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“That’s nice. Was she uber protective of y’all?”
“Yeah, but I was the oldest boy, so that meant something.”
Bonnie could just imagine Jase at Lachlan’s age, trying to wrangle his younger brothers and sisters. He would have been a fierce little boy who took his responsibilities seriously.
“So, we haven’t talked about our second date,” Jase said with a twinkle in his eye.
“We’re not even done with our first one. I have to see if the dessert is any good before I can commit to a second date.” Bonnie arched her right eyebrow.
“I always provide good desserts,” Jace said, the twinkle gone. Instead, his gaze was full of heat.
I bet you do.
“But before we get to that, let’s see what Tease has on offer,” Jase said.
Then, by some kind of voodoo, their waiter appeared. “Would you like to-go boxes?”
Jase nodded.
“Here are the dessert menus.” He handed them to both Bonnie and Jase.
“None of this sharing bullshit about dessert, either. I know how women are. I want the molten lava cake, and I want all of it. So, you have to pick whatever you want, and if you can’t finish it, you’ll just have to take the rest of it home.”
“You’re kind of boxing me in.”
“Damn right I am,” Jase agreed.
“Well, on this, you didn’t have to. When I saw the coconut cake with raspberry sauce and Chantilly lace, I was sold. Even better, if I take some of it home, my kids will turn their noses up at it, so it will be mine…all mine.” Bonnie rubbed her hands together and gave her best impression of a Bond villain laugh.
Jase threw back his head and laughed. “I like your way of thinking, Bonnie.”
When their server came back to box their food, Jase tried to insist that all the leftovers go to her since she had more mouths to eat leftovers.
“Like I told you, their palate is mostly tuned into fish sticks, tater tots, and pizza. I can get them to eat a vegetable if I smother it in enough melted cheese.”
“How about a small plate just for you?” Jase persisted.
“Okay,” Bonnie finally agreed.
Their waiter put a slice of meat, some potatoes, and asparagus into one box for her, and the rest went into boxes for Jase. Then they placed their dessert and coffee orders.
“You know I’m serious, don’t you, Bonnie? I really want to take you and your kids out to the games center, with the batting cages and the putt-putt golf, then out for dinner. Is that something that you would be up for?”
Their desserts were placed in front of them, so Bonnie had a moment to think. “Since the kids already met you, I guess it’s okay. As long as we clarify that you’re just a family friend, and not someone I’m seeing, that would be fine. I’ve never really dated, because I don’t want men coming over and confusing my kids. I don’t want them to get attached to a man and then have them disappear. You know?”
Jase took a moment, then nodded. “That’s smart.”
“I’m glad you think so. I have a couple of friends who say I’m not modeling a healthy lifestyle for my kids, that includes dating. So, I really appreciate your understanding.”
Bonnie dug into her cake and almost moaned at how good it tasted. She wasn’t sure that there would be anything she could take home, because she would finish it all here at the restaurant, despite all she’d eaten.
“This weekend wouldn’t be good. I have them signed up for two days of camp. They’ll be there from ten to six. But next weekend would.”
“And after you get home and decide on my score tonight, perhaps I can take you on another date in the meantime.”
“Score?” Bonnie asked.
“Yeah, how well I did on the date. I figure anyone who had the one do-over rule probably scores their dates to determine if they’ll go out with the guy again.”
