Page 56 of Come A Little Closer

I didn’t even want to know how much it cost, though. At least this way, I didn’t run the risk of accidentally ordering something even more expensive.

Michelle nodded in acknowledgment of our order, taking off to fill it shortly after seating us at a table near the window. It had a magnificent, unobstructed view of the plaza outside and the street musicians performing beautifully at the center of it as the sun set.

I smiled, but nerves tied my stomach in knots as I moved my gaze to his across the table. “I don’t need fancy dinners, Niall. But thank you. This really is an experience.”

“You’re welcome. I know you don’t need them, but this is my way of saying thank you.” He slid his hand to mine, taking it and giving my fingers a light squeeze. Right on top of the table, in full view for anyone to see. It sent a little tingle through me that he was so open about his affection even in a place like this, where I stuck out like a sore thumb. He grinned. “You’re a miracle worker and you deserve to be appreciated. To the victor go the spoils. You’re the victor, Tallulah. This festival is going to be lauded far and wide and it’s all going to be because of you.”

My cheeks flushed and some of the knots in my stomach dissolved. I gave his hand a squeeze right back. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you, Niall Morrison, but you’re pretty darn great. This really wasn’t necessary, but it sure is nice to be appreciated.”

For the first time in my life, someone was making an effort for me and it felt good. Finally allowing myself to relax and enjoy it, I ate the best food I’d ever had, drank the very finest wine, and refused to feel guilty about any of it.

Niall and I chatted about our hopes for the festival and got to know each other a little bit better, with him finally coming out and telling me more about his own background. Between bites of delicious steak and sips of smooth red wine, I finally learned where he’d come from.

“I was born and bred in upstate New York,” he said, his blond hair flecked with gold in the light from the chandelier above him. “My mother still lives there on an estate that’s been in our family for three generations.”

“What’s she like?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Pretty much exactly like you’d expect someone who lives on an estate in upstate New York that’s been in the family for three generations. She wears her pearls every day, has her hair done three times a week, and she shows more affection for racehorses than people.”

My eyebrows lifted. “Wow. That sounds like an interesting way to grow up.”

He chuckled. “She’s not warm, but in her own way, she has a good heart. She’s just very traditional and set in her ways, so her heart doesn’t make an appearance very often.”

“What about your dad?”

Profound sadness filled his eyes as he looked back at me. “He passed away when I was eight. Heart attack. No one saw it coming.”

“I’m so sorry.” I reached for his hand again and gave it another squeeze, my heart genuinely sore as I tried to imagine what he and his family must’ve gone through after something like that. “That’s awful.”

“It was,” he admitted, dragging in a deep breath and giving his head a firm shake. “Mother never recovered, but I like to think I’ve learned my lessons and moved on with my life as best I could.”

“So you don’t have any siblings, then?”

“Nope. Only child. You?”

“Same.” I stared across the table at the golden-haired demigod I was having dinner with, wondering how I’d ever thought of him as cold and distant. He was everything but, and I loved getting to see this side of him.

As we finished our food, we moved on to lighter topics, just shooting the breeze and swapping stories. Giddy and drunk on pure joy, I clutched Niall’s arm when we left the restaurant hours later. “There’s a cocktail bar near here that I’ve heard about. Can I buy you a drink? Apparently, their house band is the best in the business and it’s a great place to cut loose on the dance floor.”

He grinned. “I’d love that.”

Cathy had been there a few times while we’d lived together and she’d told me all about the bougie bar that turned into a low-key nightclub after hours. I’d never come with her on account of the location scaring me off the prices, but I heard the music pouring out into the street when we rounded the corner.

It was live and upbeat, people spilling out and dancing even on the sidewalk around it. Exhilaration took hold of me and I beamed up at Niall. “Isn’t this amazing?”

He nodded enthusiastically, blue eyes shining with happiness of his own as we swayed our way through the crowd to the bar and ordered one of their signature cocktails each. At least seven men were onstage with brass instruments, a guy wearing a top hat belting out familiar classics to the roaring delight of the audience.

Niall seemed at ease here, like he’d been before, but I didn’t ask, reaching for my wallet when our drinks came. He tried to stop me, but I shook my head. “I’m buying, remember? It’s the least I can do after that incredible meal.”

He held my gaze for a beat before he smiled. “Thank you.”

As I handed over my card to the bartender, I prayed there was enough money in my bank account to cover our drinks. All my paychecks went toward my debt, and by staying in the guest house, I’d been able to make a dent but I still had a long way to go.

I watched the bartender swipe my card, and when it went through, I sighed with relief, picking up my cocktail. He handed the card back to me. “Should we go find someplace to sit?”

Niall shrugged and took my hand. A sexy grin spread on his lips as he lifted our joined hands and spun me a slow circle. “I have a better idea.”

Pulling me closer to the dance floor, he wrapped his free arm around my waist and we danced together, sipping our cocktails as I slid an arm around his neck. Bubbles of happiness floated through my veins as my eyes hooked on his.