Page 74 of One Good Puck
“I’ll say it as many times as I need to. As many times as you need to hear it to believe it.”
Warmth radiates in her eyes. Just then, our server comes by with our entrees, and I let go of her hand.
Abby lets out a soft laugh. “Perfect timing. A nice little break after that bit of intensity.”
“Hey. You don’t have to hold back, Abby. I’m your friend. You can talk about anything with me. I’m here for you.”
Warmth flashes through her beautiful eyes. “That means so much.”
She slices her fork into her lamb shank and takes a bite. Her eyes roll back. “Oh wow.”
I grin. “Good?”
“So good.”
I dig into my bouillabaisse. The rich flavors of the hearty fish stew coat my tongue.
“How’s your meal?” Abby asks.
“Incredible. Here, try some.”
I offer her a chunk of prawn in a spoonful of herby broth. She moans after she takes a bite.
“That is so yummy.” She smiles at me. “You have to try some of my lamb now.”
I smile as she serves me a forkful of meat.
“That’s really, really good.”
She smiles as she chews. “Gotta say, this dinner is better than any date I’ve ever been on,” she says.
A small burst of pride goes off inside of me. Maybe it’s petty of me to feel so happy about that, but I do. I can’t help it. I’d take Abby on a million dates like this if I could.
“French restaurants aren’t a go-to first date these days?” I ask jokingly.
She smiles. “Nope. It’s been coffee or going out for a drink, which is fine. But this feels really special.”
I grin at her. “I’m glad.”
Her smile turns teasing. “You’re better than any date I’ve had too.”
The flicker of pride inside of me grows. “Is that so?” I can’t help but smile when I say it.
“Yeah. You thought of a nice place to take me. You asked what kind of wine I liked instead of just ordering for me. You haven’t sent me an unsolicited photo of your dick.”
I choke on my sip of water. Abby just laughs. Once I stop coughing, I laugh too.
Her cheeks flush red, and she makes a flustered sound. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I said that.” She nods toher nearly empty wine glass. “I always do or say something outrageous when I have a couple glasses of wine.”
I grin at her, taking in how adorable she is in this moment. And then I think back to the last time she had wine…that night we almost kissed…
Her eyes turn shy, and she bites her bottom lip. I bet she’s thinking of that moment too.
I clear my throat. “On behalf of men, I’m sorry for how much we suck.”
Her expression softens. “You have nothing to apologize for, Gavin. You’re amazing.”
I ride the high of her compliment for the rest of dinner.
