me. “Are you kidding? That’s nothing. If I have room, I’m getting dessert, too. They serve a wicked 7-layer chocolate cake.” He winks at me. “We’ll just have to burn some calories when we get home.”
Home. That never gets old.
Our server comes to take our order. I order a steak with a baked potato and coffee.
While Ian chats about his day, I surreptitiously check my phone for a text message.
We’re at the townhouse now. Setting up. – Miguel
This surprise is something I think he’ll really appreciate, and something I know we’ll both enjoy.
Our server brings our meals, and as we dig into our food, we chat about everything... how Miguel’s gunshot wound is doing, Ian’s boat, his sister’s new bodyguard, his family, mine. It doesn’t matter to me what we talk about. I just like to hear Ian talk.
Out of habit, I make a visual sweep of the room. My gaze lights on a nearby table where two women are enjoying a bottle of red wine after their meals. They look to be in their early thirties. I’ve caught their curious gazes on us more than a couple times this evening. I’m not sure if they’re checking us out or trying to figure out the nature of our relationship.
“Ignore them,” Ian says, when he notices where my attention has gone.
I realize he’s been monitoring them too.
“You guys look like you’re having a good evening.”
We both turn to look at the pretty brunette standing beside our table, one of the women who’ve been watching us this evening. She has a bright smile on her face, her brown eyes glittering a little too brightly. They must have polished off that entire bottle of wine, and maybe more.
“I’m Ashley,” she says, swaying slightly as she braces herself on the back of Ian’s chair. “Stacey and I”—she glances back at her table—“are wondering if you guys would be interested in a private party this evening. Our hotel isn’t far.”
“Thanks for the offer,” I say, “but we’ll pass.”
The brunette frowns as she transfers her gaze to Ian, as if hoping he’ll give her a different response. When he doesn’t, she says, “Your loss,” and she heads back to her table.
Ian pops a fry into his mouth and chews to hide his amusement.
I realize this is the first time I’ve been hit on by a woman and it didn’t faze me in the least. Because it doesn’t matter anymore that I’m not interested in her, or any other woman. I’ve got what I want right here in front of me.
I stretch my arm across the table, toward Ian, my hand resting palm up on the table. “Give me your hand,” I tell him when he hesitates.
Slowly, glancing around to see if anyone is watching, he lays his hand in mine. I gently squeeze his hand, holding it securely in mine.
“You don’t have to do this,” he says, eyeing our joined hands.
“I know. I want to.”
The smile he gives me is worth any degree of discomfort on my part. I want this evening to be special for him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Our server approaches our table, and when Ian tries to pull his hand away, I tighten my grip.
“Can I get either of you gentlemen anything else?” she says.
“Yes,” I say. “He’ll have a slice of your 7-layer chocolate cake, and I’ll have another coffee.”
Not long after, a slice of 7-layer chocolate cake arrives at our table, along with my coffee refill. I watch Ian enjoying his dessert. I know there’s a stupid smile on my face, because Ian keeps sending me discreet glances.
I’m still holding onto his hand, and he’s blushing.
Tonight is about as perfect as it gets. And it’s only going to get better.
* * *
Ian Alexander
Something’s gotten into Tyler tonight. He’s been holding my hand for fifteen minutes and refuses to let go. The two women who were ogling us earlier up and left after Tyler made his grand gesture. I know he’s wary of PDA, so it makes this hand-holding even sweeter.
After a long and leisurely meal, our server brings us the check. Tyler snatches up the check.
“I’ll get it,” I say, holding my hand out.
Tyler shakes his head as he reaches into his back pocket for his wallet. “Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
“I can at least pay half.” This restaurant is many things, but inexpensive isn’t one of them.
He shakes his head. “Nope. Dinner is on me.”
After paying, we head outside. The sun is just setting