Page 85 of Unapologetic Love Story

‘Lovely.’

‘With a caviar garnish.’

‘No caviar here, angel.’

‘Cool,’ Raina said, squaring up to him with jovial challenge. ‘Why are you still talking? You nervous?’

‘Not nervous, gorgeous. Just giving you a chance to back out.’

Raina answered that by pushing the swinging door of the restaurant open and entering the loud, pulsing atmosphere. She inwardly winced but didn’t let Tom see.

‘Table for two under Branimir,’ Tom said to the waiter at the podium.

They were led to a booth in the back, which Raina was pleased about. Once seated across from one another, Raina slapped both palms on the wooden table.

‘Sure you want to do this?’

Tom leaned forward until their noses were almost touching. ‘A thousand per cent.’

Another waiter appeared, bringing with him a jug of water. ‘Can I get you started with some drinks?’

‘Yes, and we’re ready to order,’ Raina said, never looking away from Tom. ‘The ultimate seafood platter, please.’

The waiter made a face. ‘That’s for a group.’

‘We know,’ Tom said, also not looking away. ‘What the lady said.’

The waiter rolled his eyes. ‘Fine. Drinks?’

‘Just this water,’ Raina said, while Tom ordered a beer.

Tom’s phone buzzed once they were alone. He checked it, a little reluctantly. ‘Oh.’

‘What is it?’ Raina asked, sipping her water.

‘Seb and Ottie. They’re having a boat party, leaving from Blackfriars pier later tonight.’

‘You going?’

‘We could go together.’

Raina laughed. ‘Not sure they want me on their boat, skipper.’

‘Well, I do.’

‘Stop distracting me. I need to prepare for this platter.’

She could hear him laughing while she unpacked her little plastic bib. She tied it happily around her neck, before smoothing it down and tossing her hair back.

‘Where are my shell crackers?’ she demanded, searching the little wooden cutlery box. ‘I need proper equipment.’

‘You know, if this is all a show to intimidate me, it’s sort of working.’

‘Aha!’ Raina brandished her cracking utensil at Tom. ‘Got it.’

Tom put his own bib on and picked up some claw crackers for himself. Raina could feel his delight and it was like an aphrodisiac. Two months ago, she would have thought this slightly dour Scot incapable of having fun, but now here they were, about to have a seafood eating contest.

‘No shame in backing down and ordering some nice coleslaw,’ he said self-importantly when the platter arrived. ‘No shame at all.’