Page 23 of One Weekend in Seattle

“That couple was rude. Always trying to be first.” Her voice held a note of dislike.

“I noticed.”

“I think others did, too, but I wasn’t about to let them get away with it.” She glanced at him. “Courtesy has become a lost art.”

“I won’t argue with that.” There were fights at least once a week outside the club when the lines got too long, and it was obvious not everyone was going to get in. They’d taken to cutting the line off.

“I wish people would be better.”

“You’re an optimist.” It was the first word that popped into his mind.

Gabby laughed. “Not always.”

“No one is one hundred percent of something.” He angled his head. “You can make me laugh and smile and not many people can do that.” It was rare that anyone but Eric could do that.

“You’ve been around the wrong people.”

Her words punched him in the gut. Outside of Eric, she was right. He rarely trusted anyone outside of his business partner, especially not a woman. With Gabby, it wasn’t that way. He instinctively trusted her. He wasn’t sure if that was good or not. “Maybe you’re right.”

The waiter returned with their main course. “Wagyu beef with potatoes and mixed vegetables.” He placed the plates in front of them. “The wine pairing is a French Bordeaux.” After pouring the wine, the server left.

“This beef smells heavenly,” Gabby commented.

“It does.” They ate without talking much. Sawyer’s mind played with the possibilities of how tonight would end. Hopefully, in his apartment and bed, but he wouldn’t push Gabby. It would be her choice.

By the time dessert was served, the sun had set. The lights of Seattle twinkled out the windows, making them seem like they were alone in the sky.

“Oh goodness.” Gabby’s voice was quiet.

The server had their dessert. A special one. Well, it was a pretty simple dessert, in his opinion. There was a big bowl filled with dry ice, and the dessert was sitting on top of the ice. When the waiter poured water over the dry ice, white smoke fanned out.

The first dessert was placed in front of her, then him. “Anything to drink?” the waiter asked.

“Coffee, please,” Sawyer said.

“That sounds good.” Gabby’s eyes were fixed on the dessert, watching the smoke dissipate to reveal the contents of the dessert.

“Very good.” The server walked away.

“I love how they did that.” She picked up her spoon.

“I thought you might.” Gabby might be a little burned out with her job, but she still enjoyed food and how it was presented.

By the time they finished dessert and their coffee, it was almost ten. Sawyer texted his driver, and they made their way downstairs. Gabby shivered as they walked outside. After sunset, the air had turned cooler.

“I left my jacket in the car,” she said.

“I should have reminded you to grab it, but I’ll keep you warm.” He gathered her into his arms. “Better?”

“Yes.” She snuggled against his chest. “This has been a wonderful day. I don’t want it to end.”

“It doesn’t have to,” he said softly. Gabby tilted her head back and looked up at him. No risk, no gain. “Come back to my place.”

“I…” Her voice trailed off.

“No pressure. You don’t have to.”

“I know. You’ve been fantastic all day.” She paused. “It isn’t that I don’t want to spend more time with you.”

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