Page 36 of Finn

Smiling, he then tells us that a server will be over soon and for us to enjoy our dinners.

We thank him, and, as he walks away, Sammie says softly, “Those two are so cute.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, they really are. That’s one reason why I love it here. Well, that and the food is beyond amazing. You’ll see.”

“I can’t wait to try it,” she says, opening her menu.

We spend a few minutes perusing the selections, even though I know pretty much what I want—one of my usual go-to meals.

Sammie, though, needs time to decide what she’d like.

Once we lower our menus, our server, a young man of about twenty, arrives.

I ask Sammie, “Are you ready? Do you know what you want?”

She nods. “I do. But you go first.”

I think she wants to have me order before her to further emphasize that this isnota date.

Whatever.

I turn to the server and say, “I’ll have the sixteen-ounce dry rub rib eye and a side of angel hair with marinara.”

“Wow,” Sammie interjects. “That’s a lot of food.”

“I told you I’m hungry,” I say, laughing.

“You weren’t kidding.”

Sammie orders next, opting for the homemade lasagna. I tell her I’ve had that before and it’s delicious.

Our server informs us that both entrées come with house salads and garlic bread.

We both choose a champagne vinaigrette dressing, and then our waiter leaves to put our orders in.

Since it’s late and not too busy, service is quick. Sammie and I only have to wait a few short minutes before our salads arrive.

That’s okay, seeing as we’re both famished and pretty much devour that first course in record speed.

I believe it that Sammie skipped lunch. But it’s all good. I like a girl who’s not afraid to eat on a date.

But wait, this isn’t a date.

In any case, I’m glad she feels like she can be herself.

I think Sammie has been too. Conversation is flowing freely, and I’ve noticed that she’s more of the relaxed, laid-back girl I’ve always known her to be.

That is, prior to our night of abandon.

I’ve also noticed there’s no sadness in her pretty emerald eyes tonight. She is bubbly and carefree.

Hell, I believe this friends-only thing may actually work. Even if I do have the occasional flashback of her body under mine, or me on top of her, or the way her heart-shaped ass looked when I entered her from behind—

Okay, enough.

Shaking my head to dispel my lusty, wayward thoughts, I focus on our entrées that just arrived.

Sammie is already digging into hers.

---