Page 83 of Body Shot

“Who cares? You’re gorgeous whatever you’re wearing.”

I want to tell him to stop saying that. I know I’m not gorgeous. It almost feels like more teasing, like sarcasm. But that warm look in his eyes alleviates my discomfort and . . . I feel like maybe I am gorgeous.

He enters the restaurant with the ease of someone accustomed to dining in fine establishments like this, which has me blinking in surprise. We’re seated at a table next to the glass wall, and it feel like we’re floating over the ocean.

“This is beautiful,” I whisper, picking up the menu. “Did you bring me here just because of my crack about a nice dinner date?”

“No.” He gives me a lazy smile. “I already had a reservation here.”

“Oh my God, they actually do have burgers.”

Beck’s lips curve. “You were afraid you couldn’t get one?”

“No, I . . . I thoughtyou’dwant a burger.”

“I do like burgers.” He looks over the menu. “But I think today I’ll have the roasted pork tacos.”

I nod, pursing my lips. “It’s hard to decide.”

Eventually I order the grilled salmon, served with Swiss chard and relish made of Meyer lemons and olives. Beck orders us chips and salsa to share, and glasses of a Pinot Grigio, naming the unfamiliar brand with apparent knowledge that again surprises me. When it arrives, I pick up my glass and sip it, letting the crisp notes of pear, apple and lemon tingle on my taste buds. With the stunning blue ocean and sky, the warm golden sun, and Beck’s glowing dark eyes across the table, I feel like I’ve left the real world and I’m living in a dream.

“Attagirl,” he murmurs. “Look at you almost purring like cat. Using all your senses. Like the wine?”

“It’s lovely.” I give him a slow smile. With my legs crossed, I idly bounce the top foot in its tennis shoe, not even caring that I’m sadly underdressed for this stylish restaurant. Because I’m soaking up the sun and sea, the beauty that surrounds me (including Beck), and the delicious wine. “Thank you.”

The server appears with our chips and my eyes pop open at the presentation. “Gorgeous.” There are three different kinds of salsa, served in pretty white bowls. I pick up a chip, which is thin and delicate, and scoop one salsa. Flavor explodes on my tongue, bright acidic tomato, fresh cilantro, and the warmth of hot peppers. “Wow! This is amazing!”

Beck samples some too. “Yeah,” he says slowly. “It is good. The chef here has won a bunch of awards.”

“I can see why. Yum.” I load another chip and pop it in my mouth. “You should hire him. No offense, but this is way better than the chips and salsa you serve at Conquistadors.”

“Huh. No offense taken.” One corner of his mouth deepens. “You’re right. We’ve actually been talking about trying to improve our food.”

“Who’s your chef? Not an award winner, I assume.” I flash a smile.

“Nope. Not even sure you can call him a chef. He buys our salsa in big jugs from some distributor.”

“Ah.” I nod. “I guess that’s the difference. These are obviously freshly made. Even the chips, I think. And this green sauce is amazing.”

“Yeah. Dammit.” He frowns.

“Now you look mad. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult your food.”

“No, you didn’t. Like I said, it’s true. We’ve been seeing our food sales decline even though liquor sales are growing, and the bar seems to be busy all the time. It’s an issue we have to deal with. It’s been hard to get together with Danny, our manager, to discuss it.” Actually, it’s been hard because of me. Every time we try to meet, I’m off having fun, lately with Hayden.

“I’m sure hiring an award-winning chef is expensive.”

“Oh yeah. I mean, I have no idea how expensive, but yeah.”

I take in the faint notch that stays between his dark eyebrows. Apparently this is a source of concern for him. “I don’t know much about bars or restaurants, but if you want to talk about it, I’m a good listener. And I’m a good customer.”

He smiles, although it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t need to bother you with my problems.”

“Why not? You helped me with mine.” At his questioning look, I say, “My aunt and uncle, that night she fell.”

“I didn’t do anything except go with you.”

“You did help. And I appreciated your support.”

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