Page 51 of Nate

Markie stepped down from the truck, and he led her into the restaurant.

“I’ve never been here.”

“Fantastic food.”

“That’s what Sydney said. I called her to ask what I should wear.”

“So, I have her to thank for that dress you’re almost wearing.”

Markie laughed. “Yes.”

“I’ll be sure to do that.”

“She told me you two went on a date.”

“Yeah, a long time ago. We’re better off as friends.”

“That’s what she told me. God! The food smells amazing.”

“I promise you will have a tough time deciding on what to get.”

“What do you get?”

“Usually a ribeye.”

“I’ll look at the menu.”

“Okay.” He opened the door to the restaurant for her, then followed her inside.

At the podium, the hostess asked them if they had a reservation.

“Yes, ma’am. For Jefferson.”

“Oh, yes. Please follow me.” She picked up two menus then led them to a booth. After placing them on the table, she looked at Nate. “What would you like to drink?”

“Markie?”

“Chardonnay is fine.”

“Beer for me. Whatever is on tap is fine.”

“I’ll be right back with those.” She smiled at him again and walked off.

Markie slid onto the bench, picked up the menu and scanned it. Nate couldn’t take his eyes off her. She glanced up and did a doubletake.

“What?”

“You’re a beautiful woman, Markie.”

“Thank you. You’ve said that before.”

Nate grinned. “I know, but it bears repeating.”

Markie smiled. “You’re a very handsome man, Nate Jefferson.” She frowned. “Is Nate short for Nathaniel or Nathan?”

“Nathanial, with an ‘a’ instead of ‘e’. My mother wanted it spelled that way. I was born premature and wasn’t expected to make it. When they knew I would, they spelled my name with an ‘a’ because it means Gift of God. She was sure that’s why I survived.”

“I like it. Your blue eyes are just gorgeous. I think they were the first thing I noticed about you.”

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