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“So what you’re saying is… you knew there was a possibility we would be seen, and you don’t care?”
Was that what I was saying?I hadn’t really put much thought into it, but that in itself was telling.“I guess I don’t.”
The hostess, a brunette with her hair pulled back in a bun, smiled as we approached.
“Reservation for two under Ben,” Ben said.
“Right this way.”The hostess grabbed two menus and showed us to a table nestled in an intimate corner of the dining room.
Ben pulled my chair out for me, and I gratefully settled in.
“Your server will be right with you,” the hostess said before returning to her station.
“Have you been here before?”I asked as I opened the menu and scanned the pages, even though I knew exactly what I was going to order.
“I have not.Have you?”
“I have.”
“What would you recommend, then?”
I smiled and set the menu down.“The filet is amazing, and the truffle mashed potatoes are life changing.But if you’re in the mood for pasta, the lobster ravioli is a close second.”
Ben’s eyebrow arched, a grin tugging at his mouth.“Truffle mashed potatoes, huh?Didn’t take you as the type to like something so—”
“Bougie?Pretentious?”
A sexy laugh grumbled in his throat.“Not at all.I just personally hate truffle anything.”
“Oh.”Heat crept into my cheeks, but I ignored it.“Then go for the lobster ravioli.It’s divine.”
“You make the ravioli sound like a religious experience.”
“That’s because it is.”I leaned toward him across the table.“But it’s entirely up to you.”
The server approached the table with two glasses of water, placing them in front of us.“Can I start you two off with something to drink?”
Ben glanced at me.“Wine?”
“The only acceptable answer.”
“What kind?”
“You choose.”My lip quirked at the corner.“But beware… I will judge you based on your choice.”
He playfully tugged at the collar of his shirt.“Pressure is on.”His eyes scanned the wine list before smiling at the server.“A bottle of Vine Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir, please.”
“Right away, sir.”The server hurried off, and Ben’s gaze turned to me.
“Safe choice.”
“Safe?”
My eyebrow arched, daring him to defend himself.
“Fine.It is safe.But it’s a solid choice.Smooth, balanced, and leaves a lasting impression.”
His gaze lingered on me, the double entendre sinking in.Heat expanded from my chest, through my neck and into my cheeks.