Page 105 of One Touch

Ethan grinned. “Well, when I saw you ordering that turkey-kimchi burger, I thought you might be up for it. Ida put that burger on the menu after coming here. She’s been putting kimchi in everything lately. Even in some ice cream once, but we don’t talk about that incident.”

I laughed. “Sounds . . . unusual.”

As we approached the restaurant, Ethan reached out for my hand. I took it and squeezed. The moment felt just right. The salty breeze from the nearby seafront mingled with wafting aromas of garlic, ginger, and sizzling meat. My stomach growled in anticipation.

The restaurant interior was a cocoon of warmth and tantalizing scents. Low lighting cast everything in a soft, amber glow, while the buzz of conversation and the gentle clinking of utensils created an intimate atmosphere. Adateatmosphere.

A server guided us to a cozy booth tucked away in a corner. As we slid onto the smooth leather seats, I noticed a flicker of apprehension cross his face.

“I have to admit,” he said, his voice low, “I’m a little nervous.”

I leaned in, drawn by the dancing flame of the candle nestled in a delicate paper lantern between us. “About our date?”

He chuckled, a warm sound that sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. “About the food, actually.” His smile was both sheepish and mischievous. “No pain, no gain though, right?”

I quirked an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, I see. So, you chose this place for the kinky thrill of spice? Was seeing me choke on Cole’s reaper sauce not enough for you the other day?”

“Maybe. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to see you in candlelight.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at my lips. “Smooth, McCoy. Real smooth.”

The air between us crackled like the first spark before a flame. As I watched Ethan’s eyes scan the menu, the flickering candlelight cast shadows across his striking features.

Ethan ordered wine and then asked me to choose the food. “Don’t worry, spice queen. I trust you.”

“How weird can I go?” I asked.

“As weird as that freaky brain of yours dares.”

I erred on the side of caution but ordered a spread of dishes to share—bulgogi,japchae, and a sizzling hot pot that contained a long list of ingredients I loved individually but had never tried together. And, of course, I ordered extra kimchi. Because kimchi goes with everything.

“So, since this is our first date, I figured I should probably get to know you,” Ethan said, with a smile.

He looked so devilishly handsome, he could have made a bunch of meaningless grunts and I’d still have been happy just to watch his face. “Okay! What do you want to know?”

“If money was no object, what would you do with your life?”

“Damn. That is hard. It’s impossible!”

He laughed. “Sorry, I thought I’d start with a big one. You know, Cole brought a list of questions for Elara on their first date. Printed it out.”

“I actually know that. She told me.” I bit my lip. Was now a good time to admit to the questionsI’dwritten out on the back of that receipt today? I’d decided at the last minute, to leave it at home.

“I spoke to him today. He advised me to do the same thing.”

“So did you?”

He smirked. “No way. I’m not a dweeb like Cole. I don’t need a list of questions.”

“Yeah,” I said. “What a total dweeb.” I swallowed, trying not to look guilty.

The wine arrived and the server poured us both a glass. Ethan raised his and clinked it against mine.

I took a sip. It was light and fruity. Very easy to drink, especially when my nerves were running as high as this.

“Come on,” said Ethan. “You haven’t answered my question. Dream life?”

I pondered for a moment. “You know what? That’s actually really easy.”

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