Page 36 of His Noble Heart

“Hmm. That might work to my advantage. Let’s sit in the back.”

I shook my head as I got out and walked over to the passenger side. After helping her out, we held hands as we went inside, and she led me to a booth in the back. Once we were seated across from each other, she felt too far away, so I got up and slid next to her.

“What are you doing?” she asked with a confused expression.

“You were too far away.”

“Aww, you wanna be close to me,” she cooed. “That’s so sweet.”

“Beinginyou would be better, but I’ll settle for next to you for now.”

“Hello. I’m Denise. Welcome to Onyx City Grill. Have you been here before?” the server asked when she approached.

“I have, but he’s a first timer,” Noelani responded.

“Would you like me to tell you some of my favorites?” Denise offered with a broad smile, showing all thirty-two of her teeth.

“Actually, I’ll have my lady share some of her favorites. Thanks for offering.”

“No problem. What can I get you two to drink besides water?”

“I’ll take a sweet tea,” Noelani said.

“Same for me. Thank you.”

“Okay. I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”

Denise left, and we focused on the menu. Noelani pointed out more items than I could count that she liked, and I decided on the bacon, egg, and cheeseburger on Texas toast with sweet potato hash browns as my side. Noelani chose the grilled chicken and steak Caesar salad. A few minutes later, Denise returned with our drinks and took our orders.

“Do you eat here often?” I asked when Denise left.

“At least a few times a month. Why?”

“You’ve tried damn near everything on the menu.”

She laughed, but I swear there were only a few things she didn’t point out.

“Don’t try to make me seem?—”

“Noelani?”

We looked up, and a pretty dark-skinned woman with an adorable baby girl, probably not quite two years old, on her hip stood next to our table.

“Hey, Rue. Oh my God. She’s adorable.”

“Thank you. I thought it was you over here hiding in the corner. How are you?”

“I’m doing well. How are you?”

“I’m good. Who’s this handsome young man?”

Noelani looped her arm through mine and leaned her head on my shoulder.

“This is my boyfriend, Rowdy. Baby, this is Rue and her little girl, Bliss.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” I said, shaking Rue’s hand.

“You too. Are you from around here? You look a lot like my brother-in-law.”