Page 48 of Love on the Run

If she told him before they went in—before the valet drove away with their car—he’d have a clean chance to back out.

If she waited until they were seated inside, there was a slight chance he’d cause a scene. Though, she’d never known Beau to be rude to strangers or make much of a fuss.

He opened her door, and she reached for his hand. Having that small link to him eased some of the anxiety crushing her chest.

Dim lighting bloomed inside the restaurant, and soft classical music filled the air. A petite woman with dark hair and eyes greeted them with a gentle smile.

“Hello, welcome to The Bite. What is the name on your reservation?”

“Lawrence,” Anna said. Once again, Olivia saved them from an awkward encounter by changing the name on the reservation.

The woman clasped her hands in front of her and said, “I’ll show you to your table.”

When they entered the dining room, Anna’s hands grew clammy. The ridiculously small tables were all set for two and far enough away from each other to provide plenty of privacy. Some couples were already enjoying their meals, and Anna dared a glance at Beau.

Oh no. The wheels in his head were turning like a race car on the track. His gaze darted from couple to couple before he glanced down at her with one brow raised.

The hostess gestured toward their table whereone menu rested in the center between two carefully folded napkins. The table itself was thin between the two seats and long on the sides—uniquely made for the modified eating style.

“Your server will be with you in a moment. Enjoy your evening at The Bite,” the hostess said before leaving them alone.

Beau squirmed in his seat, shifting his legs beneath the table. “These tables are so small. There isn’t anywhere I can move without touching you.”

Heat crept up Anna’s cheeks as Beau’s knees brushed against hers. “I think that’s the point. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this.”

“Tell me about what?” he asked, finally giving up on the leg situation and settling his thighs framing her knees.

Anna pointed to the swirling script at the top of the menu.

Beau leaned over to read it, and the fresh scent of his spicy soap tingled in her nose. Was it getting hotter?

Beau tilted his head slightly as he read, “The romantic evening will test your awareness of your partner. Instead of indulging in each of the eighteen courses of tonight’s dinner on your own, you will choose which of our handcrafted creations you believe your partner would enjoy most and feed each other using your hands.” He frowned at her, as if she were a traitor, then continued, deadpan. “Anticipate your partner's needs and tap into a mindset that links the two of you together. A happy partner will, in turn, shower you with more affection, forging a greater bond with each bite.”

Yep. It sounded even worse when he said it. Granted, Anna’s explanation of the unique dinner would have been a lot simpler.

No spoons, forks, or knives, and they would be feeding each other.

No biggie for a newlywed couple.

Quite a personal experience for two people who weren’t even dating.

Anna flattened her palms on the white tablecloth. “You don’t have to feed me. We can just treat them like finger foods.”

Beau’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened to speak, but a tall man dressed in black appeared beside their tiny table.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence. It’s an honor to have you dining with us at The Bite.” He gestured toward the menu on the table. “We have two menu choices. The Light and Fresh menu features fruits and crisp flavors, while the Holiday menu offers cozy comfort foods and warm spices. Your meal will be revealed in sets of three, and you’ll have plenty of time to taste and choose which of our special treats your partner would enjoy. When you’re ready for another set, just turn this light on.”

He touched a switch at the bottom of a smalllamp on the edge of the table, illuminating a small flame.

“What can I get you to drink?”

They each ordered water, and Beau wiped at his brow as soon as they were alone again.

“I’m sorry,” Anna whispered, not needing to lean toward him to be heard.

“Feeding each other? Are you kidding me?”

“You don’t have to do it. These people don’t know us, and we won’t see them again.”

---