Page 23 of Seduce

“Good evening and welcome to Pleasant Valley Steakhouse. I’m Victor, your waiter for this evening. Would you like something to drink?”

“Water for right now,” Tessa said.

“Same for me.”

“Very well. Our specials tonight are the Porterhouse, which can be topped with onions and mushrooms, and our fish selection is grilled salmon. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

“They have the best steaks.” Damon lowered his menu and looked at her. “You do eat meat?” Why didn’t he think about that before now? Not everyone was a carnivore like he was.

“Of all the things you worry about.” Her voice held laughter. “Yes, I eat meat, and even if I didn’t, there are plenty of choices here.”

“Well then, I would suggest the filet mignon if you enjoy a good steak.” He folded his menu and laid it aside.

“You’ve decided already?”

“I come here often.” It was one of the best places in town; he, Max, and Jordan ate here regularly when they needed a night out and to talk business.

“I figured as much when the hostess greeted you by name.” She folded her menu and shook her head. “I can’t decide.”

“May I choose for you?” His Dom side sat up. He enjoyed choosing meals for his dates, but not many allowed it. Of course, he hadn’t been on a date in a while, but some things never changed.

“I’d like that.” The relief in her voice made him smile.

“Anything I should be aware of that you don’t like?” He wasn’t going to assume anything with her.

“I can’t think of anything.”

“Is wine okay with dinner?”

“It is.”

Victor arrived with their water. “Have you decided?”

“Yes.” Damon smiled. “Two filet mignons. Medium.” He glanced at Tessa who nodded. “Both with baked potatoes, condiments on the side, with the tableside salad. A bottle of Simple Pleasures Cabernet Sauvignon. We’ll decide on dessert later.”

“Very good, sir. I’ll be back with bread and the tableside salad.” Victor picked up the menus. “Our wine steward will be by shortly.”

“We have a few minutes now before the server comes back, and I can see questions in your eyes.”

Tessa drew her lower lip between her teeth and let it go. Damon wanted to lean over and soothe it with his tongue. “I’ve never been with a man who has so much confidence. I know I’ve called you arrogant, but that no longer fits.”

“It should. I can be arrogant. I’m fully aware of my faults. As for confidence, it comes with being a Dominant. Although some Dominants are unsure of themselves, especially in the beginning.” He’d been unsure of himself when he first started.

“Tell me. How did you get into the lifestyle?”

“It wasn’t until I turned eighteen.” That had been a dark time in his life. How much to tell her? If he wanted honesty from her, he needed to be honest himself. “I’d recently lost my best friend.”

“Oh no.” Her hand covered his. “I’m so sorry, Damon. If it hurts too much, we don’t need to talk about it.”

He turned his hand over and entangled his fingers with hers. “Thank you. I’m okay to talk about it.” With her the pain lessened. “My best friend was a big black lab. His name was Bruiser.”

She squeezed his hand. “How long did you have him?”

“Sixteen years. My dad got him for me when I was two.” In his memories, he could see Bruiser running through the yard to greet him after school. Bittersweet memories. The loss of his dog still affected him, as did other losses.

He pushed away the dark thoughts. “Anyway, I was at college, a little bit adrift in my grief, when I saw an advertisement for a munch.”

“Munches are fun.”

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