Pulling away from the counter, Holden sucks in a breath. “As for where we’re going, just trust me?”
The hope in his eyes dares me to believe he actually put thought into this.
“You know I trust you.”
“Good. Shall we, then?”
When he offers me his arm, I stare at it for half a second before a soft laugh slips out of me. “This is so ridiculous.”
“I know, but humor me anyway.”
I loop my arm through his.
Outside, Holden opens the car door for me. I glance at him with a raised brow. “Two more points.”
Holden puffs out his chest. “Wait until you see how clean the car is.”
I climb in, and for the second time tonight, my jaw drops. Holy shit. He even vacuumed! Holden hasn’t done that since… I don’t even know.
“That’s got to be like fifteen points, right?”
“Hey. Don’t get cocky. Only I get to decide the points tonight.”
He belts out a laugh.
The drive is easy and familiar, full of the kind of conversation we’ve always had, but I turn the volume down. “I’d like to actuallyhearmy date without giving myself a headache.”
“Noted.”
Holden turns off at the exit just before entering downtown, then parks outside a large brick building.
I peer out the window, frowning when I don’t see any signs. “Where are we?”
He opens his door. “You’ll see. Come on.”
Flowers line the walkway to the front door, and the elegant sign gives me no clues.
“The Gravis Garage?” I ask, brows pinched.
Holden says nothing, holding the door for me.
Inside, the space opens up to a wide, well-organized food hall—but not the chaotic, crowded kind. No. This one is refined with multiple vendors lining the perimeter, each one styled like a miniature version of a high-end restaurant. Warm light spills from their stalls, highlighting polished counters and carefully crafted menus. In the center of it all, a formal seating area spreads out with decorated tables and cushioned chairs. A large double-sided fireplace in the middle casts a soft glow across the tile floor.
And the food. My God, the food.
There must be twenty different food vendors, ranging from specialty drinks to desserts and everything in between. It smells incredible.
“What is this place?” I say, looking around.
Holden shoves a hand into his pocket, looking a little proud of himself. “I heard about it from a coworker. Thought it would be perfect for someone who likes all kinds of food.”
I peer over at him, my heart doing a funny somersault in my chest. Once again, Holden surprised me.
“I don’t even know where to start.”
Holden offers his arm again. “Why don’t we just walk around? See what there is. Then we can get a little bit of whatever we want. Sound good?”
I slip my arm through his without hesitation.
