Page 122 of Nate

Markie heard the air fryer beep, indicating the steaks were done, and got to her feet.

“We’re having salads with them, okay?”

“That’s fine. Let’s go eat, sweetheart. I’m starving.” Nate stood, put his hand out for her to take, then led her to the kitchen.

They entered the kitchen and Markie started on the salads while Nate removed the steaks from the air fryer and put them on plates. He carried them to the table and set them down.

When she turned to carry the salads to the table, she grinned when she saw Nate standing beside the table, waiting for her. She smiled at him when he pulled a chair out for her. She kissed his lips, sat down, and watched him sit down across from her.

“You have such good manners, Nate.”

“My parents thank you.” He winked.

“I bet they’re wonderful.”

“We’ll go see them one day. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

“I’d like to meet them too. Nate, I—” She shook her head. She almost told him she loved him.

“You, what?”

“I forgot the salad dressing.” She mentally groaned.I forgot the salad dressing? Seriously, Marjorie Ann?

“I’ll get it.” Nate shoved his chair back, stood, got the salad dressing, then sat back down.

“Thank you.”

“Sure. It smells amazing.” Nate cut into his steak, speared a piece, chewed and after swallowing, he groaned.

“It does. Oh, did you want steak sauce?”

“Nothing goes on my steak. I want to taste it.”

Markie tilted her head and smirked. “But yet, you put ketchup on your fries.”

“That’s different.”

“Is it? Is it really?” She bit her lip when his eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” he said with a firm nod.

“How?”

Nate waved his fork around. “It just is.”

Markie leaned back, folded her arms, and stared at him.

“You just won’t admit it’s the same. You don’t like anything on your steak, so you can taste it. I don’t put ketchup on my fries because I want to…tastethem.”

Nate stared at her, then grinned. “Touché.”

Markie laughed. “I don’t use steak sauce either, but my father would drown a steak in it.”

“I know some people who do that.” Nate yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m exhausted.”

“We’ll watch some TV after dinner, then go to bed. I’m tired too.” Markie sighed. “I hope I can sleep.”

“I’ll be right beside you.”

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