Page 53 of Summer Heat
“Yeah, that's why I took a break for a while. But you made me see that there are worthy guys out there. You've given me hope."
He let go of my hands and stepped back. "I should check the steak and potatoes."
The intimate bubble we'd created between us seemed to have popped. Was it that I mentioned dating? He was talking about meeting someone, and he certainly wasn't talking about dating me.
He stood by the grill, seemingly farther away than ever before. "Would you mind grabbing the tray over there. I want to eat on the beach."
I glanced over and saw the wicker serving tray that was stacked with silverware and dishes.
"I'll bring the food and come back for the wine." He placed the steak and potatoes on the plate and led the way down a short path to the beach. Here there were palm trees and a little clearing before the beach and water.
He'd strung lights all around the area, creating a beautiful, cozy nook for us to relax in. He'd piled blankets and pillows in the middle with lanterns and candles flickering.
"This is so pretty," I said, not sure what to make of it. First, he'd danced with me on the patio, and now we were having a romantic dinner. Was he practicing for another woman, or was this meant for me?
He smiled as he placed the food on the blanket in front of the pillows. "I'm glad you like it. I'll be right back with the wine. Make yourself comfortable."
I sat on one of the large pillows, enjoying the view of the ocean. The lights provided a cozy glow to the space. A few minutes later, he returned with two glasses and wine.
He poured the wine and handed me a glass. "We should toast to something."
"How about a perfect Saturday night?" We'd spent all day working, getting a lot done. Now we could relax and enjoy the evening.
He lifted his glass. "I'll toast to that. To a perfect Saturday night."
I clinked mine against his. "To a perfect Saturday night."
I sipped the wine, feeling like it was going directly to my head. I felt warm and floaty while he plated the food and placed it in my lap.
He handed me a napkin and silverware. "Bon appetite."
"This smells amazing." It was the combination of the wine, the sound of the waves, and the twinkling lights that made me relax.
"You can't go wrong with steak and potatoes. It's a staple."
I cut my steak into pieces and opened the potato wider, letting the steam pour out. He'd already put butter and chives in the middle so it was ready to eat. "I can't tell you how nice it is to have someone cook for me."
"You deserve it."
I took a bite of meat, marveling at the taste. I couldn't remember the last time I had steak. It wasn't something I cooked for Maya, and we almost never went out to a fancy dinner. I was conscious of the need to be careful with money.
My eyes drifted closed, and I moaned. "Delicious."
When I opened them, he was staring at me with an unreadable expression on his face. "I'm glad you're enjoying the meal."
I waved my fork at him. "A man who can tile a bathroom and cook. You won't have any trouble finding a woman to be serious with you."
He grunted. "What if I don't want just any woman?"
"Oh? You have someone in mind?" I asked, my throat suddenly incredibly dry. I reached for my wine glass and drained it, which probably wasn't a good idea. I was going to start telling him how I felt very soon.
"I do."
My heart sunk. I knew this was a possibility. I mean, what were the odds that he was interested in me? I motivated him to find someone who wanted a serious relationship. But he didn't want a kid added to the package. He'd want kids of his own, not someone else's. "That's great. I'm so happy for you."
We ate in silence for a bit, and I relaxed into the cushions, no longer worried about how I looked and if my position was sexy enough. He wasn't here for me. This was a test run for the woman he was interested in, and it wasn't me.
When we finished eating, I set the plate aside. "I can't remember when I've had a better meal."
