Page 70 of All I Feel

“What else do you want, Tessa?”

She shook her head, her eyes going to something on the menu.

“Princess, look at me.” Tessa tipped her chin up and brought her gaze to mine. “What do you want?”

“Crab cakes,” she murmured.

I looked at the server. “Add the crab cakes, too, please.”

“Of course. Did you want me to put those in and come back for your entrees, or are you ready to order those now as well?”

“Are you ready, Tessa?”

She nodded. “I’ll have the Caesar salad with the salmon and a side of fries.”

“Perfect. And for you, sir?”

“I’ll have the ribeye with the lobster mashed potatoes and a house salad.”

“Got it. Your appetizers will be out shortly.”

Once our server was gone, Tessa and I both sipped from our drinks. Then I said, “So, I’ve been wondering if you’ve got any plans for tomorrow.”

Tessa set her glass down with a nod. “I’m going shopping with Lark.”

“Shopping?”

“Someone has a birthday next weekend, and since we’re all going out, Lark and I decided it was the perfect time to buy something new to wear.”

Given what I’d seen when Tessa opened the door tonight, I could certainly appreciate her efforts at the mall. And considering it was my birthday next weekend, I liked knowing she’d be getting something special to wear for the occasion. But I was pretty bummed about not being able to spend time with her. “Well, if I know anything about you and Lark in a mall, it’ll likely be an all-day affair.”

“You know us well. But I’d really love it if you and I could spend some time together during the week.”

I nodded. “Absolutely. You let me know what days you’re working, and I’ll adjust my schedule around yours.”

“I love that you’re willing to do that. I do have one question, though.”

“Sure.”

Tessa licked those gorgeous lips again. “How do you feel about people knowing?”

My head tipped to one side. “People knowing what?”

Waving her hand between us, she said, “About us and what we’re exploring between us.”

I was confident in where I intended to lead us, so it didn’t bother me who knew the truth. “I’m not interested in hiding it. I wouldn’t be the least bit bothered if everyone we knew walked into this restaurant right now and saw us together.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Why? Do you not want anyone to know?”

“That’s not it.” She reached across the table and held my hand. “I want them to know. I guess I’m just a little bit nervous.”

“About what?”

“What do you think they’ll say?”

I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. I don’t say that to be disrespectful to them, but it’s our choice. Even still, I find it hard to believe that anyone would be anything but supportive.”