Page 26 of Just Desserts

Both Massimo and I looked at Isla with surprise and appreciation. I took a step closer to her instinctually. Reading my body language, Massimo quickly dropped her hand and smiled happily.

"Yes, it is. You have a good eye. Today's menu features Focaccia as well as a Burrata Cheese Caprese Salad as the appetizer. Then for the entrees, we have fresh Tagliatelle with Beef Shin Ragu and a spicy Nduja risotto followed by Tiramisu and Pistachio ice cream for dessert." Isla was fairly dancing in place as the Chef listed off the menu. She turned to me and pinched me.

"Hey! What was that for?" I asked, holding my arm and wincing, acting like she had hurt me deeply.

"I just had to make sure I wasn't dreaming." She replied with a silly smile.

"I think you're supposed to pinch yourself in that situation sweetheart, but I'll let it pass." I smiled down at her then looked at Massimo.

"We're ready whenever you are. We’ll be at a table out back." We shook hands again and then I escorted Isla over to the table.

The appetizers were brought out quickly. Flutes of crisp Prosecco accompanied the appetizers. The focaccia was warm, and the acidity of olive oil and rosemary contrasted well with each bite of carb heaven.

The burrata was creamy and the tomatoes were plump. I brought out the score card I had created for these. When I put it between us so Isla could help me rate the dishes, her eyes widened.

"Be still my heart!" She gasped dramatically. I raised an eyebrow at her.

"I love lists. And spreadsheets. And PowerPoint presentations. Basically, anything to organize something that might seem tedious. Let’s just say that this scorecard is a chef's kiss on top of an already amazing night."

I smiled hugely at her, thrilled with her enthusiasm. It wasn't fake or forced. Somehow spending time with Isla felt incredibly easy. I wasn't trying to impress her; this was a part of my job I loved and the fact she was enjoying it made it even that much better.

I was proud of what I had created but I had never been so grateful for insisting on taking the lead on menu decisions. Isla kept up a steady stream of feedback throughout the entire meal.

"Oh man, this salad would be so nice in the spring, but I think I could eat this Focaccia and never get tired of it."

When they brought out the entree, they switched our drinksto a lovely Montepulciano. The ragu was rich and the spice of the Nduja in the risotto was complemented perfectly by the smooth mascarpone cheese while the lemon ensured it didn't feel too rich or heavy.

"This Nduja is to die for, I love a little spice. I feel like Italian food doesn't get associated with that all that much."

I mostly nodded along, enjoying being in her presence. I told her about different chefs and cuisines we had featured in the past and the conversation was easy. By the time dessert came I was grateful for the switch to Espresso.

I needed something to wake me up because I felt drunk off the food and Isla's company. I couldn't imagine doing a tasting without her. It was quite frankly one of the best nights of my life. When the meal ended, she leaned back in her seat, rubbing her stomach.

"That was incredible. I can't believe you get to do this all the time."

"Thank you for joining me, I didn't realize how much fun this could be, not to mention your feedback is going to be instrumental in my decision."

"I don't know how you can choose. I'm so indecisive." She winced as if reflecting on it.

"Well how about you help me, I have a few more of these tastings lined up. If you want, you could give me your cell phone number, and I'll let you know when the next one is scheduled."

"I would really like that." She replied with a delightful blush.

I took out my phone so she could enter her number, and I sent her a text, so she had mine. I had never been so excited about getting a girl's number before. This was a small step, but I couldn't believe my luck. With a smile, I realized Wes was right. Isla already had me eating out of the palm of her hand, and I loved it.

Chapter 22

Alyssa

In a new dress and red bottomed heels, courtesy of Jonathan's credit card, I was feeling incredible as we walked into the romantic bistro. We were led to a table in the back, and it was very intimate. Things were looking up.

He pulled my chair out for me like a gentleman before sitting down across from me. It was silent while we looked at the wine list before he ordered for both of us. Once we had our drinks he reached out and grabbed my hand.

"Lyssy, darling you look beautiful tonight." He started slowly stroking my hand.

"Behave you weasel, you're just going to have to wait until we get home." I winked at him as I rubbed my foot up his pants. He jumped but recovered with a grin quickly.

"I got you a little present, to say thank you for planning the office party. I know how much work you've put into it."

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