His smirk is comforting. “It’s the back door to Two Tomatoes.”
“Really? I guess I’ve never been here. Only heard about it.”
“New owners, new location, apparently. Easton recommended it.”
“We are out of the office, so I can say with honesty that, considering who gave you this recommendation, I’m a little concerned. This is probably his location for his many conquests in the women department. I'm going to assume you did some vetting before this.”
“Oh, I did.”
The man waiting at the door nods a hello before opening, and we walk on in. It’s dimly lit, and I hear the sound of a busy restaurant in the distance, but we are led straight down the hall, allowing only a glimpse of the 1920s-inspired dining area. It’s classy. Not a single pair of jeans in sight, either.
I vaguely hear Hayes chatting with the staff member leading us, but it’s all mumbled to me, as I’m too focused on the excitement that is filling me. I already sense that this is a well-thought-out night.
We arrive at a separate dining room where booths line the walls, with very thick, maroon-colored curtains around each table to provide privacy and block noise. I only noticed because a waiter opened one to deliver somebody’s order.With the staff member indicating this is our table, Hayes and I slide in, and the heavy curtain is closed.
It already hurts how much I’m smiling. “This is knocking me off balance. Nothing in my library of options had us sitting in some secret club.”
“It’s not a secret club. I just didn’t want to bother with the front door and running into someone who would want to try to have a conversation. Here.”He slides me a pineapple with an umbrella. I didn’t even notice them.
I stifle a laugh. “What is this?”
He scoots closer to me, his arm outstretched behind me on the back of the booth. “Your pineapple drink.”
I touch the little paper umbrella. “This doesn’t seem like a type of drink on the menu here.”
His suaveness is in full swing. “It’s not. A special request.Even though I’m positive you actually hate pineapple drinks. It’s how I met you.”
There is a pinch in my chest. Not painful yet scary. It’s deep, and it’s because of him. “Wow…” For once, I can’t rely on my humor, so I turn my head to catch his gaze fixed on me. “A little detail and a reminder of how we first met, and now I’m positive you are a hopeless romantic,” I mention softly.
“Maybe. You’ll have to stick around to find out.”
I chuckle. “I didn’t plan on going anywhere… I’m famished and need to eat.”
“Truthfully, me too. Let’s have a look.”
He yanks me closer as we peruse the menu reserved for VIP guests. A special selection of courses the chef is making this week, but in the end, we both order a salad to start. Hayes opts for a steak, and I go for a stuffed chicken breast.
The entire dinner conversation was about growing up andthe places he has visited. It’s when he finishes talking about his trip to Sweden that he notices that I’ve gone a little quiet.
“Are you okay?”
I smile to ease him. “Yeah. I was just thinking that most of the time, I forget that we have an age difference. But with your long list of life experiences, I’m reminded.”
He scoops up my hand and traps it between the table and his palm. “Does it bother you?”
I snicker at his mere suggestion. “No. In case you missed the memo, I don’t care. If I did, then we wouldn’t have Lola, trust me.”
He grins. “Okay, just checking.”
“Anyway, maybe it will come up when my dad meets you. More in a joking way… I hope.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” I stare at him skeptically. “Kind of,” he admits. “I am interested in discovering more of Everhope, though. Last time was a little intense, so I missed the recommendations for the best place for coffee or the memo that sitting on a bench may lead to town speculation.” His hand moves to rest on my thigh. It’s not even in a sensual way. His touching me is natural, the way couples do. No thought process behind it. I barely notice because it feels right.
“It’s a great place. A community. Gosh, I love all the festivals, and yes, Foxy Rox has the best coffee. Savannah’s aunt owns the River Bell, the restaurant on the old steamboat. Maybe we can bring our families together there. Public spaces are safe.”
His cheeks have a dimple as he is still smiling, even as he takes a sip of wine. When he sets his glass down, his fingers twist the stem of the glass. “You never want to move back?”
“Sure. It may be great for Lola. The town spends a lot of money on playgrounds and schools. But career-wise, theoptions are limited. Plus…” Do I say it? It could backfire. “I now need to make decisions together with you when it comes to her.”
