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Celia lifted her glass to toast me. “With how well tonight’s gone so far, I think we can do better than that.”

I had to drag my gaze away from her smiling face when the server dropped off our meals. And as we began to eat, I realized her suggestion was spot-on again.

“You were right. This pairs well with the wine.”

She finished a bite of her salmon. “Thanks for trusting me.”

“After that delicious meal you prepared at Hudson and Serena’s, how could I not?”

Her green eyes lit up. “If you enjoyed the wagyu filet, I bet you’d like the short ribs I’m going to make for their next dinner party.”

She told me about the meal she’d cooked for her best friend last night while we ate. The bowls were half gone when I nodded at her plate.

“Do you want a box for that while you still have room for the tarte?”

Celia blinked. “You’re a good listener.”

“Thank you. I only wish my daughter got that skill from me.”

“Daughter?” she echoed. “How old?”

“Twenty-one and newly married. We’re not as close as I want, but the divorce was hard on Ellie.”

She did some quick math in her head. “Ouch, yeah. Almost a teenager with parents splitting up had to have been rough.”

“And her mother only made it harder.” My lips pressed together in a slight grimace. “Sorry, remember what I said about not having it all figured out yet? Talking about my ex during our first date is proof of that.”

“Technically, I brought up my divorce first,” she pointed out with a smile. “And if it makes you feel any better, my ex-husband is also horrible, so I guess I’m lucky we didn’t have children because now I never have to see him again.”

“To borrow from you earlier…that’s weirdly comforting.”

She pointed her fork at me. “See, there you go with the listening again.”

I couldn’t remember a first date I’d enjoyed more, so I was disappointed when we were done. Dessert was boxed for us to take to our respective homes, and the bill was paid.

I walked her out with my palm at the small of her back, and she leaned into the touch for a moment when the bistro door shut behind us.

“I had a really good time,” she admitted.

“Does that mean I get a second date?”

The box shifted in her hands. “Yes.”

“This week?”

“Yes.” She shook her head with a laugh, as though she had surprised herself. “I didn’t expect the night to go like this.”

“Neither did I.”

I leaned in slowly enough for her to turn so my lips met her cheek, but she just stared up at me instead. Her free hand caught my jacket as I brushed my mouth against hers. It was only a hint of a kiss, but it still packed a punch.

When I pulled back, her eyes were bright. “Thursday night?”

“Sounds perfect.” I waited until she started down her street. “Celia.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“Thank you for not canceling.”