Page 110 of Master of My Heart

“It’s a Spanish restaurant that specializes in small plates containing a variety of food.”

Sabrina smiled, but looked worried. “Sounds complicated.”

“It’ll be okay. I promise.”

She smiled again, but didn’t look completely confident. He worried that he might have made a poor choice of restaurant.

The car stopped in front of the glass and metal building and Rafael, the driver, opened the door to let them out. The sidewalk was busy, and Chase held Sabrina’s hand tightly as he led her up to the modern-looking building. He’d been here many times with his friends and recognized the hostess who smiled brightly when she saw him.

“Mr. Ralston,” she said, her smile turning flirtatious. She glanced at Sabrina, her smile faltering as she looked down at the list on the narrow metal podium she stood behind. “Your table is all ready for you.”

“Thank you,” he said, feeling Sabrina tremble slightly. He let go of her hand and put his hand on her lower back to gently guide her through the crowded restaurant as they trailed behind the hostess.

*****

Sabrina trembled as she walked through the crowd of people on the sidewalk and into the equally crowded restaurant. The woman behind the podium seemed to know Chase and smiled brightly at him until she saw Sabrina. Chase spoke pleasantly to her, but didn’t flirt back.

The restaurant was warm, both in temperature and atmosphere, with wooden walls and floors. It was loud and every table was filled, some with large groups and some with intimate twosomes. The hostess began walking away. Chase let go of her hand, momentarily causing her heart to speed up, then his hand found her back and he guided her through the room. He was a bubble of safety in a stormy sea of noise and strangers.

They were led to a small wooden table in the corner, where it was a little quieter. After handing each of them a menu, the hostess rattled off a bunch of things she couldn’t follow, but Chase seemed to understand. Sabrina smiled politely and nodded, as if she understood what was going on, thankful when the woman stopped talking and walked away.

Sabrina looked down at the menu. She didn’t understand most of what was on there. Foreign words. Wine. None of it made any sense. She’d been out to restaurants a few times with Ramon to do business, but he had taken care of everything, while she had only pretended to look over the menu. Now she was out on her own and had no idea what to do or even what to think.

This is a mistake... I don’t know what to do on a date... I shouldn’t have agreed to go out with him... he’s so far out of my league... maybe I should pretend to be sick so he’ll take me home and leave me alone...

Her heart started thrashing around in her chest, her breath catching in her throat. Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked rapidly to keep them from falling. The room began to spin, and her mind wildly tried to catch up with her emotions.

When Chase reached out and touched her hand, the world stopped moving.

She gazed up into his kind gray eyes and took a deep breath. He smiled.

“Maybe I should have picked a quieter place?” he asked, understanding in his eyes.

Sabrina bit her lip and looked away. When he squeezed her hand, she looked back at him. Warmth spread from his hand into the rest of her body. She found herself wanting to be brave. For him.

She took another deep breath and smiled. “I-I’ll be okay.”

Her heart fluttered at his smile. “Have you ever been on a date before?”

She shook her head.

His smile broadened. “I’m honored to be your first.”

Twenty-one years old and she was finally having her first date. With the man she’d envisioned being with for so many years. “I-I’m not really sure what to do,” she confessed quietly.

“Just relax and try to have a good time.” He squeezed her hand, then released it to lean back in his chair. “Do you want me to order?”

Sabrina nodded violently, making Chase laugh. Her cheeks warmed at his affectionate look.

“I’ll be happy to. Is there anything you don’t like to eat?”

“Not that I know of.” She paused. “I’ll try whatever you suggest.”

It must have been the right answer because his eyes lit up. “I’ll take it easy on you,” he added with a laugh.

*****

Chase was rapidly losing his heart as dinner progressed. When they first sat down, he’d been concerned she was having a panic attack. He could see her pulse going wild in her throat and her face paled. Something told him to reach out and grab her hand. She’d calmed down almost immediately. The glint of determination that had shown up a minute later made his heart swell with pride. She was trying to be brave and his heart melted for her.

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