Page 13 of Snap

He grinned in response.

I liked that. The guys I dated in the past would have rolled their eyes.

"I couldn't take the chance I'd be late," he said. "Some other guy might come along and sweep you off your feet."

"I'm not gonna to lie," I said jokingly, "at least four or five tried. One even offered me a ride in his Ferrari." By Ollie's side, I stepped into the restaurant.

"I bet they offered you a ride." He gave me a lopsided smile, dimple and all.

I snorted. "Now that sounds more realistic. A girl standing outside the restaurant by herself is more likely to be offered a fuck in the back seat of the car than a nice dinner."

Ollie winced. "I feel like I should apologise on behalf of men everywhere."

"Just don't be like that," I said dryly.

"If I was, my mother would kill me," he replied.

I wasn't sure if he was joking or not. Full credit to his mother if he was serious. I hoped to meet her someday. I might even thank her for not walking out on her child. Yeah, I had issues.

"We have a reservation under the name Tucker," Ollie said to the maître d'.

"Of course, sir." The maître d' wore a badge that said Frank, but his accent suggested he was Francisco or François. "Please come this way."

Ollie gestured for me to walk ahead of him as we followed Frank through the small, intimate restaurant.

"This is nice," I said softly. "I've never been here before." That was surprising, I'd been pretty much everywhere else.

"I hope you like it." Ollie looked nervous all of a sudden.

I reached to give his hand a squeeze. Damn, he had big hands, warm and calloused. He obviously worked with them.

"I'm sure I'll love it," I assured him. "I mean, you do." He seemed to have good taste. Except when it came to football. That went without saying.

We waited until we were seated with menus in front of us before he spoke again.

"I like it here but it's a bit fancier than I prefer. I'm a good burger and beer kinda guy."

I cocked my head at him. "Then why did you bring me here?" I put out a hand before he could respond. "I want to get to know you better. I can do that anywhere. Especially if it's somewhere you're comfortable."

He considered for a moment. "Because you deserve the best." A blush rose up his cheeks.

Judging by the sudden heat in my cheeks, one rose up mine as well. "Are you sure about that?" I said awkwardly.

"You're wearing the black blouse," he said suddenly. "You look incredible. It's not surprising you got those back seat offers. I might make you one myself, in spite of my mum." The dark-eyed look he gave me was so searing I was surprised the table didn't catch on fire.

"I might take you up on it." I was suddenly all too aware we were in a restaurant full of people. I was tempted to pay everyone in the room to leave, so I could have him to myself. Right here, right now, on top of the table.

I needed to eat to build up my strength first. That was almost a big enough deterrent. Add to that the fact I'd have to explain how I had that much money. I had to restrain myself.

For now.

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. "So, oysters for starters then?"

"Oh? You need an aphrodisiac?" I teased.

"Oh, God no," he said. "Not at all. I just like oysters."

I smiled. "Of course that's it. I mean, who doesn't like oysters?"

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