Page 41 of Trade Deadline

I can tell he’s different from anyone I’ve ever met.

But when we pull up to the valet outside of Fire Garden, he goes eerily quiet. The shift in his energy is palpable. Did I make a bad call? Does he not like it here? Was the whole taco thing his buddy said just a joke when he actually hates tacos?

My mind goes into overdrive over what could have gone wrong. I really hope I haven’t fucked this all up.

“Are you okay?”

He nods but doesn’t look at me. He’s gazing out the window at the restaurant, anxiously chewing on his lower lip.

The valet goes to open my door but I hold my hand up, letting him know we will be ready in a moment, and lean over to rest my hand on Alex's thigh. Taking his chin between my thumb and forefinger with my free hand, I turn his face toward me.

“If you don’t want to eat here, we can go somewhere else. Hell, I’ll be happy with a drive-thru at Portillo’s or Wendy’s. I just wanna get to know you; there’s no pressure.”

His breath comes out in a whoosh, freeing his lip. It’s swollen and red, begging for me to suck it into my mouth. I manage to resist the urge and give him what I hope is a reassuring smile.

“Here is perfect, thank you. I’ve heard they make some pretty incredible tacos.”

“That’s what I’ve heard too.” I wink.

Inside the restaurant, the low murmur of conversations mixed with the Tejano music playing creates a perfect, chilled ambiance. The walls are painted a deep red, and dark wooden stained booths and tables decorate the floor. It’s not a fancy place, but it is on the higher scale. It’s not quite suit and tie, but I’m not out of place in my relaxed lumberjack vibe. We’re shown to our table, a private booth toward the back, keeping us away from any prying eyes that may want to intrude on our night. I ease myself into the booth opposite Alex, sinking into the soft red leather. The low lighting sets the mood, making it feel romantic and intimate.

“I’m James, and I’ll be your server tonight. I’ll give you some time to look over the menu and come back in a few minutes to take your orders,” James says with a smile before pouring us some water.

I thank him without taking my eyes off Alex, noticing his forehead slightly creasing as he scans the menu, tapping his fingers on the table at an almost anxious rhythm.

A far cry from the confident Alex of only a short time ago.

“Is there anything that’s tickling your tastebuds?”

And when he looks up, that’s when I see it.

Worry. Concern. Panic.

Fuck, what have I done?

The blood rushing through my ears blocks out the noise of the restaurant, and my heart pumps a little harder in my chest. “Alex, have I overstepped?”

He shakes his head. “It’s not you, I promise... I just…” He runs a hand through his hair. He looks lost, uncertain. “I feel really out of my depth here. I can barely afford anything on this menu.”

I’m speechless because I didn't see that coming.

Even while I was growing up, I’ve never had to worry about money or prices, and now I have enough in the bank to last me a lifetime. It didn’t even cross my mind for a second that this might be somewhere out of Alex’s range… Not that I ever expected him to pay a dime tonight.

“I’m sorry. I didn't even think about this… but Alex, there’s no way I’m letting you pay for anything tonight.”

Alex shakes his head again. “You paid for golf; I can’t let you pay for dinner too.”

"I don’t know what kind of assholes you’re used to, but I invited you. It's my treat.”

I know he wants to argue when I see his hands fiddling with the napkin in front of him, but I'm not backing down. He lets out a sigh, rubbing his face with both hands, then gives me a sad but grateful smile. “I’ll owe you.”

I wave him off and rest my forearms on the table to lean closer. “One, you don’t. But two, I wouldn't say no to another date.” I grin widely.

The tension disappears from his shoulders when he laughs, and a sigh of relief escapes me.

“How about we have two of everything?” I suggest as I open the menu. “If you don’t like it, I’ll eat it. I’m a growing boy after all.”

Alex raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching. “Two?”

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