Page 53 of A Sudden Romance

“What do you think?”

She shrugged. “We might need to come back here a couple of times before I grasp the flavors.”

“I like that.” He grinned sheepishly. “Can we come tomorrow?”

She waved him off with her fork. “If my brothers don’t arrive tomorrow.” Two or three of her siblings were due to arrive tomorrow evening.

“I’d also have to let your dad and mom know I’m taking you out.”

“It’s not necessary to tell my parents. We’re adults.”

“Who are living under their roofs, for now.”

Something flickered in the depth of his eyes, making her heart do a slow roll. He really cared for her and wanted to spend time with her. They were almost halfway into the month. Perhaps, by Christmastime, they’d know what to do about their blossoming relationship.

This was happening too fast. How could everything change in so few days? And why hadn’t she fallen for him in the past?

When the server brought their bill, she offered to pay for their dinner.

“I got it.” Hurt crossed his face, and she opened her mouth to apologize. But maybe it was best not to say anything in case it came out wrong.

Fifteen minutes later, when they stood to leave, he held her coat while she slid her arms into it. Goose bumps scattered over her arms as his fingertips brushed her nape when he adjusted her collar.

“Thank you.” She turned to him, and he kissed her cheek, searing it with warmth and heat.

She’d barely registered the restaurant activity until they walked toward the door, and she took in the now almost-full restaurant. It had only been half full when they’d arrived.

He held her hand as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Snowflakes danced in the air, and if she wasn’t carrying her handbag in her other hand, she’d put out her palm to capture a few. She preferred holding his hand, though.

“I didn’t know it was supposed to snow today.”

“It’s not going to be much.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “But it’s a beautiful sight.”

It was romantic. But it wasn’t just the scenery. She felt romantic and loved by the man holding her hand. Daylight had vanished, but people were walking up and down the street. The glittering lights strung on each tree and floating snowflakes all looked like a Christmas card.

Lampposts cast a soft glow over the cars in the parking lot and shimmered on the dancing snowflakes. But as they approached his Hyundai, her heart sank. Their wonderful evening had come to an end.

Sabastian let go of her hand and strode ahead to open the door.

“I had a wonderful time today.” She stood motionless as he gripped the handle. “Thank you.”

He turned to look at her, letting go of the handle, then lifted his hand. His thumb swept across her lower lip, and she trembled. Under the lamppost, she could see his heated gaze.

“The night is not over yet.” His warm breath teased her face. “We’re going somewhere else.” His voice was low, and when his gaze flickered to her mouth, her hand felt weak, too weak to hold her purse that slid and fell on her shoes. But she couldn’t move even if she wanted to. Not when Sabastian leaned closer. His thumb had stopped its slow movement on her lip, making her aware of how close he stood. Of his body’s warmth. Of their frosty breaths mingling between them. A wet drop fell on her lower lip, and she swiped it with her tongue, suddenly thirsty.

“Would it be too soon if I kissed you on our first date?”

Her lips tingled. Consumed with the desire to kiss him, she was so breathless she barely managed a whisper. “What do you think?”

She didn’t want to be the one enticing him, especially since their relationship had caught her so suddenly—like a whirlwind romance in fiction stories.

He turned her around, bracing her against the car, and his lips hovered over hers when he spoke. “I thought this day would never come.”

His last word pressed against her mouth when his lips brushed hers. The tantalizing taste left her wanting more. But he didn’t wait long before he kissed her. Soft and reverent. Heart-stopping.

It should be strange, some part of her brain argued. He was their chef who never talked to her until recently, but he was perfect. His kiss was everything she dreamed a kiss should be. Flutters twitched in her tummy and warmth and sparkles exploded in her veins as she closed her eyes.

She raised her hands to cup his cheeks. The slight abrasion of his stubble pricked her fingers when she trailed them along his jaw and kissed him back. His hand slipped to the back of her neck, his mouth warm and insistent against hers. He tasted like the Portuguese chicken, and he smelled of an appealing combination of soap and sandalwood.

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