We step into a small foyer area with dark marble floors. The walls are a deep, forest green with elegant landscape paintings wrapped in gold frames. Across from where we’re standing is a mahogany desk with a beautiful blonde woman standing on the other side of it, holding a tablet.
“Welcome to the Ivory Table.” She smiles brightly. “Are you Mr. Ford?”
He nods as he walks ahead of me. “I have a reservation for two at eight o’clock.”
“Right this way,” the hostess says as she leads us through the door behind her.
It opens into a room that matches the appearance of the foyer. It’s rich and moody in color and décor. The perimeter of the room is lined with private booths and the center has a dozen round tables perfectly arranged.
The dim lighting in the room comes from the light fixtures above. Except they aren’t electric lights. They’re all candles.
Matteo steps to the side, motioning for me to slide into the round booth first. I do, scooting across the seat as he slides in after me. He leaves about three feet between us with his body angled toward me.
“Is still water fine?”
“Yes,” Matteo says as he takes two menu boards from her, handing one to me. “That’s all I’ll be drinking tonight.”
I want to ask him why he isn’t ordering a mixed drink, but I stop myself. It’s rude and frankly, none of my business. Drinking doesn’t have to be a requirement for dinner.
Although, some alcohol would definitely take the edge off right now.
“And you, miss?”
“Water is fine for me too.”
She nods, pausing before rattling off the specials. I look down at the menu board, scanning the options as she disappears for a minute. We order our food when she returns with the water. I opt for a salad and the fish entrée and Matteo surprises me when he orders the same.
I take a sip of my water, and am suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to fill the silence that stretches between us.
“So, do you bring all of your dates here?”
Shit. My face pales.Why did I ask that? Candy would never ask something like that.
Matteo arches a brow. “Are we on a date, Sunny?”
“No,” I say in a rush, shaking my head. “That’s not what I meant. I —”
What the hell did I mean?
“I’ve never brought anyone here before. I’ve only been here once before, with my mother.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah,” he says, wrapping his long fingers around his glass of water. I can’t tear my eyes away as he lifts it to his lips.I’m mesmerized at the way he tips his head back, exposing the strong column of his neck as the liquid flows into his mouth and his throat works as he swallows.
Sucking in a breath, I rip my gaze from him, and look around the room, marveling at the intricate designs carved into the crown molding. “This place is amazing. I had no idea it was even here.”
“Isn’t it? It’s hard as hell to get a reservation. They book at least a month in advance.”
I tilt my head to the side. “How did you manage to get one?”
“It’s a secret,” he says before cracking a smile. “I’m kidding. My parents know the owner. I asked them to let me know if there was a cancellation for tonight and someone ended up cancelling their reservation last night.”
“Well, aren’t you lucky?”
“I am.” His eyes seem to darken. “I’m here with you, aren’t I?”
His words steal the air from my lungs, and I find myself struggling to form any kind of response. I blink, trying to get a grip on myself.
