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I shake my head. “No, the only difference is it’s a lot smaller than the steaks you’ve had before.” I chuckle. “The portions at this place are tiny.”
He dips his chin. “Ah, yes. Makes sense. Pay more. Get less. That’s how you know you’re living large.”
“Exactly.” I grin. “Only the best for you tonight. And I have an after-dinner surprise, too.”
“You do?”
I bite my lip on instinct. “I do.”
“I think I’m going to like your surprise more than the tiny steak.” He smirks.
“I sure hope so.”
He pushes his chair back. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to use the restroom before the meal gets here.”
“Okay.” I take a sip of wine, watching him walk away. Jackson is sexy as hell in jeans and a T-shirt, but he cleans up nicely. I’m definitely enjoying the view.
“Savannah?” A shrill voice calls from my side, and I freeze. “What a surprise. Are your parents here?”
I slowly turn to see Mrs. Applebottom and her husband, friends of my parents for as long as I can remember, standing at my side. The restaurant host is stopped beside them, holding menus and waiting to lead them to their seats.
“Good evening, Mrs. Applebottom and Mr. Applebottom.” I stand and shake their hands, my Southern charm and manners on display. “No, I’m just here with a friend, celebrating the end of a school year.”
“That’s right. You finished up your first year of teaching. How was it, dear?” she asks.
I plaster on a smile. “It was wonderful. Thank you.”
The server approaches the table, two plates in hand. He sets my salmon in front of me and Jackson’s steak across the table.
Mrs. Applebottom eyes our meals. “Well, we won’t keep you. Enjoy your meal, and give your parents our regards.”
“I will. Thank you. Good seeing you.” I tilt my head in a nod and smile as they walk off.
As soon as they’re past the table, I reach for my purse and pull some cash out of my wallet. I leave it on the table and stand.
Jackson approaches, and my eyes go wide. I give him a terse shake of my head before turning and walking out of the restaurant.
Moments later, Jackson’s sliding into the passenger seat of my car. “What’s going on?”
“The Applebottom’s stopped by the table,” I groan.
“Really? Wow. I wonder what they’re doing here?”
“Who knows.” I lean my head against the car’s headrest. “Even here, we can’t be out in public together.” Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision. My heart aches to know that Jackson and I will never be together as a normal couple. It’s not possible. “And you didn’t even get to eat your tiny steak!” I exclaim, my tears falling now.
“It’s okay. Hey, look at me.” Jackson takes my chin in his hand and turns my face toward his. “Let’s just get out of here. We can eat burgers or pizza. It doesn’t matter to me. I didn’t need a fancy dinner.”
“You deserved a fitting celebration,” I pull the back of my hands across my cheeks, wiping away the tears.
“I’m going to be real honest with you, Savannah.” Jackson’s voice is serious, and butterflies form in the pit of my stomach. “I don’t need anything but you.”
His words are so beautiful…perfect, and I don’t deserve them. I just ran out of that restaurant before the snooty Applebottoms could see us together. Shame warms my skin. Reputation shouldn’t be important to me, but I grew up in a family where it’s everything. I adore Jackson, but I’m not ready to risk it all. I don’t know if I ever will be.
“You’re too good for me. I’m horrified with myself, Jackson. I’m sorry. You’d fight for me. I know you would. I hate that I’m not strong enough to fight for you.” My lip trembles as I stare into his mesmerizing eyes.
He shrugs and gives me a reassuring smile. “I don’t have anything to lose. You do. I just want you to be happy. You’re not going to be happy if you’re fired or disowned by your parents or shunned by the town. Someday, we’ll have forever. We’ll find a way. I feel it in my bones, Savannah. I told you, you’re worth the wait. Right now, I just need you, and if it’s only in the shadows, then so be it.”
“You should be with someone who can love you in the light, Jackson.”
