Page 7 of A Pretty Fixation

“Anything else?” I ask after setting their platesbefore them.

“Not right now,” Caleb answers, plucking at mydefenses with that heart-melting smile. “But soon.”

“Ugh.” I purse my lips and cut to his friend.

“I’m good. Thanks.” Dante chuckles before digginginto his food.

I stride off and scan the room. It’s only twoother tables occupied, tended by Matt and Yuri, so I walk to the water stationand pour a cup for myself.

Afterward, I chill in the private area and banterwith Yuri between checking on tables.

As time passes, I walk over to Caleb. It’s onlyhim sitting there.

“All set?” I ask politely, avoiding eye contact.

“Yeah.” He eases back to let me clear the table.

There’s cash next to Dante’s empty plate, enoughto cover his meal.

“How was everything?”

“Great. You were right. It was delicious. I’llorder it next time.”

Next time?Of course, he intends to becomea regular. But why does that give me a rush?

Pushing down the odd feeling, I say evenly, “I’mglad you liked it.”

“My friend had to leave,” he explains. “So don’tworry. It wasn’t the food. He enjoyed his too.”

“That’s good. I’ll be sure to tell our chef.”

I fuck up and meet his enthralling gaze, and a longpause ensues before I catch myself. “Would you like anything else? Coffee, tea,or dessert?”

A suggestive look masks his face. “Dessert soundstempting. But it’s too soon for that. Right?”

Sucking my teeth, I gather everything to walkaway.

“That’s fine, Jordyn. I’m good.” My name soundssensual in his voice, as smooth as honey.

Uncontrollably, I glance at his lips, and I wonderif they’d feel and taste just as sweet.

Shit.

I snap out of it and say, “I’ll get the check.”

Discarding the tray, I retrieve the bill and bringit over. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“How about a fresh start?” That stops me before Ipeel off again.

I look back sideways. “What?”

“I’m Caleb Rosmond now,” he says, extending hishand to me.

I hesitate at first but decide it’s harmless andshake his hand. “Jordyn Davis.” Emotions that make no sense ignite andcirculate throughout my body.

It’s difficult to calm the fluttering in mystomach. Looking down, I realize why.

Our hands are still touching.

---