Page 174 of XOXO

“Oh, I want to win, don’t get me wrong, but I have to be pragmatic. It’s only my second year coaching and most of our seniors were gone last year. We did make the championship last year. I’ve got so many freshmen with me though, so I’m hopeful for next season.” She stopped to smile at the waitress who arrived with their food. “Thank you.”

The waitress smiled and gave them each a plate, and left the food in between them.

“This looks great, thank you,” he told the waitress. She blushed and left them.

“Now who’s making everyone fall in love with them,” she teased.

“Oh stop.” He winked at her and handed over the serving spoon. “Now, I know you need more calories than me, so you go first.”

“Fucking asshat, yeah, I need more calories than you.” She took a portion of everything on the platter and then a small bit of the baba ganoush. “You know, you're the first man I ever met you didn’t make fun of the food thing.” She took a bite of the spanakopita and moaned.

“Any man who had an issue with the food hasn’t, one, heard the moan when you eat something good, and two, hasn’t felt the thighs. Because if they had, they would not have said a single bad word about it. Christ, you’re sexy.” He leaned forward, just enough for June to see the heat in his eyes. “You’re coming home with me tonight, aren’t you?’

She swallowed and darted her tongue out to catch the sauce on her lip. His eyes followed the movement. “Yes, yes I am.”

“Good.” It was all he said, and all he needed to say. They both dug into the food, which most of the rest of their conversation was about. When the plates were clean, they simultaneously sat back.

“That was the best meal I’ve had in a long time,” she told him. “This is going to be my new favorite place.”

“It was so good, I’ll have to tell Sara she did good.” Ara finished his water and poured more from the pitcher on the table.

“Was she the one who suggested it?”

“Yeah, she’s new and she told me that the best way to get comfy in a new job is food, so the other day at lunch we all talked about our favorite restaurants. It was actually a fun conversation. She said her and her wife eat her all the time.”

“Oh, what other places were talked about? We should do a tasting tour.” She stole a sip from his glass. Hers had been empty for a while and why pour another?

“That sounds—” A voice interrupted him.

“Aramis?” He and June looked up.

“Stacey. Cal. Hello.” His voice had no emotion and June immediately got angry at this woman for another ruined night.

“Yes and I’m June and you’re interrupting our date. So you can go now,” she said loudly. Loud enough that people at other tables had turned to watch.

“Listen you—” Stacey started.

“Now. You listen, you and your husband had a good thing and you fucked it up.” She stood and glared at the other woman. “That is your fault and interrupting our date is so tasteless, so you can go away.” She felt Ara’s hand on her hip and grinned at the couple next to her.

“I just wanted to say hi,” Stacey pouted.

“Now, dear, she’s right.” Cal took his wife’s hand and turned to June. “I’m sorry we interrupted your date.”

“I’d say it’s fine but it’s really not. Keep a leash on your wife.” Behind her Ara snorted. Stacey looked murderous but Cal dragged her away. When they were on the other side of the restaurant, Ara pulled her down in his lap.

“I think I love you,” he whispered in her ear. She giggled and laid her head on his shoulder.

“Can we go now?” she asked.

“Yep, let me get the check and we’ll go.” He pressed a kiss to her lips before he stood them up and then spun to put her back in his seat. “Two seconds, baby.”

Across the room. Stacey glared at her. June flipped her off.

Chapter 7

Tue, Feb 18 9:21 pm

“Oomph.” Her back hit the wall.

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