Page 300 of Well Played

Lila’s grin curled into a wide smile. “Someplace with a good steak.” Pressing her confirm button, she selected Hsien-Ko. “I’ll buy dessert.”

“Not one of those girls who insist on having a salad and no dessert?” Nando selected Lord Raptor.

“Nah,” she said as the screen loaded. “I don’t need to impress you.”

Nando smiled widely as the round began. “No, ma’am, you do not.”

6

Nando raisedhis glass to his lips as he looked across the table to the beautiful woman across from him. Who, at the moment, was devouring a beautifully prepared filet. And a side of sweet potatoes. And brussels sprouts.

It was refreshing.

The girls he dated would order tiny salads, then ask for bites from his plate. He’d gotten used to ordering more than he could finish just so he’d have enough dinner left over after his dates were finished asking for “just a taste.”

Lila ordered what she wanted, including all the sides, same as him. She knew what she wanted and had it. Like she said, she wasn’t trying to impress him.

She’d already done so.

His mom would love her. Or they’d fight tooth and nail, but he knew they’d respect each other. Her feisty, honest attitude would charm his dad from the get-go. His brother wouldn’t know what to make of her, but that would be a good thing. And his sisters would gang up on him with Lila leading the charge.

When did he start thinking about introducing her to his family?

“Hey, Nando, you ok?”

He blinked a few times before smiling at her. “Huh? Sorry, what did I miss?”

“I was asking if you wanted to go to my favorite ice cream place after this.” Her plate was mostly clear, just a few bites of veggies left.

“Sure,” he replied. “I think I still have room.”

She laughed then. “There’s always room for ice cream.”

“I thought it was Jello?”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “You want Jello instead of ice cream?”

He shook his head. “Nah, ice cream is ten times better.”

“Good,” she said, spearing one of the brussels sprouts. “I finished most of my veggies, so I earned my ice cream.”

Nando chuckled. “I did too.” He signaled for the check. “Where is this magical ice cream place?”

“By my absolutely favorite Mexican place in the world.”

“That good?”

“Both places are fantastic.” She smiled widely as the server cleared her plate.

Nando signed off the bill while Lila collected her purse. “Let’s go.”

An hour and a half later, Nando was polishing off his Lemon Sorbetto, sneaking spoonfuls of Lila’s Mocha Rum Crunch. She wasn’t lying, this was a magical ice cream place, gelato if he wanted to be specific. He also picked a quart each of the Raspberry and Stracciatella to take home. He knew he’d finish them off before the week was up, but maybe Lila and he could head back to his place for dessert after the ball.

That is if she said yes. Which also meant he should probably ask her.

“Lila? What are you doing on the 13thof December?”

“Laundry.You?”

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