Page 26 of One Hot Moment

"I know how to use a map, physical ones and the digital sort. But it's much more enjoyable to ride in the backseat while you tell me stories about your family."

And he does exactly that while somehow managing to obey all the traffic laws and not cause any accidents.

Soon, I'm taking the lift up to Tabitha's apartment.

I hesitate at her door, checking to make sure my clothes haven't gotten wrinkled. Then I ring the bell.

The door flies open.

And Tabitha grins. "I'm ready. Let's go."

Chapter Twelve

Tabitha

"You aren't wanting any small talk before we leave?" Spencer asks. "Most woman want to invite me in so they can finish doing their hair or makeup while I stand there awkwardly trying to converse with them. It's bloody hard to talk to someone when she has a comb clenched between her teeth while she's trying to gather her hair up in some silly style."

"Forget about small talk. Save that for in the car and the restaurant." I lean sideways to grab my little purse off the table beside the door. I always carry a clutch when I go out on a date. "Let's get moving, Spencer."

He chuckles. "No woman has ever been this enthusiastic about a date with me."

"Those other women must have been morons." I shut the door and kiss his cheek. "You're a real catch, Spencer."

"You can call me Spence if you like. I told you that on the day we met."

My grin relaxes into a gentler smile. "We didn't know each other then. Now I'd love to use your nickname."

"But you still don't like your own nickname."

"Actually, the main reason I don't go by Tabby has very little to do with the fact tabbies are a type of cat." I curl my arm around his bicep, loving the firmness of his muscles. "Maybe I'll explain the real reason to you tonight."

"I'll be waiting with bated breath."

"You can breathe normally. A date with me isn't that thrilling."

He slides an arm around my waist, tugging me close to his side. "Au contraire, Tabitha. Taking you out on a date is the most thrilling experience of my life."

I can't resist laughing. "Save your sweet talking for the restaurant. I wouldn't want you to run out of ideas before we even get there."

Fifteen minutes later, we've been seated in a nice restaurant.

It's a new bistro that just opened up a few months ago, and it's very nice, though not so upscale that it's full of snobby people who would turn their noses up at our dress casual attire. The bistro is gorgeous but accessible to average people like us. We decide to start with French onion soup, followed by the house salad that has goat cheese sprinkled over it. Then we discuss what to order for the main portion of our meal.

"Would you like to try the steak tartare? It comes with quail eggs, capers, and bagel crisps."

"Uh, no thanks. I don't eat raw food."

"But you are the adventurous sort."

"Even I have my limits. Raw meat is one of them." I browse the menu again and make my selection. "Ooh, I'd love to start with the spicy shrimp scampi. It's doused in sriracha sauce."

"I'll start with the mussels. Then we can share."

"What a fabulous idea." Technically what we ordered are appetizers, though they look good enough to be entrees. But Spence and I agreed to order actual entrees too. I might not be able to fit in the car after this meal. "Mm, I must have the cedar-planked salmon niçoise."

"I'll try the duck pilaf."

Spencer skims over the menu again. "What about dessert? The salted caramel bundt cake looks delicious."

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