Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“Me too,” he replied with a smile.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, holding onto one another and soaking up support until our eyes dried. Finally, Sterling gave my hand a squeeze and said, “This food smells incredible and it’s driving me crazy.”
I chuckled and let him loose. “It does smell good.” And now that I’d calmed down, my hunger was returning. “We better eat before it gets cold.”
Sterling nodded and asked, “Did Marco bring silverware?”
“Yep.” I picked up a cloth napkin, which had a set of silverware rolled inside, and passed it into his open hand.
“Thanks.” He retrieved his fork and tapped it along the tabletop until he found the edge of his plate, then he stabbed it into his food. He scooped up a bite and smiled once it passed his lips. “It tastes even better than it smells.”
I took a bite of my own and discovered that he was right. My ravioli pasta was cooked perfectly, and the rich tomato sauce was complemented by the creamy cheese. Neither of us stopped eating until our plates were totally empty.
“I’m so glad you both enjoyed your meal,” Marco greeted when he returned. He appeared more relaxed now that I wasn’t crying all over myself (imagine that). “Can I interest either of you in dessert?”
“I don’t think I could eat another bite,” Sterling replied, and I nodded my agreement.
“Okay, is there anything else I can get you before I bring the check?”
“No thank you,” I answered, and Marco smiled before dashing away again.
He was only gone a few minutes before returning with a black folder which he placed on the table, and a small takeout box. He explained, “I saw your dog and wanted to send him home with a couple of meatballs. I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Sterling beamed. “He’ll love them, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Take your time with the check and I’ll be back whenever you’re ready.”
When our waiter left, I picked up the folder just as Sterling patted the tabletop to find it. “It’s my treat, sweetheart,” I told him.
“I can get it,” he argued as he motioned his fingers for the check.
“I know you can, but like I said, I want to treat you.” I didn’t care that the man was a millionaire. Well, that wasn’t entirely true; I was glad to know that he had the money to take care of his needs, but I would never expect him to pay just because he could.
“And what if I want to treat you?” Sterling replied, his feistiness making me smile.
“Too late, I said it first.” His nose wrinkled up in frustration, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at how adorable he was.
“I’m not winning this one, am I?”
“Nope,” I beamed. “But how about this; you can treat me on the next date.”
“If it means another date with you, then it’s a deal.”
I couldn’t stop my cheesy grin as I retrieved my credit card to slip inside the folder. I loved our playful banter, and how comfortable I was around Sterling. And I was beyond thrilled that he wanted to spend more time together.
Marco took my payment and brought the receipt, which I signed, leaving him a nice tip for the meatballs and to make up for any discomfort I may have caused him.
Once everything was squared away, I grabbed the takeout container before pulling out Sterling’s chair for him. He took Cooper’s leash, and the dog proudly led us back through the restaurant and out the front door. He stopped at the side of my car, and I was amazed by how quickly he had learned.
“Cooper is a pretty incredible guy,” I gushed, reaching down to pet the pup’s head.
“Well, you would know a thing or two about that,” Sterling replied, making my chest warm.
“I sure do; I spent a wonderful evening with one.” I was cheesier than the ravioli I just ate, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want to hide the way I felt about Sterling.
It was worth it when a pretty blush crept up his cheeks, and his lips stretched into a beautiful grin. “It was wonderful.”
The allure of his pink cheeks was too much to resist. I slowly raised my hand and placed it gently on his face, feeling the warmth from his skin. I brushed my thumb along his cheek, loving the bristle of his beard. When his tongue peeked out and wet his lips, it broke my restraint, and I inched my head closer to his.
And once again, Sterling backed away. “It’s probably getting pretty late.”
I blinked a few times before pulling back as well. “Yeah, I guess it is. Are you ready for me to take you home?” When he nodded, I opened his door and helped him inside before loading Cooper into the backseat.
While I was a bit confused by being turned away, I wasn’t frustrated. I was willing to move as slowly as Sterling needed. I never wanted to cross his point of comfort, and I was happy to just be near him. I believed that he enjoyed our time together, and I knew without a doubt that he was worth the wait.