“That’s a lot fried food, Zac. You need some veggies, too.”
“Okay, I’ll have sweet corn and mash potatoes.”
“How about, I order the bowl of steaming veggies instead and we can share?”
“Fine. But only if I can have ice-cream on my fudge cake?”
Oh, my dear son. Always the negotiator, and master manipulator. I wonder where he gets that from?
“Let’s see how you’re feeling after the main meal first.”
He puckers his lips into a pout, letting out a sad little whine, but I don’t budge. He always wants all the fried and sugary things, only to pay for it with a sore tummy every time. This kid never learns.
I’m slowly studying the main course list when I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I half turn, just enough to get a goodlook at who’s behind me—and there he is, Kaden, standing confidently tall with that handsome grin of his.
My gaze roams over him, from his sharp jawline to the broad chest that presses against his soft grey sweater, down to the black jeans ripped at the knees, teasing just a hint of his strong, sculpted thighs.
I don’t know why it’s only now that I’m noticing just how striking Kaden is. When I first met him, I could see he was attractive in that conventional way, but it didn’t impress me, or even register, and not when I was filled with nervous tension.
Now, though, it’s different. There’s a deeper pull, one I can’t ignore, and I think it’s because there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. He’s not just a handsome face with a killer body—he’s generous, funny, kind, and talented in ways that make you sit up and take notice. He’s the total package, and maybe… just a little too far out of my league.
“Kaden, you’re here,” I say with a steady voice, even as my nerves thrum wildly beneath my skin.
“Yeah, I was already here to see Jason,” he says, nodding towards the busy bar, where the familiar dark-haired man is serving a customer. He flashes me a two-finger salute, and I lift my hand in a small wave in return.
“I saw you guys walk in and wanted to say hello,” he adds.
“Oh, well that’s nice of you. It’s good seeing you again.”
“You too.” He steps towards Zac, holding out a fist for a bump. “What’s up, Zac? How areyou doing?”
Zac’s small fist connects gently with Kaden’s larger one. “Not much. We’re just having lunch. I’m starving,” he murmurs, rubbing his belly dramatically.
“I was just about to have a feed myself. I hear the fried zucchini flowers are the bomb here.” He winks at me, and my cheeks flush in response.
“That’s what I’m having!’ Zac beams. “Do you want to sit and have lunch with us?”
“I’d love to—only if it’s okay with your mum.” His gaze lifts to mine, a hint of shyness softening his features, as if my approval matters to him greatly.
“Of course you can join us.”
Zac pats the seat beside him. “Come sit with me, Kaden.”
“Happy too. Have you guys ordered already?” Kaden asks as he drops to his seat.
“No, but we’re about to,” Zac answers.
He turns to my son and narrows his eyes. “Let me guess, chocolate fudge cake for dessert?”
Zac nods, a little too excitedly. “Yeah, and if I eat all my veggies, Mum said I can have ice-cream with my cake.”
“I did not say that, thank you.”
“But you’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” he says, waggling his eyebrows.
Kaden shakes his head, a laugh escaping him at my son’s cheekiness.
“Nice try bud, but I’m glad to hear you eat all your veggies. Keep that up, you’ll have strong muscles popping out of you in no time.”
