Page 60 of All That She Needs

He led us through the crowded restaurant, weaving between tables filled with diners enjoying their meals. The rich aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and spices filled the air, making my stomach growl.

When we reached the back, Andy gestured to a cozy table with a good view of the restaurant. "Here you go!" He pulled out a chair for Asha with a flourish. "This is the best seat in the house."

"Thanks, Andy," I said, taking a seat across from Asha after she thanked him, too.

He beamed at us before heading back to the kitchen, telling the server to take our orders. I took the liberty of ordering, as per Asha's request. I glanced at her—she still seemed a bit overwhelmed but intrigued by the restaurant's lively atmosphere.

"What do you think?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.

"I love it," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "It feels so vibrant here. And the food smells amazing!"

"Just wait until you try it," I said with excitement. "You won't be disappointed. That's why I never made Chicken Kung Pao for you. I could never recreate Andy's flavor."

Not long after, our orders arrived. The famous Chicken Kung Pao took center stage, surrounded by an array of other dishes I had chosen. Asha stared at it intently, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"I'm nervous now," I mumbled.

Asha lifted her gaze to me, looking puzzled. "Why?"

"I'm nervous that it won't live up to your expectations."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "It looks amazing. I can't wait to try it."

With that, she scooped some dishes onto the small plate in front of her. The moment she took her first bite, she moaned—literally moaned—her eyes closing in delight.

I could only watch her, utterly smitten. Intense feelings churning in my stomach and chest. I was really, seriously, fallen head over heels for this woman.

"So, it's good?"

"Oh my god," she said between bites, her expression a mix of surprise and pleasure. "This is incredible! I can't believe I've been missing out on this."

I smiled happily and started to eat myself.

"Are you having a good time so far?" I asked her, wanting to do everything I could to ensure she enjoyed this date.

She nodded, covering her mouth with her hand as she chewed. "Yes," she said after swallowing. "Thank you. I'm having a delightful time with you."

Her words brought warmth to my chest. I enjoyed knowing I could make her feel this way. I wanted to remember this moment—the way her eyes lit up and the genuine smile on her face—and find a way to recreate it.

"Good," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "Because I'm having the best time of my life."

But I was also having a fucking hard time not jumping over the table and kissing her senseless. I was desperate to find out if those lips were as soft as I imagined, to discover if they tasted like the sweetness I envisioned. I wanted to thread my fingers through her hair and tug gently, exposing her delicateneck for me to feast. I wanted to sink my teeth on her elegant shoulder, painting my mark on her creamy white skin, and then I would lick the wound to ease the pain. I wanted to feel her bare skin beneath my hands, convinced it would be the smoothest thing I ever touched. I wanted to make love to her. To fuck her, make her scream my name, giving her pleasure that showed her how she possessed my mind, my body, my soul. I wanted—craved,so much more.

I was losing my mind over her. If only she knew.

Her expression softened, and we simply looked at each other for a moment. I would give anything to know what was going through her mind. Was she thinking about how much I loved her? Did she know? Despite the short time we've known each other, I fell in love with her so deeply; it was beyond reason. I knew it shouldn't be this strong yet—I didn't understand it either—but it was there, filling my entire heart, taking up permanent residence. It consumed me completely.

I wanted to ask how her divorce was going, but I didn't want to spoil her mood. I wanted tonight to be perfect, free from the weight of her painful past. I knew they had been separated for months, that the divorce papers were in progress, and, most importantly, that she had already signed them.

Not that I intentionally stalked her or invaded her personal life, as I had promised myself that I would patiently wait until Asha was ready on her own terms. But Theo kept feeding me information even though I hadn't asked. I even threatened him to stop, but he wouldn't listen. He was really determined for Asha and me to happen.

We had just finished our meals when she called my name. "Liam," she breathed, her eyes locked on mine. For a moment, a mix of hope and worry surged within me; I thoughtshe might reveal her feelings, which could go either way. But she said, "I don't want to go home yet."

I raised my brows and grinned widely, feeling a wave of relief as I didn't want the night to end too. "Where do you want to go?"

Her lips curved into a thoughtful smile, and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. "It's been a while since I watched a live jazz performance. Do you know any good places?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." I said proudly. "And it's not too far from here."

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