He’s not wrong. “I think we knew I did.”
“Oh? Do tell me all the things you like…”
I laugh. “You’re such a dork.”
Killian chuckles. “I know I like to do things for you.”
“Like this date.”
“I want you to know exactly how a man should treat you, Tessa. You should have someone ease your burdens. He should be worthy of coming to pick you up, bringing you flowers, and spending time with you. If that man can’t be me, then I want you to at least have tonight to measure it against. If he doesn’t do these things, he doesn’t deserve you.”
My chest tightens as a dizzy sensation passes through me at the thought.
I want it to be him.
I want this person who picks me up, who treats me right, who makes me feel safe to be him, but it can’t be.
I need my job and there’s nothing in Ember Falls that I could do and still help support my family.
Instead of letting the sadness of that reality ruin the night, I push it to the back of my mind and focus on the now, on what I do have—tonight.
I clear my throat, hoping I can say something flippant so he doesn’t see the riot of emotions he stirred. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
“Good.”
We pull up to what seems to be a small wood cabin with a big sign out front that just says:Marge.
“What is this place?” I ask, reading it again.
“This is the best restaurant in the area or at least that’s what the guys said.”
“I see, we’re trusting them, huh?”
He chuckles. “For this we are because if it goes bad, I’ll kill them. I should warn you, because the guys warned me—the owner serves whatever she wants, so don’t get too excited about anything on the menu.”
“Okay then.”
I go to open my door and he reaches his arm out. “What are you doing?”
“Opening my door?”
I’m not sure why he’s confused by this since I do it all the time.
Killian huffs. “We’re on a date. Stay put.”
He gets out and comes around to my door before I can say anything. He opens it and extends his hand, helping me out of the low little sports car.
“Thank-you,” I say, feeling incredibly special, which I guess is his entire point.
The inside of the restaurant matches the outer with a rustic feel and exposed wood logs. It’s cozy and very cute.
A short woman comes around the front. “You must be Killian!” She comes to him, grabbing his cheeks and pinching. “Hello, dear. I’m Auntie Marge. I own this place and I got a call from not just one, but two of my favorite people.”
Killian steps back, looking a little confused, but also has a small smile. “I’m going to guess Miles and Everett called?”
She scoffs. “Those two aren’t my favorite. No, no, I got a call from Violet and Penelope. I mean, the two idiots called first, and I know better than to take either of them at their word, so I spoke to the women.” Marge turns to me. “You know, men don’t exactly make the best decisions, at least those two don’t. You are lovely.”
I blush and smile broadly. “Thank-you. This is a beautiful restaurant. I’m guessing it’s named after you?”
