AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She frowned, but before I could ask what was wrong, the server came over to take our drink orders. Gemma ordered a local craft IPA beer, while I ordered a summer shandy from one of the bigger breweries.
The server left, and I scanned the menu. “What are you thinking about?” I asked.
Gemma wrinkled her nose. “Not sure yet. The pork tenderloin looks good. What about you?”
“Honestly? I might get the tofu. It sounds good.”
She scanned the menu. “Crispy Tofu and vegetables over herbed quinoa. Hmm, that sounds good too.”
I stroked my beard. “Or maybe the filet mignon. They all look so good.”
“I love that this is farm to table.”
“I know.”
“Ass!”
I reached across the table and grabbed her hand in mine. Her indignation disappeared when I rubbed my thumb across the back of her palm. The way she smiled at me set my heart into a tailspin. I didn’t think I could leave tomorrow and not have her be my girl.
The moment was interrupted when our server brought over our drinks. Gemma ended up getting the pork, and I got the tofu. Sometimes I liked to eat vegetarian, and after eating so much red meat this week, I wanted something lighter tonight.
Gemma and I clinked glasses together.
“This is really nice, Felix,” she said after taking a few sips of her beer.
“The beer?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No, babe, the dinner. Okay, you’re definitely forgiven for standing me up because I like this better than that Italian place you were gonna take me to back home.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “I thought you already said I was forgiven?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, but like for reals this time.”
“Thank Harper. She was talking about this place last night.”
“It’s perfect. I love it.”
I smiled at her and sipped my drink. I looked at her from across the table, and I knew I was in trouble. I had fallen for Gemma Jensen, and there was no way I could let her go. Not when she smiled at me like I was the only man in the universe. It made me feel like the warm sun was shining down on me.
Gemma frowned suddenly, and that alarmed me.
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head.
“Gemma, tell me what’s wrong.”
She shook her head. “Nothing, just end of vacation blues. And…I’m still nervous about the job.”
I waved her away with my hand. “Nonsense, you’re going to be amazing at it. Did you tell Declan the good news yet?”
She shook her head. “No. I want to do it in person. I’m still afraid of failing.”
“Well, you won’t if you don’t at least try. You gotta take the leap of faith.”
She played with the crystal pendant around her neck. “I suppose you’re right.”
Our food came a few minutes later, and I watched, amused, as Gemma moaned when she ate. I loved watching how she took pleasure in the simple things in life. I cut my tofu and took a bite.
