Page 41 of Fierce-Dane

She was grinning when she said that, but he knew it was the truth.

“I’m not a bad cook,” he said. “How about you?”

She laughed. “I think I’m pretty good. Maybe we can try that next time at one of our places.”

“I’d like that,” he said.

He pulled into the restaurant not that far away. It wasn’t that busy and he didn’t expect it at close to seven on a Monday night.

They got a booth quickly and sat across from each other.

“My employees know we are on a date right now,” she said.

“Oh,” he said.

“I didn’t say that to put any pressure on but just letting you know. Our server the other night.”

“Nicole?”

“Yes. Nicole. She is friends with Elle and on Fridays we order lunch. Nicole was working.”

“So she mentioned something. What was everyone’s reaction?”

“I don’t think I need to feed your ego.”

“Oh, please do,” he said, smiling. “It’s hungry.”

She laughed, her eyes softening. “Vanessa remembered you. She thinks you’re hot.”

“Phew,” he said. “At least it’s not that I’m old.”

“No,” she said. “I think you’re the right age.”

“Since it’s the age I am I’m glad to hear that.”

They gave their drink orders and placed their food at the same time. They both got water and iced tea again. No alcohol for either of them.

He’d been known to have a beer now and again but not when he was out or driving. He didn’t want to worry about his reputation.

“They were all happy for me. I don’t talk about my personal life often, but they know I don’t date often either.”

“So it’s Team Dane there?”

“Oh yeah,” she said. “They don’t even know you and it’s your side they are rooting for.”

“I can’t remember the last time it was Team Dane. It feels good.”

“As good as my massages?” she asked, lifting her eyebrows up playfully.

“No way,” he said. “I’m already counting down the days for the next one.”

“Always good to hear.”

An hour later they were leaving and he was sad the night was ending, but he had some work to do tonight and both of them had to work tomorrow.

He was feeling old thinking that but no reason to push this even more.

When he pulled back into her driveway, he got out to walk her to the door.

---