Page 14 of An Unexpected Chance

“What?” she asked.

I met her gaze. “I can’t tell you how wonderful this is, Amy. I was nervous earlier. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. And frankly, you are so different from the last person I dated, it’s refreshing and enjoyable.”

“Your ex,” she said simply.

“Yes.”

“Explain it to me.”

The waiter reappeared, and she paused. “I can’t decide between the crème brûlée or the apple crisp,” she mused.

I handed my menu to the waiter. “One of each, please. Two coffees as well.”

Amy smiled. “Ice cream on the crisp. Extra caramel sauce.”

“Of course.”

The waiter left, and I sat back, drumming my thumb on the table.

“Right there. That right there is what is so amazing about you.”

“That I like caramel sauce and ice cream?”

“Yes.” I scrubbed my face. “I don’t want to talk about my ex or compare you, but Kelsey was fanatical about everything. Eating out with her was a nightmare once she let me see her real self.” I barked a laugh. “Well, everything was eventually. But when we dated, she ate lightly, and frankly, I was too wrapped up in her, ah, assets to notice much. But she never enjoyed anything. No appetizer, never dessert, and she pushed her food around her plate, never eating much. She drank a lot of white wine, though. Later in our relationship, she criticized everything. Nothing was ever enough for her.” I looked at the table. “Mia and I certainly weren’t.”

Amy reached across the table, clasping my hand. “You’re better off without her, then.”

I met her understanding gaze, flipping my hand over and squeezing hers. “We are. But you’re such the opposite. You enjoy life. You’re open and real. It’s refreshing and—” I ran a hand through my hair “—I know it sounds stupid, but I find it endearing. I like you.”

She smiled. “I like you too.”

The waiter appeared, setting out our desserts and coffee. He left, and she picked up her spoon, holding it up in challenge and winking at me drolly. “But I love desserts, so my affection for you means nothing. I fight for the last mouthful.”

I picked up my spoon, tapping it against hers.

“Duly noted. May the best man win.”

She grinned. “He is going to be a she.”

And we dug in.

* * *

We walked to the tavern, my arm cinched around her waist, tucking her into my side. It was a lovely night, the scent of the ocean strong in the air.

“God, I love it here,” I said. “The scents and the people. The atmosphere you only get in small towns.”

“I know.” She hummed in agreement. “It must be a huge culture shock coming from such a big city to Nova Scotia itself, never mind such tiny towns.”

“It was and is at times. People knowing my name. The bakery remembering I like the sourdough loaf when I go in. Getting greeted by name at the pharmacy or the waves I get as I walk down the street. Everyone talking to Mia. I don’t think that ever happened back there. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s awesome. I want Mia to grow up with this surrounding her.”

We entered the tavern, the noise and lights loud and bright. We found a table in the corner and ordered drinks. I tried not to laugh when Amy looked over the appetizer menu for “later.”

“We might get the munchies,” she explained. “I’ve had the nachos here. Delicious.”

“Good to know.”

The band came on, a lively Celtic group. The music was upbeat, fun, and loud. There was a small dance floor, and somehow I wasn’t surprised when Amy pulled me to it. I wasn’t much of a dancer, but I noticed no one really was. They moved to the beat, waving their arms, stomping their feet, and it was easy to get caught up in the infectious sound. The few slower songs they played, I pulled Amy into my arms and we swayed together, moving as if we’d done this hundreds of times before. She molded against me as if she was made to go there. It was an incredible high. I couldn’t recall the last time I had enjoyed myself this much.