Page 37 of Arrogant Arrival

We both laugh as our waiter brings our food to the table. The food smells delicious. I immediately dig in. The flavoring is incredible. It’s so cheesy, and the tomato-based sauce has just the right amount of seasoning. The chicken is so tender, and the little square pasta noodles are al dente. I eat bite after bite. I finally come up for air to get a sip of wine when I meet Jimmy’s amused eyes. He reaches over with his napkin and wipes my chin.

“I was going to ask to try a bite since it seems so scrumptious, but was afraid I might get bitten.”

I chuckle, “Don’t act like that’s what stopped you. Because you and I both know you like it when I sink my teeth into you.” I go to swat his hand, but at the last minute think better of it. I grab his hand and lightly bite his finger before wrapping my lips around it and gently sucking. His eyes darken, and with a pop, I pull his finger out. Jimmy takes his finger and places it on his tongue. My eyes are fascinated by how his tongue licks his finger, and then his lips wrap around the digit. His voice lowers as he says, “That is scrumptious. No wonder you ate every last bite.”

I slide my plate toward him and smirk. “You’re welcome to lick the plate clean.”

“I’d rather lick something else–”

“Um…excuse me.” My eyes widen in horror as a new waiter has come to our table. We both turn to the gentleman standing there holding a bottle of wine. “Compliments of the older couple over there.” He nods toward his right. We look over to see an elderly couple wave at us.

Jimmy smiles and waves to them as he asks the waiter, “Why?”

The waiter smiles and shrugs. He speaks in Greek and then Jimmy chuckles. He turns to the couple and places his hands together and lightly bows. He turns to me and translates as the waiter leaves. “They said we remind them of when they were young. They said something about young love. Congratulations. And to enjoy.”

I wave to the couple and call out ‘thank you’ in butchered Greek. “Efcharistó”

They stand and wave bye to us as they slowly walk away. Jimmy pours me another glass of wine. “Well, I guess we know how we’re spending our night.Drunk.”

“We could share it?”

“Were you not planning to share it with me?”

“With other guests. I’m going to be tipsy if I drink much more.”

We each pour ourselves a glass, and then Jim looks to the table closest to us. He asks in Greek if they’d like a glass. Another table close to us I hear speaking in English, so I ask if they’d like a glass. We pour them a glass. All the tables surrounding us laugh and drink. Jimmy pours me another glass, and I am starting to feel the effects of the wine. An upbeat song comes over the speakers and Jimmy grins. He stands and once again starts dancing. Easing his way around the table, he leans down into my ear and purrs, “Come dance with me.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “I don’t dance in public, and I’m more than likely going to trip as I’m slightly inebriated.”

“Come on, you danced just fine in front of my family.”

“That wasn’t inpublic. And I might’ve been a little…” I shake my shoulders and smile at him.

He raises his eyebrows and extends his arms. “This is like family. This is a family of people all wanting to have a good time.” They raise their glasses to him. He looks back to me and smirks. “Come dance with me…chicken.”

“Chicken?”

He leans into my ear and whispers. “Chicken.”

I turn up my glass and down my wine. Before I can think better of it, I stand and push his shoulder, moving him out of my way. Then, I dance.

Like no one is watching.

When in reality, Jimmy is watching my every move.

Jimmy

The night is going better than I could have ever imagined. I’m having more fun than I can ever remember having. I don’t know what it is about Jolene, but I live to surprise her. I love seeing that shocked look in her eyes when I do something crazy or embarrassing. Honestly, I typically don’t act this bold, but there’s something about her that brings it out in me.

Her smile. That’s what it is. Seeing it makes my chest swell, and that light in her eyes when she looks at me, knowing that I did that. It usually makes an appearance when I’m making a complete ass of myself, but nevertheless, I put that look of happiness on her face.

I was determined to get her to let loose and dance, and here she is, belly dancing on an island in an outdoor restaurant by the beach. Her sweet laugh is music to my ears as she says, “Nobody else is dancing.”

“So? I don’t care about anybody else.” I reach out and grab her hips and pull her against my front. “I don’t want to dance with them.”

She turns around, and the smirk on face her radiates more sinful promises, “I feel like taking this dance somewhere more private. What about you?”

“You most definitely don’t have to ask me twice, koritsi mou.”

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