Page 55 of The Tracker's Dawn: Sunderverse
He pulled away from me, took my hand again, and led me forward. “Small steps. Good. We’re almost there.”
My nose twitched as a host of delicious scents reached me. Dinner was served, apparently. I detected the aroma of roasted meat more strongly than any other. There was also the tang of wine and the pleasant smell of honey.
“Okay.” Jake made me stop, stood in front of me, and undid the knot in my blindfold.
I gazed into his handsome face, my curiosity forgotten as I admired his chiseled features. He was so beautiful it made me ache, but what was more astounding was the love brimming in his eyes.
Oh, Jake, what will I ever do if I lose you?
I stiffened and shoved the thought aside. I would not let this night be ruined by fear.
“You okay?”
“Perfect.” I gave him my best smile. It worked, immediately wiping away the worry that had momentarily entered his expression.
Inhaling deeply and looking like a kid ready to present his final project to the teacher, he stepped aside to reveal what he’d prepared for us.
My breath caught at the sight of the most romantic display I’d ever witnessed. We were standing at the edge of a small clearing surrounded by trees. In the middle, there was a small table for two, set with a white tablecloth, fine china, silver dinnerware, crystal wine glasses, and ornate candelabra topped with six candles and their dancing flames. Next to the small table, there was a second one, narrow and long. It was laid with a feast fit for ten kings and their extended families.
The centerpiece was a large roast set on a silver platter and adorned with fruit and green garnish. Next to that, there were other delicacies. Blackened fish, stewed vegetables, roasted plums, and five different desserts. Several loaves of freshly baked bread sat next to a bowl with creamy butter sprinkled with herbs. At the corner of the table, there were several bottles of wine that I was sure had come from our realm.
And the food was only the beginning. There were rugs underfoot and flowering vines hanging like garlands from the tree branches. The clearing was illuminated by tiny glowing lights that seemed to hang from nothing at all. I peered up at them, trying to figure out what they were. Christmas lights on very thin cables? Lightning bugs? Magic sparkles? I had no idea, all I knew was that they were magical and created an inviting, gentle atmosphere that inspired nothing but baby-making thoughts.
Jake had, indeed, been busy these past couple of hours. How in the witchlights had he accomplished all of this?
“Do you like it?” he asked, his deep voice trembling a little.
“I love it,” I whispered. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
He puffed his cheeks and blew air out. “Now what I’ll be worried about is how to ever top this.”
“Yeah, that will be tough.”
“I’ll think of something. If not, I’m pretty good at heating up Chef Boyardees.”
I made a face. “I’m half Italian, remember?”
He laughed, then extended a hand toward the table. He pulled the chair out and, like a perfect gentleman, scooted it into place as I sat.
With an affected air, he picked up a cloth napkin from the table and draped it over his forearm. “What would you like to drink, mademoiselle?” When I gave him a questioning glance, he said, “I wanted it to be only you and me, so I’ll be your dateandyour waiter.”
I shook my head and sighed. “How far I’ve fallen. Now, I’m dating the help.” I made a flourish with my hand. “I will take some white wine.”
“My pleasure.” He poured wine in the crystal glasses for both of us, then sat across from me.
He drank me in as if he were seeing me for the first time. We were silent for a long moment, just enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful space he’d created for us, so we could share a moment that would be unforgettable.
“When you were in ninth grade,” he said, “your brother told me you had a crush on me.”
I almost choked on my wine. Squirming in my seat, I felt blood rush up my neck. “He did?” I croaked. Jake and my brother were classmates throughout school and graduated at the same time.
“Yes, in fact, he said that you had a crush on me since you were in kindergarten.”
“That bastard, I’m gonna kill him.”
“So it’s true?”
“Of course it’s not true.”
