Page 20 of How To Woo A Warrior Orc

“I am happy to walk, but if you need me to be your security doll to carry around, that’s fine too.”

He laughs again, this time quieter, more sly, and holds out his big hand.

I place mine in his, and tug him gently towards the alley of my favorite Night Market-only restaurant.

“There’s nothing back there,” Ga’Rek says, a bit uneasily.

I throw him a grin over one shoulder and walk faster.

The illusion blocking the alley shimmers, the dingy cobblestones turned gleaming as we pass through the spell. Ten tables line the alley, a family laughing at one as they eat, a couple cuddled up and talking in sweet whispers at a two-seater.

A server in a pretty dress smiles at me, nodding at an empty two-seater in the corner.

Ga’Rek’s tall enough that he has to crouch to avoid hitting his head on the many glowing lanterns strung between the stone buildings. They illuminate the space with a warm, romantic glow, and the scent of heavily spiced meat weighs on the air, making my mouth water.

“I would never have known this was here,” he says, clearly impressed.

“Aren’t you glad you have me, then?” I ask, attempting levity after the weirdness with Caelan.

He doesn’t laugh again, but fixes his intense gaze on my face. “Yes. I have never been so glad to have someone in my entire life.”

My breath catches at that, and a warm, floaty happiness settles in my chest.

I squeeze his hand, at least, the portion of it I can hold, and lead him to the table the server indicated.

A thick, cream-colored tablecloth with a subtle rose pattern covers the table, and I smooth my palms over it in appreciation as I sit.

“This is here… only during the Night Market?”

Gleeful, I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “It’s only here once a month during the Night Market.”

His thick, dark eyebrows rise in surprise. “And the illusion?”

“Only on restaurant nights,” I confirm, loving the way he leans in like we’re telling secrets. The table creaks under his weight.

“Good evening, Piper, and you’re Ga’Rek, right?” The family matriarch’s standing next to our table, and I smile at her, placing one hand over Ga’Rek’s in a sign of companionship.

I want him to like this place as much as I do.

“That’s right,” Ga’Rek says, slightly stiff. One hand goes to his waist, clenching around something that’s not there before it falls in his lap.

“I’ve heard so much about you from Piper and Wren both. Caelan swings by to say hello too, sometimes. I’m Malia, by the way. Do you want to hear what we’ve made tonight, or have it be a surprise?” She smiles warmly at us both, her brown skin luminescent in the light of the lanterns.

Ga’Rek visibly relaxes, leaning back in his chair.

“I’d like to hear about it,” I tell her. I love hearing about how other chefs work, especially Malia, who has an entirely different skillset than I do.

“Oh good,” she claps her hands in excitement, and I share a grin with Ga’Rek across the table. “Today we have a selection of slow-roasted meats. Spice-rubbed pork, brined turkey, and there’s even a side of beef. There’s a hearty potato and carrot soup, loaded with salt-pork, cheese, and green onions on top, and then we have a selection of charred seasonal vegetables and some of the last summer peppers from the garden. We also have a board of early autumn fruits and cheeses we will start you off with, to whet your appetite,” she pauses for breath, then looks straight at me.

“What?” I ask instantly.

“Now I’m nervous,” Malia tells me with a laugh. “Because the best baker in the country is sitting here, and I’m about to tell her about my chocolate cream pie.”

“Malia, you can do no wrong in the kitchen, and I’ve never found chocolate cream pie I didn’t love.” I beam at her, delighted by the praise and turning slightly pink from it, too.

She blows out a breath, shoving her hands into her apron pockets. “You’ll have to tell me if it’s not quite right.” I open my mouth to argue with her, but she holds up a hand, cutting me off. “No, I mean it. I want your honest opinion.”

I incline my head, amused, gratified, and slightly embarrassed at her insistence.

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