Chapter 18 #3
“Got it. Your appetizers will be out shortly.”
Once our server was gone, Tessa and I both sipped from our drinks. Then I said, “So, I’ve been wondering if you’ve got any plans for tomorrow.”
Tessa set her glass down with a nod. “I’m going shopping with Lark.”
“Shopping?”
“Someone has a birthday next weekend, and since we’re all going out, Lark and I decided it was the perfect time to buy something new to wear.”
Given what I’d seen when Tessa opened the door tonight, I could certainly appreciate her efforts at the mall.
And considering it was my birthday next weekend, I liked knowing she’d be getting something special to wear for the occasion.
But I was pretty bummed about not being able to spend time with her.
“Well, if I know anything about you and Lark in a mall, it’ll likely be an all-day affair. ”
“You know us well. But I’d really love it if you and I could spend some time together during the week.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. You let me know what days you’re working, and I’ll adjust my schedule around yours.”
“I love that you’re willing to do that. I do have one question, though.”
“Sure.”
Tessa licked those gorgeous lips again. “How do you feel about people knowing?”
My head tipped to one side. “People knowing what?”
Waving her hand between us, she said, “About us and what we’re exploring between us.”
I was confident in where I intended to lead us, so it didn’t bother me who knew the truth. “I’m not interested in hiding it. I wouldn’t be the least bit bothered if everyone we knew walked into this restaurant right now and saw us together.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Why? Do you not want anyone to know?”
“That’s not it.” She reached across the table and held my hand. “I want them to know. I guess I’m just a little bit nervous.”
“About what?”
“What do you think they’ll say?”
I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. I don’t say that to be disrespectful to them, but it’s our choice. Even still, I find it hard to believe that anyone would be anything but supportive.”
“Well, I know we’ll have Lark on our side. That’s for sure.”
Laughing as I thought about her visit to my place recently, I added, “Yeah, Phoenix, too.”
“My brother?!”
“He knew how I felt about you before you did. And all he asked was that I didn’t pressure you into anything before you’re ready for it. Beyond that, he trusts that I’d never do anything to hurt you, and he’ll be completely supportive.”
Disbelief turned to joy as Tessa beamed at me. “The only other wildcard would be my dad. Everyone else is going to love this for us.”
“I’m not worried about your dad, and I don’t think you should be either.”
“I don’t know, Ace. He wasn’t thrilled when he learned I was dating Ryan.”
Linking my fingers with hers, I said, “Princess, I don’t want to say this and have it come across as disrespectful, because I know he meant something to you at one point, but your dad wasn’t thrilled about your ex because he knew he wasn’t the guy for you.”
“Are you saying you think he’ll believe you are?”
I dipped my chin. “I fully intend to be, so yeah.”
Her eyes rounded. “What?”
“What are you concerned about?”
“You intend to be the guy for me?”
I shot her a dubious look. “Would you rather I just be here to fuck around with you instead? Tessa, I never would’ve allowed us to get this far if I wasn’t absolutely serious about my intentions with you.”
She tucked her chin toward her chest, the corners of her mouth tipping up in a smile. “I’m really glad to hear that, Ace.”
“And I’m glad it’s not freaking you out, so we’re good.”
Before Tessa could respond, our server returned with our appetizers. With each one that was set down on the table, I watched Tessa’s entire expression light up. When we were alone again, she said, “These all look so good. Thank you for not denying me them.”
The last thing I wanted to do was bring up her ex, but I couldn’t stop myself from asking the first thing that came to my mind. “Did your ex tell you not to order what you wanted?”
Her mood immediately shifted. “He thought I was crazy for wanting to order so many appetizers. And on the very rare occasion I ordered a second one, he always made me feel bad about ordering an entrée.”
I wished I hadn’t refrained from knocking the guy’s lights out when I saw him. “Why would he care what you ordered? It can’t be about the cost.”
Tessa shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. He always seemed embarrassed. Maybe he thought I was going to gain too much weight.”
“Princess, you’re gorgeous, your body is beautiful, and your ex was a dickhead.”
Nodding, she murmured, “I’m learning that. Every moment I spend with you, I’m learning I deserved better.”
I smiled at her and got one in return. Then I said, “Dig in, Tessa. I want you to enjoy every bite of this.”
She didn’t need any additional encouragement. Tessa picked up her fork and dove in. Watching her, I could’ve been completely content. But when she offered me a bite of the crab cake, I found I enjoyed eating out of her hands much more.