“Okay, my turn,” Jack said, eyes twinkling with mischief.“I once tried to make a soufflé in high school because I thought it would impress a girl.Not only did it collapse completely, but I also nearly burned down my parents’ kitchen, so I took her out for ice cream instead.”
I stifled a laugh and shook my head.“Well, I think the ice cream was probably the better choice.You can never go wrong with ice cream.”
“True,” Jack agreed, smiling.“But I haven’t tried making a soufflé since.”
We continued to share stories, the conversation flowing easily between us.With each passing minute, the unease that had been gnawing at me earlier started to fade.Jack was funny, kind, and just the right amount of charming—everything I needed in a guy.
Dinner arrived, and we dug into our meals with gusto.The chef had cooked the filet mignon perfectly, the meat melting in my mouth with each bite.Jack’s rack of lamb looked equally impressive, and judging by his expression, it tasted as good as it looked.
“This is amazing,” I said, savoring another bite.“I’m officially impressed.”
Jack chuckled.“I’ll take that as a win.”
We continued eating, the conversation pleasant.It made me wonder if I could have this—a nice dinner with a nice guy and not worry about the chaos waiting for me back home.
But as we finished our meals and the waiter cleared the plates away, a small, persistent voice whispered in my mind.As much as I wanted to stay in this bubble with Jack, I knew I couldn’t.
Jack leaned in a little closer.“How about dessert?I hear their crème brûlée is to die for.”
I smiled at Jack, trying to push away the persistent tug of unease that had been creeping back into my thoughts.“Crème brûlée, huh?You’re really pulling out all the stops tonight.”
His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.“What can I say?I’m on a mission to make this the perfect night.”
I chuckled, his sincerity cutting through my nerves like a warm knife through butter.
He grinned, clearly pleased with himself, and signaled the waiter and ordered for us.As we waited for our dessert, Jack’s hand found mine again across the table, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.
“Seriously though,” Jack said, his tone softening, “I’m really glad we’re doing this.I’ve been looking forward to tonight all weekend.”
There was something in his voice—a mixture of hope and sincerity—that made my heart clench.
I smiled, squeezing his hand in return.“Me too.”
Before either of us could say anything more, the waiter returned with our desserts—a beautifully presented crème brûlée for each of us, the caramelized sugar on top glistening under the dim lighting.Jack’s eyes lit up as he picked up his spoon.
“Allow me,” the waiter said, tapping his spoon lightly against the top, producing a satisfying crack as the sugar crust broke.
I allowed him to do the same to mine, and I grinned when the sugar shattered.
“Mm.This looks perfect,” I said, scooping up a bit of the creamy custard beneath.
The waiter dipped his head and left, leaving us to the delectable looking treats.
Jack took a bite, closing his eyes in pure appreciation.“Wow,” he mumbled around the bite.“Okay, this might just be the best dessert I’ve ever had.”
I took my own bite and had to agree—it was smooth, rich, and just sweet enough to be decadent without being overwhelming.“You’re right,” I said, savoring the flavour.“This is amazing.”
We ate in content silence.I let myself enjoy the treat and think of nothing else.To think of anything else would have been a crime.
After we finished our desserts, Jack leaned back in his chair, looking at me with an expression that was both thoughtful and hopeful.“So, what do you say we take a little walk?There’s a park nearby with a great view of the city.It’s not La Ronde, but it’s a close second.”
I hesitated, my mind racing as I weighed the risks.Under any other circumstances, a walk in the park sounded perfect.But I knew what lurked in the shadows out there.Jack had no idea what he was asking, and I wasn’t about to put his life in danger just for the sake of extending our evening.
A part of me wanted to believe we’d be safe.But I wasn’t willing to risk it.I’d never forgive myself if my problems put Jack in harm’s way.
When I didn’t immediately answer, he reached across the table for my hand.“Hey, it’s alright.We don’t have to.While I’d love to spend more time with you, I can take you home, if you’d prefer.”
I forced a smile and gently squeezed his hand.“I appreciate that.I have an early shift in the morning.”No, I didn’t, but it was an easy excuse.
