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“Just give me a minute while I put these into some water.”
Ben waited in the front entrance patiently as she scurried off into the kitchen. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, he watched her disappear down the hallway. Damn that dress, he said to himself as he let out a long exhale. Although he knew the taste of her sweet lips, the feel of her soft skin under his fingers and how her body molded into his so perfectly, tonight he felt like that awkward nerdy kid in high school who admired her from the back of the bus. Seriously, get your head on straight, he scolded himself. Ever Wolton was literally his dream girl, and now he was about to go on his first date with her, and if last night was any indication, he would spend the night. Returning, Ever immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, flashing him her gorgeous smile.
“Hi.”
“Hi” he replied, meeting her smile, feeling his awkward nervousness subside with her affection. “You look absolutely breathtaking,” he whispered as he leaned down to brush his lips to hers.
She smiled into his kiss and pulled back, asking. “So, where are you taking me, Bear? I am literally starving!” her stomach growled at that moment, echoing her words.
Instinctively, Ben put his large hand on her belly, and she scorched him with a heated gaze. Feeling bold, he smiled down on her, a coy smile curving his lips. “I’m starving too.”
* * *
Pulling up to a brightly colored restaurant on the outskirts of St. Augustine, Ever looked up at the sign. The sign read, “The Blue Corn.”
“Is this a Mexican restaurant?” she asked excitedly.
Ben flashed her a confirming smile.
She bounced in her seat and squealed with delight. “I am totally obsessed with Mexican Food.”
With a look of pride and satisfaction at her reaction, he opened her door in full gentleman mode and hand in hand they entered the restaurant. They were greeted with brightly painted walls and intricate handmade papel picado hanging from the ceiling in bold colors. The restaurant was loud and boisterous, full of patrons laughing and enjoying their meals. The most delicious aromas filled the air, making Ever’s mouth water. The savory smell of fresh homemade tortillas, spicy slow cooked meats and chilis filled her senses. It was heavenly. Ever felt her stomach rumble again and Ben turned to her having heard her stomach over the noise of the restaurant. His eyes crinkled in amusement, and he pulled her close to him, giving her a kiss on the head affectionately. “I promise this will be worth the wait.”
A beautiful older woman with long silver hair pulled back with a clip, greeted them. “Hola, Ben! It is nice to see you again!” she welcomed them with her thick Mexican accent, her kind eyes dancing with delight. “I see you have brought a lovely lady with you!”
“Nice to see you as well, Mrs. Perez.” Ben greeted in return. “Yes, this is my.... Ever.”
Ever looked up at him. She was his Ever. She liked that.
Mrs. Perez took Ever’s offered hand in greeting and held it for a moment, offering her a gracious smile. “Please call me Rosa. It is so nice to see a beautiful woman with handsome Ben here.” She commented, giving Ever’s hand a squeeze and Ben a wink.
“It is so nice to meet you, Rosa.” Ever offered, immediately liking her. “You have an amazing restaurant here.”
“Oh, gracias!” she thanked as she grabbed two menus. “I have a special table for you two lovebirds.”
They followed her through the large restaurant to a booth in the back corner that was tucked away from most of the other patrons. Adorned with a bright Mexican tablecloth and lit by a soft glowing lantern, the booth was cozy and intimate. Sliding into the booth next to each other, Rosa smiled at them sweetly and handed them their menus.
“The Pork Carnita Tacos are on special tonight with a side of Spanish rice and beans. I will be right back for your drink orders and with some complimentary chips and salsa.”
“That sounds wonderful! Thank-you.” Ever replied, smiling at the sweet woman as she happily hurried off to greet more incoming guests.
Ever looked around, taking in the colorful and inviting interior, then met Ben’s waiting gaze. “Wow, Ben, this place is amazing!” she exclaimed cheerfully, taking it all in. “I don’t think you could have picked a better place!”
“I thought you might like it.” Ben smiled proudly, knowing he had picked the perfect place for their first date.
Rosa returned with a basket of warm chips and fresh homemade salsa, taking their drink and food orders. Both opted for the special, along with a cerveza for him and a lime margarita for her.
As they waited for their food, Ever gave Ben a curious look, tilting her head slightly to the side. “You intrigue me, Mr. Hastings.” she mused. “Why is a handsome, hardworking, ambitious man like yourself still single?”
“At my age?” he continued.
“Yes! I mean, you must have women throw themselves at you all the time!” she teased, taking a sip of her margarita.
He laughed, his deep baritone reverberating within the confines of their booth. “No.” he answered. “I mean I have dated, but no one really interested me enough to commit.”
“No serious relationships?” she questioned.
He shook his head in answer. “And you?” he asked, his eyes transfixed on her.
