Page 25 of Fade With Me

The hostess greeted us with a warm “Hello,” and Zeke flashed her a charming, disarming smile. “Reservation for Ezekiel, please.” He plucked an invisible piece of lint from his suit with a touch of nonchalance before turning to me, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. “All taken care of,” he said.

Her poised expression faltered as her gaze lingered on Zeke, her fingers tightening slightly around the podium. For a fleeting second, she seemed entranced by him, her breath hitching just enough to be noticeable. “O-of course,” she stammered, quickly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “F-follow me.”

At our table, Zeke smoothly pulled out my chair, waiting for me to settle in before making his way around to take his seat. His movements were fluid, practiced, like a choreographed dance.

I was utterly bewitched by his gallantry. It felt like I’d stepped into a romantic comedy, where the leading man was effortlessly sweeping me off my feet with his charm.

“Good thinking on the reservation,Ezekiel,” I teased, gently poking fun at him for using his full name.

A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face, his posture subtly sharpening as his fingers idly adjusted his tie. “Every now and then, I surprise myself with a good idea.”

Once we were settled, our waiter approached, menus in hand. “Good evening! I’m Noah, your server for tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks?”

Noah’s attention shifted to me first, his eyes briefly meeting mine with polite curiosity. “Just water, please,” I said with a soft smile, my hands resting comfortably in my lap. Then he turned to Zeke, who settled into his chair with the calm of someone used to being in charge.

“Diet Coke for me. Bring one for her too, in case she changes her mind. And a bottle of wine for the table.”

With a nod, Noah jotted down our order. “Got it! I’ll be right back with those,” he said before disappearing into the bustling restaurant, leaving us to peruse the menu.

I narrowed my eyes at him, my lips twitching as I tried to keep a straight face. “What if I’m a sworn enemy of Diet Coke?” I challenged, then widened my eyes in false alarm. “What if I’m allergic to it, and you’re playing with my life here?!”

Zeke lowered his menu, studying my face with one eyebrow arched. “I refuse to believe something as trivial as Diet Coke could be your downfall,” he said, returning his attention to the food options. “You strike me as the type with a Diet Coke addiction, not a life-threatening allergy.”

I struggled to hold my serious expression, but a giggle slipped out, betraying me. “You’re absolutely right,” Iconfessed, laughter spilling from me. “It’s my favorite. You’re either psychic or justreallylucky.”

His eyes flicked back to mine before he leaned in, his voice dropping low, like a secret meant only for me. Something about him shifted in that moment, and I couldn’t ignore the feeling that the air had thickened. “Would you believe me if I told you I’m a little of both?”

This man was a shameless flirt, and he knew exactly how to play the game. So did I.

I mirrored his movement, leaning in just as close, my heart pounding in my chest. “Oh yeah? So, what am I thinking right now?” The space between us shrank, our breaths falling into sync.

He tapped his forehead, pretending to think deeply, then widened his eyes as if struck by a sudden, profound realization. “Wait, hold up. Are you seriously thinking about howridiculouslyhot I am?” His grin stretched wider. “You naughty thing. I knew I had that effect on you.”

I sat back in my chair, arms crossing loosely over my chest as I looked him squarely in the eyes. “Has anyone ever told you you’re a little full of yourself?”

A low, muffled laugh shook his shoulders as he drawled, “Me? Never.” His voice carried a teasing edge, but beneath it, there was a subtle intensity, something deeper and more mysterious, hinting at a side of him I hadn’t yet seen.

Just then, the waiter arrived, setting our drinks down with a soft clink. As he poured the wine, its rich, fragrant aroma swirled into the air, deep and inviting. The scent was a perfect balance of fruit and earth, warm and smooth, like the first hint of fall. It was subtle but present, settling comfortably in my senses.

As he turned to take our orders, his gaze landed on me first. I froze, the menu suddenly too thick in my hands. I hadn’t even looked at it. Panic hit, and I fumbled to open it, my heart pounding.

Before my anxiety could fully grip me, Zeke’s smooth voice sliced through the tension. “How do you feel about steak?” he asked, his tone radiating the confident elegance that seemed to define him. “Their filet mignon is incredible.”

I paused, still trying to collect myself. “Uh, yeah, that sounds great,” I said, lowering the menu. Our eyes met, and a sense of tranquility settled over me.

Zeke’s expression softened, his gaze steady as he held my attention. “Make it two of the filet mignon,” he said, handing over the menus with practiced ease.

Once the details were settled, the waiter cheerfully assured us, “I’ll have that right out.”

“Thanks, Noah,” Zeke replied, his voice smooth and inviting, like honey. A soothing warmth enveloped me at the sound of it, and before I knew it, I felt an unexpected pull toward him.

The sensation made me self-conscious, and I quickly redirected my thoughts. I silently hoped the bill wouldn’t be too extravagant. I didn’t want Zeke to think I was taking advantage of his generosity. Offering to cover the tip seemed like a small way to show my appreciation without overstepping.

“So, I’ve been dying to go on another hike,” he said, taking a long, leisurely sip of his wine. “Do you have any more hidden gems like Dead Man’s Trail that we could explore?”

I hesitated, a flutter of uncertainty twisting in my chest. My fingers traced the rim of my glass as I thought. “I do have another trail in mind, but…I’m not as familiar with it. Hopefully, I won’t get us lost.”

Zeke’s face lit up with excitement, his hands rubbing together eagerly. “Yes! I amsodown for this!”

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