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Unable to take my attention from her, I replied, “It does.” Before she realized I was referring to her and not the food, I busied myself with my utensils.
Ella paused and waited for me to select the tiny fork, and she did the same. I took the lead, pried a bite of the juicy white meat from the shell, and dipped it into butter before I popped it into my mouth. “Try it. See if you like it. If not, we’ll order you something else to eat. It would not hurt my feelings to eat your lobster.”
Ella choked, her eyes watering. It took me a moment to realize what I’d said and how she’d taken it. I threw my head back and laughed as she attempted to compose herself.
“I meant the food.” I pointed to her plate.
“I know, but it was the way you said it …” She looked away at the other guests, but no one was interested in us.
“Take a bite.”
“Bossy much?”
“Oh, Ella, you have no idea.” I smirked at her. I would have paid a million dollars to read her thoughts right then.
“I have a feeling you’re full of surprises.” She dug her fork into the lobster, dipped it in butter, and put it into her mouth. Her eyelids fluttered closed, and a seductive moan slipped from her. “Holy hell. That’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” She set the utensil down and wiped the corner of her lips with the blue linen napkin. “Sorry, Sebastian. You won’t be getting my dinner.” She gave me a playful smile.
She took another bite, chewing slowly and savoring the moment. “Next time, you should let me cook for you.”
My fork paused in midair, and my gaze softened as her cheeks heated with embarrassment. I quirked a brow and forced myself not to smile. “We’re going out again?”
Her face briefly fell. “I hope so.” She pursed her lips. “I didn’t mean to assume though, so let’s just forget I said anything.”
A fleeting look of disappointment slipped over her expression before she plastered on a smile.
Her attention drifted down to the tablecloth, her body language revealing her insecurities that she tried to mask with pleasant conversation. But I saw beyond her practiced smiles and small talk. All it took was someone who truly saw her to understand what lay beneath the surface. There was so much more to Ella McCloud, and I couldn't wait to uncover each layer, slowly.
“Ella. Eyes here.” I waited until her attention was fixed on me, taking heed of the subtle command in my tone, making sure she could see the sincerity in my gaze. “We’re definitely going to do this again. You and me.”
“Are you sure? I really wasn’t assuming. I just stuck my foot in my mouth.” She glanced around before her attention landed on me again, almost as if she was concerned other people had overhead her. “To be honest, I don’t go on many dates. Actually, this is the first one I’ve agreed to in a long time.” Her gentle laugh danced across the table.
“I’m positive.” Her unexpected vulnerability touched me, and an overwhelming urge to shield her from the world rippled through my chest.
Ella’s shoulders sagged with relief as we agreed to see each other. I was aware that she was nervous about our evening, but I hadn’t realized how much until now. I wanted her to feel relaxed and safe with me, to be herself, for as long as the night lasted.
We continued to learn more about each other during the remainder of our dinner. When the subject of my future came up, I shared my dreams of an early retirement and globe-trotting adventures. She leaned in, her eyes shining with genuine intrigue, and even chimed in with her travel plans.
A high-pitched ping rang out from Ella’s empty glass, followed by another just as she turned her head toward the dark, threatening sky. Holding out her hand, palm up, in front of her, I watched transfixed while Ella blinked rapidly, as if trying to clear her vision. Her expression morphed into one of bewilderment, and she wiped a water droplet from her eyelash.
“Sebastian, look—it’s starting to rain.”
The plump drops fell faster, landing on the blue tablecloth. Ella sprang up, her laugh carefree and wild, as rain pelted her pale skin. It fell in rivulets, transforming her already impossibly dark hair into midnight velvet.
"We're lucky we finished eating!" she exclaimed with a giggle, using the leather menu as an impromptu umbrella.
The other guests scurried inside, leaving Ella and me behind, simply standing grinning at each other through the downpour. Our hair and clothes were already soaked through. She looked like a woodland sprite, glowing and mischievous, standing underneath the fairy lights. Her dress molded to every dip and curve of her body, droplets sneaking their way down into the valley of her cleavage, as the rain drenched us both.
The hum of the classical music that flowed through the outdoor speakers blended with the rhythmic sound of the raindrops and Ella’s husky laughter.
In that moment, it felt like a memory that would stay with me forever.
I stood and held my hand out to her. “Dance with me.”
Surprise flickered through her expression as she looked at me. Moments later, a smile graced her lips, and she accepted my hand. Drawing her close, we began to sway in a gentle dance.
“You’re crazy.” She laughed, tilting her face to the rain. I reached out and touched her cheek, using my thumb to brush away the water from her soft skin. She playfully licked her bottom lip, catching a few droplets on her wet, full mouth. “I like it,” she said as she snuggled against me as we danced.
My palm gently trailed up her bare back, and she shivered against me. “I won’t keep you out here long. I don’t want you to get sick. If you do, I’ll take care of you, though.”
