Page 22 of One Weekend in Seattle

“Lobster and crab?” Gabby stared at the plate.

“I figured it might be a good choice since you’re from the Bay Area. Dungeness crab have a completely different taste than red or brown rock crab.”

“I can’t wait.” She cut a piece of crab cake and ate it. “Goodness. These are delicious. The Old Bay seasoning isn’t overwhelming, and the crab is so fresh.”

Sawyer’s pleasure skyrocketed at her words. He was ecstatic that she was happy and savoring the food. He took a bite of his own food. “It’s perfect.”

“Yes, it is. Anyway, back to your question. Culinary school was expensive, but I was lucky. I was able to get a couple grants, which covered most of the cost. The other chefs at the restaurant also chipped in by gifting me with little things.”

“What kinds of little things?” He hated the idea that she might have struggled.

“The owner gave me a chef coat, apron, and hat. The executive chef gifted me with knives made for me and a sharpener. The rest of the staff chipped in and bought me basic utensils, a backpack, and a knife roll.”

“That was generous of them.”

“They were a good group. I worked with most of them throughout my schooling.”

“How long did it take you?”

“About six years to get my bachelor’s degree. I could only go to school part-time, but it did help that I was already working in a restaurant for my hands-on training.” She took a bite of the lobster roll and let out a moan.

His dick hardened at the sound. Would she moan when they made love? He’d make sure of it. Sawyer took a sip of wine, willing his cock to calm down. The night was still young.

“How did you become a manager of a nightclub?”

Good question. “I was bored with my job in tech, so I was looking around for something new and found The Vault.”

“You said you have an engineering degree, does that mean you also have some sort of technical degree?”

“Guilty.”

“Heavy duty degrees.”

“I was lucky. My parents were able to pay for my college.” And then some. But he didn’t add his thoughts. It wasn’t time yet. He knew he’d have to tell her sooner or later, and it was selfish to wait, but he enjoyed being anonymous with Gabby and didn’t want to ruin her night.

“Do you enjoy being a nightclub manager?”

“Most days.” They’d finished their second course. The waiter cleared away the plates. “I like being around people and seeing that they’re having fun. The paperwork, not so much.”

“I hear you. Don’t you have to work tonight?”

“The advantage…” He almost said, the advantage of being the owner. “Advantage of having another manager who can work so I could have the night off to spend with you.”

Gabby gave him a small smile before she glanced out the window. “The view is beautiful.”

The sun had begun to set, and the water gleamed as the lights around the city snapped on, making the city come alive. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I am.” She turned to him. Her eyes grew serious. “I don’t like the idea of how much money you’re spending on me.”

They were back to that. “Gabby.” He slipped closer as he squeezed her shoulder. “I wanted to do this. I’m not spending more than I can afford.” Guilt filled him once again for hiding part of himself from her.

“Are you sure?” She sighed. “The tour this morning, this afternoon, lunch. Now this dinner and view.” She waved her hand. “I’m sure a meal at the Space Needle isn’t cheap.”

“You’re worth it.” Her eyes widened at his words. “Has no one told you that before?”

She shook her head.

“Well, how short sighted of them. You are more than worth this dinner.” He shifted in his seat. “I watched you today. In each store, you were respectful to the employees, patiently waited when you needed to. On the food tour, you always let the older couple go in front of us, and I saw you block that young couple from jumping in front of them at one point.”

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