Page 56 of Must Be Love - Irresistible Bachelors

I’m out of my element here. Somehow, the privacy of the room puts more pressure on me to behave correctly. I don’t have anyone else to follow. I was hoping to eye the table next to us for cues to impress AJ. That won’t happen here.

AJ pulls my chair out for me to sit. I smooth down the back of my dress as I lower myself into the seat. He kisses my cheek again before moving to his own side of the table.

“I hope you like the restaurant,” he says, sounding a little nervous. Can he see the panic in my eyes? The gesture is sweet, if not a little weird. I don’t want him to think I’m ungrateful. I just don’t know what to do in this situation. I hate feeling like this.

“I’m sure it’s great,” I assure him. “This room is beautiful.”

AJ looks relieved. “I requested the back room so that we can talk without a bunch of people around. It can get loud out there. They pack the tables in really close together to get as many guests in as they can.”

“It’s great, really. I’ve never been in a private room before.”

He grins. “You’ll love it. We’re mostly on our own back here. The waiter will hardly disturb us.”

AJ seems happy about this, so I pretend I’m happy, too. In reality, I’m wondering if he doesn’t want the waiter to see him with me.

I force that thought away. I don’t want to be insecure anymore. AJ wouldn’t ask me out if he didn’t like me the way I am. No need to freak out.

The waiter arrives and gives us our menus. AJ orders a bottle of wine for the table. It’s red, my favorite. I mentioned that to him once in passing, and he remembered.

Butterflies fill my stomach. He listens to me when I talk. I’m not used to that. My friends were right. I need to calm down and enjoy this. AJ is a great guy. He has proven that countless times. Who cares if this room is private? He did it because he thought I would like it. That’s sweet of him.

The entire menu is in French. There aren’t even English translations or pictures for me to go off.

“What are you in the mood for?” AJ asks, sensing my confusion. “I know enough French to get by.”

“Chicken?” I decide, figuring that’s safe.

AJ nods. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

I don’t even have to think about it before responding. I do trust him. He hasn’t given me a reason not to.

“Okay. I’ll order you something I think you’ll like.”

When the waiter returns, AJ places our orders. I don’t recognize the words, but I think “Poulet” means chicken. I think I heard that somewhere once.

“So,” AJ says when the waiter leaves. I take a sip of my wine before he continues. “How was your week?”

“It was good,” I say. “Busy with a new marketing campaign, but it was fine. We made our deadlines.”

“Good, good.”

The silence between us is awkward for the first time ever. Do we not know how to be together in public? We’re not even in public, technically!

Maybe that’s why AJ always wants to be in private. He knew we’d be weird together at a restaurant.

I clear my throat. “How was your week?”

“Good. Lots of patients and filing stuff for new serums for next year’s launch. Plus, trying to keep up with this year’s orders. Put together, it’s a lot of work.”

“Do you do a lot of the operations yourself?”

AJ nods. “I have a sales staff and a distribution center, of course, but I like to keep an eye on things. I’m a bit of a control freak.”

“Me, too,” I admit. “I have trouble delegating at work.”

“Yet another thing we have in common.”

“I guess so.”

AJ’s phone rings. He checks the ID, rolls his eyes, and puts it back in his pocket. “My mother.”

“You could have answered it. I really don’t mind.”

“She’ll call back later, don’t worry.”

Silence falls between us again. It’s slightly less uncomfortable, but I still feel like I need to fill it.

“How did you get into dermatology?”

AJ smiles. “It was kind of by accident, honestly. I knew I wanted to do something science related in my life, but I didn’t want to only be in research or a regular doctor. Dermatology was the easiest way for me to be a doctor and a scientist at the same time. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated with skin.”

“You’re lucky you found something you’re so passionate about.”

“I am. And it’s a good balance. I get to see patients and work on new products simultaneously.”

“Do you like seeing patients?”

AJ shrugs. “Most of the time. Some of them suck if I’m being honest. Not you, though. You’re my favorite.”

I blush. “You don’t have to say that.”

“It’s true, and not just because we’re dating. I’ve seen a lot of improvement in your skin. I like seeing my products doing good for my patients. It’s validation for my decisions.”

---