men looked our way and didn’t try to hide their disdain as they pointed and whispered to one another. PJ had gone out of his way to make tonight special, and I didn’t want anyone screwing that up for us.
“Only if you aren’t in the mood for seafood,” PJ responded, his gaze still focused straight ahead. The tight set of his jaw told me being out with a man in public, with a date, wasn’t as easy as he was trying to make it seem. That’s when it dawned on me he brought me here because of the talk he’d had with my brother. Damn Zach and his meddling. “It’ll be fine, babe. I promise.”
PJ pushed away the host when he tried to pull out my chair, hard enough to catch the attention of those at the tables near us. I glanced over my shoulder to see if there was an exit nearby, because there was no way tonight wasn’t going to end with a shit show. PJ instantly realized what he’d done and his shoulders slumped as he reached for the host. “Sorry, I’m a bit nervous tonight.”
“Not a problem, sir. It happens more often than you’d think,” he said, a knowing grin on his face. “I’d be better off if I learned to read people and know when someone’s trying to impress their date. One of these times, I’m going to wind up flat on my backside, and won’t that be quite the scene.”
The host kept staring at PJ, no doubt admiring the way the soft cotton silk blend clung to his pecs and arms. I couldn’t really blame him, since I’d been ready to drag PJ back to the bedroom as soon as I’d seen him standing there waiting for me.
I still hadn’t found out why Zach looked ready to deck him when I’d come out or why he was yelling at PJ, but it’d come out in time. That was another thing that could ruin our night, and I wasn’t about to let that happen.
“You’re fine,” I assured the host once we were both seated. Having PJ pull out my chair like a gentleman felt awkward, only because that was a consideration usually saved for women. The host smiled and handed each of us a menu, describing the night’s specials.
I set my menu to the side, knowing there couldn’t possibly be anything in there that sounded more appetizing than the macadamia-crusted snapper he’d raved about. Well, the menu was likely filled with dishes just like that, but I didn’t want to waste time being indecisive.
As soon as the host disappeared, letting us know our server would be along shortly, PJ reached across the table and took my hand. “I hope you like this place. I usually try to get here as much as possible during spring training, and even in the off-season, I’ve been known to drive up for their blackened tuna. It’s served with wasabi mashed potatoes, which sounded strange as hell the first time I saw it on the menu, but now I’m addicted. I’ve tried replicating the recipe at home, but I’ve never been able to do it. That’s probably because I’m much better at meals I only have to dump out of a box.”
He was so nervous his palms were sweaty and he was rambling. No matter how many times I tried to break in and let him know I was sure dinner would be amazing, he just kept on going. Finally, taking a breath became imperative and I had my chance. “PJ, settle down. You’re starting to worry me. I’m sure dinner’s going to be fine.”
“Sorry, I’m nervous,” he apologized, suddenly unable to meet my eyes. I squeezed his hand until he looked up at me. He shrugged slightly before explaining his sudden anxiety. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done this.”
“Done what?”
“Tried to impress a guy who matters to me,” he admitted. “In fact, there’s only been one other man who’s made me feel anything close to what you do, and looking back, I realize my feelings for him were more based on circumstance than chemistry.”
“Well, you’re doing a great job so far,” I assured him. He could’ve told me there was no need for a suit, but if that was his only failing tonight, we’d be fine.
I wanted to ask him about this other guy, but figured the less I knew about PJ’s past, the better. I had my suspicions on who it might’ve been, especially with PJ’s