Page 77 of With Us

Instead, it was justcool.

I got in and looked at Theo as he used his phone to turn on the house security system. “What kind of car is this?”

“Mercedes.”

“Exactly how many carsdoyou have?”

“Me personally, or business included?”

Shaking my head, I put my hands up. “You know what? I don’t want to know.” I dropped the hand not holding the phone. “Funny thing happened.”

“What?” Putting the car into drive, he started down the driveway.

“I haven’t checked my phone lately. I went to grab it today, and it magically transformed.”

Theo’s lips were pressed in a thin line, but his dimples were more noticeable. “Hmm. How odd.”

“Right? It’s almost as if someone took my phone and replaced it with one that could control satellites and drones.”

“I think there may be an app for that.”

“Theo,” I said, the wind starting to pick up as his speed increased.

“Sorry, can’t hear you. Look out your window coming up, the view is gorgeous.” He turned up the radio, smiling as he rested his hand on my thigh. His thumb stroked back and forth.

The phone forgotten, I grabbed my aviator shades from my bag so I could see without the sun hurting my eyes. My hair whipped around my head, the wind warm and refreshing.

If I was sure he couldn’t hear me, I’d be badly singing my heart out right now.

In the early evening sun, the ocean looked a brighter blue. Boats of all different sizes dotted the water.

Much too quickly, Theo pulled into a parking lot.

The restaurant was small, right on the water. Before we even reached the building, the smell of garlic, spices, and sweet seafood reached us.

Theo opened the door, stepping aside for me to enter.

The hostess looked up and smiled politely, her expression going more alert when Theo came in. “Mr. Amato, your table is ready.”

He lifted his chin and put his hand on my lower back. We followed the hostess through the packed restaurant, out a set of sliding doors, and onto a deck.

“Your server will be right with you,” she said, setting the menus on a small table. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

I scanned the drink menu. “Can I have a strawberry mule, please?”

Theo ordered a beer, but I didn’t hear what kind. I was already leaning in my seat to see the fish swimming around.

The hostess left, the server appearing a couple minutes later with our drinks. “I’m Jen, I’ll be your server today. We have quite a few fresh catch specials.”

I dragged my attention away from the water to focus on what she was saying. I’d already been unsure of how long it would take me to order without having had enough time to scrutinize the menu. When she mentioned a spicy lime salmon, though, my mind was made up.

Theo went with a fra diavolo, which I was seriously hoping he’d share.

“I’m guessing you’ve been here before,” I said, taking a sip of a strong, but delicious, drink.

Nodding, he set down his own cup. “Next to Faust’s, which he can’t have, this is Luc’s favorite restaurant. Save room for dessert, and you’ll see why.”

At that vague but intriguing comment, I made a mental note to ask for a takeout box as soon as the food was delivered.

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