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"Food smells yummy," I say, taking a spot and placing my napkin on my lap.
He nods and sits across from me. "Tell me more about yourself."
I wince.
"We need to know one another if we're going to be convincing," he says, opening up one of the bags and pulling out a Styrofoam clamshell. He pops it open and I see the giant steak nestled beside deliciously buttery and garlic-scented mashed potatoes.
I love steak, but I can't typically afford it - not that I'd feel comfortable telling him that.
"You're right," I say, as he loads my plate up with meat and potatoes.
"Besides, I want to know everything about you, Stacia."
I shiver at his low words while he nods at my plate. "Dig in."
I pick up my fork, well aware my hand is trembling and my heart's pounding. He really does mess with me; there's no denying that.
"I need to know about you too. You want to start?" I challenge, taking a bite of my food. The smokey, perfectly rare bite of meat nearly melts in my mouth and I want to start shoveling it all in my mouth like some kind of monster. I've never had a steak this good before.
"Sure." He places some food on his plate and takes a bite. "I've never been in a serious relationship, my brother married the girl whose father nearly destroyed our family, and I might be a workaholic. I love my family, I try to be a fun uncle, and I never take vacations, except today."
"That's just the background stuff I mostly already know. Tell me something new." I want to know the things he never tells anyone.
He finishes chewing his bite of food with a thoughtful expression as I take another bite.
"I was a good student, don't care about status, and besides this place, I tend to prefer a minimal lifestyle. I don't sleep around, though I did a bit when I was younger. I've never been in love, but I'd love to find the right woman and settle down."
I swallow hard as the thought of him finding love hits me like a horse kick to the gut.
"What did I say?" he asks and I realize my expression must have given me away.
"I swallowed too big a bite," I lie.
His eyes narrow and I know right away I screwed up. "I told you that you don't have to lie to me, Stacia." His chilly tone warms me right up and in mind's eye, I see him bending me over his knee and slapping my bare bottom. I've never been interested in that before, but damn if Nathan can't make anything seem super sexy and exciting.
"The thought of you falling in love with someone felt weird," I say, opening my sparkling water and taking a curious sip. It bubbles across my tongue and leaves my mouth feeling clean and refreshed; a sensation I discover I like.
He seems to accept my answer. "Your turn to tell me your secrets, Stacia."
I nod, noticing how much I like it when he speaks my name, especially when everyone else simply calls me Stace. "There's not much to tell," I admit. "I mean, I'm pretty boring."
"I doubt it," he says, his voice filled with challenge.
It's easy being honest with him. Even if I'm revealing a part of myself I usually keep hidden. "I'm an only child," I begin. "My mother was never home, and my dad worked." I pause, wondering whether to continue. The urge to spill everything surges through me, especially now that I've started.
I rush through the rest of my story, hoping that if I move quickly, I won't have to reveal too much. "I met a man, but he was toxic. Then I moved here and started working for you."
"I don't know how to relate to people." His admission tells me he wants something similar from me. If we're spilling the tea, then I'll tell on myself. A little bit, anyway.
I try the mashed potatoes and they're the best I've ever had in my life. There's a tart edge to them, like they've been mixed with sour cream or cream cheese instead of milk and I make a mental note to try that when I can.
"I've spent my whole life being invisible and it's not a pleasant feeling; like your voice is being drowned out by the ocean. People don't seem to notice me." I lift both shoulders and take another bite, my heart pounding.
"I noticed you. What's the worst thing you've done?" He's leaning across the table now, his food seemingly forgotten. I want to tell him it's criminal to let that stake get cold.
I lean across the table toward him and lower my voice. "I cheated on my eighth-grade test from my science partner, Pete."
He chuckles. "That's not the worst thing you've done."
