Chapter 16
At last, the waitress appears, bringing water and bread to our table. We tell her we’ll need a few more moments to decide on our orders. I attempt to ignore the meal prices, though it isn’t easy.
Part of me is tempted to choose the steak, but it’s the priciest item they offer. Instead, I opt for shrimp scampi pasta. Elijah goes ahead and orders the steak, which makes me briefly second-guess my choice, but I’m content with what I picked.
As we wait for our food, the hostess comes over to our table once again. She positions herself so she’s facing Elijah, paying no attention to me. Her behavior annoys me; it’s obvious we’re here together.
“So, how is everything going so far?” Scarlett asks, her voice noticeably higher-pitched than before.
“We’re doing well, thanks,” Elijah responds, glancing up at her but hardly making any eye contact.
She leans in and places her hand on his arm again. “If there’s anything I can do to make your night even better, just let me know.”
I clench my jaw, recognizing the clear message in her words-she’s suggesting Elijah would enjoy himself more with her. I inhale slowly, fighting to keep my emotions in check.
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to let you know if we need something.” Elijah directs his gaze toward me as I observe the scene.
Scarlett withdraws her hand and beams even more brightly. “You know where to find me.” With that, she walks off, exaggerating the sway of her hips.
I finally avert my eyes from her and turn my attention back to Elijah, who is studying me intently. “I think she’s interested in you.”
Elijah laughs. “Are you feeling envious?”
press my lips together. “Not at all.”
Even I don’t buy my own denial.
“There’s nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t be attracted to someone who’d flirt with a person clearly on a date.”
“Exactly!” I blurt out, then clamp my mouth shut, realizing my jealousy is showing.
“You’re adorable when you get jealous. I promise, there’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“But you’re just so attractive.” I take a closer look at his face-he surpasses ordinary good looks. His blue eyes are dazzling, his lips inviting, and his broad shoulders and long torso make him even more appealing.
I nearly start to drool. I’ve always thought he was good-looking, but right now, he seems on a completely different level. It feels impossible to pay attention to any other man when he’s around.
Elijah tilts his head and says, “No way I’m as good-looking as you are.”
Before I can say anything, our meals are served, breaking the tension perfectly. The food exceeds my expectations, justifying the high price. The remainder of dinner goes smoothly, and fortunately, the
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hostess doesn’t disturb us again.
At the end of the meal, when the waitress brings the bill, Elijah snatches it up before I have a chance to
see it.
After leaving the table, Elijah laces his fingers through mine. “Where should we go for dessert?”
“How about frozen yogurt? There’s a spot close to my place.”
“That sounds great.”
Elijah takes the wheel and drives us to a shop that serves frozen yogurt. Once we get inside, I pick up a bowl for each of us. I immediately begin filling my bowl, but when I glance at Elijah, I notice he is frozen, overwhelmed by the variety.
“Do you want some guidance?” I ask, positioning myself in front of him.
His eyes are wide as he surveys the different flavors. “How does anyone decide on just one?”
“You’re not limited to a single flavor. Mix as many as you like. I usually choose two or three. Is this your first time at a frozen yogurt place?”
Elijah shakes his head. “There wasn’t one in my old town.”
I pretend to be shocked. “You’ve missed out on something wonderful! Come on, I’ll help you choose.”
I share with Elijah which flavors I like most and mention a few I think he might enjoy. He finally settles on ube, cake batter, and chocolate. I guide him toward the toppings area and describe how it works.
“Can you put on as many toppings as you want?” Elijah asks.
“Absolutely. Just remember, they charge by weight, so the more you add, the higher the price.” I spri nkle some gummy worms onto my yogurt.
Elijah grins. “Lucky for me, you’re buying dessert.” He starts piling every topping he can onto his yogurt, stacking it high.
“Elijah!” I exclaim, seeing that his cup is nearly twice the size of mine.
He lets out a laugh. “I did warn you.”
I shoot him an exasperated look. “I didn’t realize you had such a sweet tooth. Do you really think you can finish all that?”
“Not a drop left,” Elijah promises, licking his
lips as he looks at his yogurt.
“I’ll remember you said that.” We move to the counter, and I pay for our sweets as planned. “So, where should we eat?”
“Well, I have a final surprise for you. I thought we could bring our dessert there.” Elijah glances down, looking a bit bashful, making me curious about his plan.
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