back a grin. "Maybe I wanted to see if you'd follow."
"I told you. Wherever you go, I go."
"Even up four flights of stairs?"
"Even up four flights of stairs."
The waiter brought our calamari, and I popped one in my mouth. It was perfectly crispy and seasoned, and I couldn't hold back a small moan of appreciation.
Mikhail's eyes darkened. "Good?"
"So good." I grabbed another piece. "Okay, you win. This was a good idea."
"I have those sometimes."
We fell into easy conversation, talking about everything and nothing. He asked about my classes, and I told him about the professors, the syllabi, the other students. He listened like every word mattered, asking follow up questions, actually engaging.
"What about you?" I asked. "Did you go to college?"
He shook his head. "Military first. Then this."
"Do you ever wish you'd done something different?"
He considered that. "Sometimes. But this life chose me as much as I chose it. And I'm good at what I do."
"Scaring people and looking intimidating?"
"Protecting what matters." His eyes found mine. "Keeping people safe."
Heat crawled up my neck. I grabbed my water glass, taking a long drink.
The food arrived, and my eyes widened at the spread. Lobster, crab legs, shrimp, scallops, clams, all beautifully presented with garlic butter and lemon wedges.
"Oh my God," I breathed.
"Dig in."
I did. And it was incredible. Every bite was perfect, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd enjoyed a meal this much. Mikhail watched me with obvious satisfaction, occasionally stealing bites from my plate when I wasn't looking.
"Hey," I said, swatting his fork away. "Get your own."
"I did. Yours looks better."
