Page 30 of Possess

“What? No, nothing like that. No physical abuse.” Why would he ask her that?

“There’s more than physical.”

True. She’d gotten enough verbal abuse from her parents to recognize it. “Agreed, but not with the ex-boyfriends.” Nope, if they started that crap on her, she walked away and never looked back.

Zeke leaned back and released her as the waiter approached with the food. Did he have built-in radar to know someone was approaching them?

Several platters were placed on the table, and a wooden tray held sauces. Plates were set in front of them. “Please enjoy your dinner, and if you need anything at all, let me know.”

“Thank you,” Zeke said, and the waiter left.

Allyson’s mouth watered at the smell of beef. “That smells heavenly.” Her stomach rumbled, reminding her it had been a while since she’d eaten.

“Best barbecue I’ve found in the area.” He picked up the tongs from the platter. “What would you like?” He held her plate in his other hand.

He was going to serve her? She opened her mouth to object, then stopped. Maybe this was what she’d been missing. A man who wanted to care for the woman he was dating. She wasn’t used to being put first in a man’s life. She looked over the platters. “A little bit of everything, please.” She’d function better on a full stomach.

Zeke began to fill her plate. “I had them cook everything without any sauces so you can add your own.”

“Thank you.” She looked over the sauces and picked up the one labeledsweetand poured some on the side of her plate after Zeke set it in front of her. A shadow fell over the table.

“Forgive the interruption, I forgot to bring your rolls. These are fresh out of the oven.” The waiter placed a basket on the table.

“Oh, that smell.” Allyson didn’t hesitate, she grabbed one of the rolls and pulled it apart. The fresh aroma made her tummy grumble.

“I love fresh bread too.” Zeke grabbed two and put them on his plate, then loaded food onto the dish.

They both dug into their food. Allyson marveled at the flavors exploding on her taste buds. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce along with the taste of perfectly cook beef brisket. The baby back rib meat fell right off the bone, and the pulled pork… She piled it onto one of the rolls and took a bite.

Her gaze caught the big grin on Zeke’s face. She chewed and swallowed, then wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Do I have sauce on my face?”

“No. It’s nice to see a woman enjoy a meal.”

She ducked her head. “I like food.”

“I’m glad you do.” His voice was soft.

Allyson waited to see if he said more, but he didn’t. She went back to her food. How refreshing it was to have a man who didn’t frown at her when she ate more than a salad or a small piece of chicken. If there was one thing Allyson loved, it was food. She was lucky her job kept her out and busy so she didn’t gain weight.

She finally pushed her plate away and held up her hands when Zeke tried to give her more. “I can’t. I’m so full.”

“So, no dessert?” He sounded disappointed.

“Give me a little bit and then we’ll see.” Right now, she’d explode if she ate more.

“Works for me.” He waved the waiter over. “If you could split this up into two to-go boxes, please.” Zeke glanced at her. “Another beer?”

“No, thank you. Some hot tea would be nice.”

“One hot tea and one coffee please. We’ll decide on dessert in a little bit.”

“Perfect, sir. I’ll box up your food and bring your hot drinks.” He whisked away the platters and their plates.

“Now that one appetite is satisfied, shall we work on the next one?”

“And what is that?”

“Knowledge.” He shifted, and his thigh brushed hers. “How involved with kink have you been?”

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