Page 22 of Ethan

"Ah, the plight of the youngest child."

"Do you have siblings?"

"No, I'm an only child."

"Your parents?"

"My dad died when I was in my thirties. My mom is still around."

Before I had a chance to ask more, I leaned back as the server delivered two glasses of ice water. "Have you been here before?" the server asked. "Do you know how our menu works?"

"Yes, we've been here," I answered on behalf of us both.

"Can I start you with drinks?"

"Do you want to share a bottle?" Daniel asked me.

"Only if it's white. Red gives me a headache."

He looked up at the server. "We'll have a bottle of your best Pinot Grigio."

"Coming right up. I'll give you a few minutes with the menu."

"What are you thinking?" I asked once the server left us.

"Let's start with two salads."

"I'd like one of those to be the beet and kale one."

"Perfect. Green beans with almonds for the other?"

"Yum." I took a sip of my water. "Are you into beef tartare?"

"I'm willing to try it."

"It's wicked good here."

"Fried chicken with honey butter?" Daniel suggested.

"Yup," I confirmed. "And pork belly or ling cod?"

"The pork belly. I love the scallop they serve with it."

I laughed and placed my hand on the table nearest to Daniel. "God, I'm starving now." I hummed as Daniel took my hand. This was nice. I could get used to this with him.

"I'm glad we're doing this," he said, reading my mind.

"Me too. I was starting to think we'd never get here."

"You've thought about it?"

"How could I not?" I winked at him. "You're incredibly charming."

We separated when our wine arrived, and the server took our order. I was glad Daniel had an appetite. I'd never been afraid of good food. Thankfully, I was blessed with a feisty metabolism.

Daniel's physique was different than mine. Where I had tight abs, I suspected he was softer around his belly. The thought of kissing his stomach and laying my head on it … serenity.

My gaze was drawn to his greying temples and brilliant green eyes as he examined the bottle of wine. He had lines from smiling etched into his skin. They told a story of a life well lived.

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