Maximum Dare - Vanessa Fewings Page 0,48
paths had crossed on so many occasions since, and each time my faith in people had been restored just a little bit more.
Max drove us to Soho.
By some miracle he found parking outside a flower shop.
He led me to the front door of a restaurant called Buteco, telling me this was a favorite hangout where expats of Brazil got to spend precious time together while sharing a delicious meal that reminded them of home.
“This place has a modest setting,” said Max. “But amongst the understated décor is a family run business with authentic cooking that will blow you away.”
It was easy to see how its hospitality eased the homesick. The owner, Pedro, made us feel so welcome.
He served plate after plate of delicious Brazilian food for me to taste. From the Acarajé, a black-eyed pea ball fried in palm oil and stuffed with shrimp, to a sampling of Moqueca de Camar?o, a shrimp stew cooked in coconut milk. It made my mouth water and as soon as I’d finished the food on my plate, I wanted more.
For dessert, we were served coconut truffles.
Max reached for a truffle and fed it to me, looking pleased with my reaction to the delicious explosion of pleasure on my taste buds. Being with him, sharing this food and getting to know more about his culture, it evaporated my problems and made me feel nurtured.
Max made me feel nurtured.
Leaning back, I felt so stuffed I wasn’t sure I’d be able to walk out of the place. I rested my hands on my tummy like a pregnant woman, trying to ease the discomfort of having eaten one too many truffles.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Max looked so happy. “I love seeing you eat.”
I reached over and rested my hand on his. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
His expression changed to uncertainty at my touch. Doubt crept in and I withdrew my hand. But Max quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer toward him. He leaned forward and kissed my wrist. “Minha linda.”
“I hope you didn’t just call me your fat princess?” I tapped my stomach.
“Ha, not even close.”
“Are you going to tell me what you said?”
“If you are what you eat, then you look like a coconut truffle. Thought I might lose a hand there for a minute.”
“You ate half of them.”
“Not as many as you, apparently.”
“You fed them to me.”
“Only because I love your mouth.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “I love your mouth, too.”
He rolled his eyes playfully.
“That’s it.” I rested my napkin on the table as our plates were cleared. “I’m moving to Brazil.”
“My devious plan worked,” he said with a laugh.
Max thanked Pedro for the incredible meal. They chatted in both English and Portuguese with the warmth of old friends.
When Pedro returned to the kitchen, Max whispered, “He says you’re very pretty.”
“For a girl who looks like a truffle.”
“I hope I didn’t scare you back at the bookshop?” he asked, his tone amused.
“It was the best kind of surprise.”
“You were happy to see me, then?”
I gave him a look that told him he’d just asked me a ridiculous question. Seeing him again had made my day. It had made my life, actually. Even if all this was fleeting.
He sensed my reticence. “I can’t stay away from you, Daisy.”
I swallowed hard, my heartbeat racing at the thought that things might work out between us. Maybe we could find a way to be together.
“I’m strong,” I said softly. “You know that.”
“Yes, I know.”
The words had come out wrong, so I tried again. “I know you’re going back to Brazil soon.”
He looked up at the ceiling and groaned. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“You’ll miss our food.”
“What food?”
“When you go back home. You’ll miss our beans on toast.”
“Do not talk to me about English food.”
“What! We have the best food! Bangers and Mash… Toad in the Hole.”
“No, thank you.” He raised his hands in defense. “And don’t get me started on Spotted Dick.”
I giggled. “You really have to taste my spotted dick.”
He chuckled loudly. “And I thought you liked me.”
“Well, I know what you love to eat.” My hand slapped to my mouth. “Oh, my God, I didn’t just say that.”
“Yeah, I think you did.”
“You’re a bad influence.”
“I’m just here for the entertainment.”
“That’s not fair.”
“To be honest, I love getting to know the real you.”
“How do you mean?”
“You’re my version of Daisy.” Max bit his lip. “I see who you are and I’m…”
“You’re what?”
He sat back. “I’m compelled to spend more time with you. Is