Page 53 of Learn Your Limits

Chapter forty-nine

Emiliano

Traces of plum and black currant linger on my tastebuds after sampling a bottle of Bordeaux to accompany mine and Reid’s meal tonight.

My nervousness fades for a few minutes while I bury myself in something familiar; talking to our waitress about the restaurant’s vast collection of French wines as I wait for Reid to arrive.

Today is Valentine’s Day, the first one we’ll be sharing together, and I am going to ask him to move in with me.

Truth be told, I’ve wanted to ask him to live with me for weeks, but I was afraid to rush into things when we were at a delicate balance in our relationship. Now, though, forgiveness and the future are one and the same, and I’m ready to solidify things.

“Enjoy, and please wave me over if I can get you anything else before your date arrives,” the waitress offers with a friendly smile. Her steps echo in the small restaurant, all hardwood and original craftsman design from when it was built a hundred years ago.

A smirk spreads across my face as I look around the candlelit dining area, remembering how Reid was texting me non-stop, asking what to wear tonight. He mentioned how he’d never been to this restaurant before and was unsure of what to wear to a place that serves ratatouille.

Even with observing the rest of the restaurant and its patrons, my eyes remain aware of the front door, eager to see my date tonight. I fear the extra key in my pocket will burn a hole through my pants with how much anticipation is coursing through me.

Only taking my eyes away from the entrance for a second to peer into my wine is enough time to miss his arrival, apparently.

The sound of his familiar deep voice pulls my attention to where the hostess is greeting customers.

The young woman gestures in my direction, and I watch as a bright smile spreads across Reid’s face when his eyes meet mine.

He’s dressed similarly to me, wearing a black long-sleeved dress shirt rolled up to his elbows and tucked into a pair of dark gray slacks, a brown leather belt around his waist. His auburn hair, usually effortlessly tousled, has been combed neatly into place.

He catches his bottom lip between his teeth as he smiles, his gaze locked on mine as I stand from the table to greet him. Placing his hand on my lower back, Reid leans down to press his lips gently to mine before he says, “Hey, handsome. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Not at all, I only had enough time to select a wine for us,” I reply, pulling out his chair and making sure he sits comfortably.

Reid blushes as he takes his seat, and I catch him appreciating my outfit while I move back to my own.

I’m not a vain man, but I cannot deny the striking couple we make, even more so with our accidentally coordinated outfits. “You are captivating tonight.”

“Only because you make me feel that way,” he says with a soft smile, reaching across the intimate table to take my hand in his.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a few moments, gazing lovingly at each other before Reid clears his throat and chuckles, diverting his attention to the menu.

His thumb rubs in soft circles across the back of my hand as he says, “So, what’s your favorite thing on the menu?

Not gonna lie, you might have to guide me a little bit here, otherwise I might do something crazy and just order their fancy version of mac ‘n cheese.”

My laugh mixes with his as I join him in scanning the menu. “Well, their mac ‘n cheese is very good, actually, but you might need something more substantial.”

“What if I’m saving room for dessert?”

Heat blooms under my skin at the question. Ever the flirt, Reid licks at his bottom lip teasingly, his fingers wrapping around one of mine and stroking it in a way that’s anything but innocent.

“We both know you’re insatiable,” I chastise, my eyes darting down to watch as he continues to tease. Raising my eyes to meet his, I raise an eyebrow in amusement. “Are you sure you’ll be able to behave through dinner?”

“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try to be a good boy.”

The waitress reappears at a perfect time.

Reid is acting particularly brattish tonight, and while I love it, I’m about two seconds from putting him over my knee.

She pours Reid a glass of wine as she answers his questions about the menu and goes over their specials.

While they talk, my eyes stay trained on Reid, how curious and vulnerable he looks as he explains how he hasn’t had much of this fare before.

In the end, he decides on the mac ‘n cheese topped lardon as his entree, while I order the duck confit for myself. Within a minute, a basket of bread and a plate of cheeses and meats as our appetizer is dropped off at our table.

“Please, take anything that might look tempting.” I gesture toward our shared plate, wanting Reid to have his fill before I take some charcuterie for myself.

“Anything that might look tempting, hm?” A little smirk plays on the corners of his lips as he looks me over.

“Eat, or I’ll make sure you go without dessert,” I comment in a stern voice, purposely not looking in his direction as I settle the napkin over my lap.

“Fine.” The whine in his voice amuses me. Thankfully, he grabs a few items for himself, but still loads his plate with mostly butter and bread.

“How were work and classes today?” I ask, reaching over to grab a few pieces of cheese and pickled fruits.

He releases a sigh of frustration, sitting back in his chair before reaching for his wine glass, his fingers absentmindedly trailing along the stem. “Exhausting.”

My heart sinks, knowing he’s beyond busy with his extra shifts and full load of classes. Besides being able to come home to him every night, the major reason I’d like him to move in with me is to not see him struggle like this.

“Reid,” I begin, pausing to take a moment to wipe at my mouth as I feel Reid’s gaze land back on me.

I’m never one to hesitate, but my nerves have me on edge tonight, making me feel like I won’t know peace until I ask him.

So I blurt, “Will you move in with me?” And I pray he won’t think the suggestion is offensive or completely rash.

His eyes widen, his lips parting in shock for a moment before a smile spreads wide across his face, his amber eyes brightening. “Are you serious?”

“Deadly.” I can’t prevent the matching smile that takes over my face at seeing his excitement at the idea.

I’m grateful there’s a table between us; otherwise, I’d haul him into my arms and effectively embarrass us both. My hand reaches into my pocket by its own accord, fingers pinching the extra key to my house tight.

“This is for you, I hope it’s an adequate Valentine’s gift.” Holding the key in my palm, hand hovering over our food, I offer it to him.

With a smile still painted on his face, Reid shoves his chair back from the table, taking the key from my palm as he moves to my side. He leans down and presses his lips to mine, pouring his love into the kiss before pulling back. “I love you,” he says softly. “Of course, I’ll move in with you.”

“I love you too, Muneco.” The stubble on his cheek tickles my palm as I cup his jaw, his skin pink and warm from the everlasting grin on his face. I’m captivated by the happiness in his eyes, but my mind runs wild with images of Reid making my home into his as well.

It’s all I’ve ever wanted.