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He chuckled. "Well, the place we're going tonight. They do the best steak," Rush assured me, taking my hand, and squeezing my palm. "It's fondue. Have you ever cooked like that before?"
"I haven't. If it isn't baked or broiled, I'm a novice."
"A health nut?"
"My mom is," I responded, not wanting to go into more detail.
"Ah. You usually start with warm cheese and dip bread, vegetables, and apples into it. Then move on to the meats. You cook those with either broth or oil. Then, for dessert, it's warmed chocolate. And you dip cookies, cheesecake, and other yummy things into it."
In response, my stomach grumbled, and we laughed.
"I can't wait," I said, trying not to be embarrassed.
"Good."
As we drove, I ran our kiss through my head. It'd been so natural and … fucking hot. Not that I knew what it was supposed to feel like. Despite my inexperience, it was better than I ever could've imagined.
Several more songs played. Each one I loved more than the rest. How sweet was it that he'd thought about me and picked songs he thought I might like? It seemed very generous for a second date.
"We're here." Rush turned off the road and pulled into a parking spot. Then he ran around to my side and opened my door.
"Thank you," I said, thinking I should mention something about women's rights. But I was enjoying the effort he put in to be a gentleman.
Inside, a hostess greeted us with a polite smile, two menus already tucked under her arm.
“Table for Norton,” Rush said, not letting go of my hand.
“Right this way.” The hostess guided us through tables, some of them already occupied despite the relatively early hour.
Rush held my chair out, almost bulldozing the poor woman out the way in an attempt to settle me himself.
I giggled, cheeks flushing. "Thank, Rush."
When he was seated, and after the hostess left, I checked out the burners on the table between us.
Rush noticed. "That's where the fondue pots go."
"Awesome." I picked up a menu but found myself focusing on him. “Do you have any favorites?” All the food sounded good. I wasn't picky. In fact, I wanted to try anything that wasn't plain chicken.
He grinned, making my pulse quicken. “If you want, I can pick for us." A flicker of something crossed his features. "Is there anything you don't like?"
I sat up a little straighter. "Anything but chicken," I said, trying not to grimace.
"Noted," he said, tapping his lips with a finger.
I had to wonder if he treated all his dates this way. Was he going out of his way for me? And if so, why? A stutter of worry entered my heart. Was this some sort of Make a Wish foundation thing? Had they hired him to give me all my firsts? As soon as the thoughts crossed my mind, I pushed them away. That wasn't how the foundation worked. Still, I couldn't help but ask.
"Ever heard of the Make a Wish foundation?" I asked, working to keep my voice casual.
Fear flickered into his eyes but quickly vanished. "Sure." He shrugged. "Hasn't everyone?"
True,I thought. "Have you ever worked for them?" I mean, if he did, that was fine, but I needed to know.
In response, he snorted. "Nope. I probably have too many tattoos for that line of work. Why do you ask?"
Relief swept through my veins, and I rolled my shoulders back. Rush was here because he liked me and for no other reason. "No reason. Just curious," I said, noticing his tattoos were all covered up. "Can't wait to get a closer look at them," I added and immediately realized what I'd said.
Whatever had been on his face vanished at my comment. "Is that so? And how do you expect to see them all?"
