Page 41 of Ethan

“Your server will be right with you. Can I start you with something to drink?”

Ethan looked at Naomi.

“White wine, please,” she said.

“And for you, sir?”

“Callahan Whiskey on the rocks.”

“Perfect. I’ll be right back.”

Naomi glanced around the room, taking it in, then looked at him. “It’s beautiful in here. And whatever they’re cooking smells incredible.” She opened her menu and scanned it. “I have no idea what to get.”

“Everything is good.” Ethan didn’t touch his menu.

She looked up at him. “You already know what you want, don’t you?”

“Porterhouse.”

She laughed. “Of course you do.” She looked back down at the menu. “Help me. What do you suggest?”

“Seafood platter is excellent. So’s the blackened trout and the shrimp scampi. You won’t go wrong with any of them.”

She closed the menu. “Seafood platter then. This time.”

He raised an eyebrow. “This time?”

“I’d love to come back.” She met his eyes. “With you.”

He held her gaze for a moment. “You’re trying my patience, Naomi.”

She smiled sweetly and picked up her wine glass as the hostess set it down.

A young man appeared at the table with a warm smile. “Good evening, I’m Marco and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?”

“We’re ready,” Ethan said. He nodded toward Naomi.

“The seafood platter, please, and a salad with Ranch dressing,” she said.

“Excellent choice.” Marco turned to Ethan.

“Porterhouse. Medium rare. Same with the salad.”

“Perfect.” Marco collected the menus. “I’ll have that right out for you.”

He disappeared and Naomi watched him go then turned back to Ethan.

“He’s efficient.”

“It’s a good restaurant. They train their staff well.”

She picked up her wine and looked at him over the rim. “Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

He picked up his whiskey. “That’s a broad question.”

“Pick something.”

He considered that for a moment. “I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a boy.”