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“Let’s fix plates.”

We’re in the kitchen, just the two of us, which is really different from every other time he’s had dinner here. Usually the entire family is crowded around.

Grabbing an oven mit, I open the door and pull out the bubbling glass dish, putting it on the stovetop. “It looks right…”

“You sound like you were worried it wouldn’t.” I glance over my shoulder at him, and he laughs. “I can’t wait to taste it.”

Chewing my lip, I cut into it, dishing out square pieces onto his plate and onto mine. He starts for the living room, but I stop him fast.

“Wait… I set the table. Here.” I nod toward the family room where I have one corner all prepared with candles and crystal goblets and the red wine I opened.

“This looks really nice.” He walks over, sitting at the head of the table and looking up at me. “I’m not sure I’m dressed for all this elegance.”

He’s in dark jeans and a blue tee that hugs every muscle in his chest and arms. He looks scrumptious. “You’re perfect.”

Our eyes meet, and I realize what I said.

Clearing my throat, I reach for the wine. “Let’s have a drink.”

We both sit. The candles are lit and glowing with a golden light. I lit them earlier, so they’re kind of drippy, but still romantic.

“Hang on.” Sawyer’s large hand covers mine in a gentle clasp. He takes the bottle and pours us each a glass. When we’re ready, he holds his out to me. “Cheers.”

“What are we toasting?”

“This delicious meal you cooked for me?”

“The first of many?”

He nods, and we clink glasses, taking a sip. It’s really good Pinot Noir, so I take a longer gulp as he cuts into his eggplant serving.

“If this smells as good as it tastes…” He blows on the bite a few seconds before popping it into his mouth.

I put my goblet down and cut a piece, blowing on it a few seconds. I only notice his frozen posture after I put the entire piece in my mouth. It takes a second, a blink or two, before my brain catches up with my taste buds and I realize…

“Oh, shit!” My mouth opens, and I’m about to spit it out when I realize I’m trying to be sophisticated and sexy… I close my mouth again and cough.

Sawyer chews slowly, his eyes a bit wider.

I can’t take it. I cough again through my attempts to swallow the bitter as fuck concoction. “Spit it out! It tastes like vomit.”

He closes his eyes and swallows, grabbing the wine and taking a long drink. I do the same, and when we come up for air.

“Is it supposed to have that… taste?”

“It’s bitter as fuck!” I look at the beautiful casserole. “And I worked so hard…”

Sawyer’s elbow is on the table, and he rubs his fingers over his eyes before cutting another bite and putting it in his mouth. “It’s probably an acquired taste…”

My face is scrunched, and I can’t believe he ate another bite. “What are you doing?”

He drinks more wine and eats more. “I think it’s growing on me.”

“It’s not!”

His dark brow furrows, and I watch as he forces a swallow.

“Stop eating it!” I reach out and grab his wrist as he tries to cut another piece.