Page 85 of Sunshine

He pulled away, looking as dazed as I felt. “Later. I really want to show you the restaurant.”

I pouted. “Mean. Get me all worked up just to leave me wanting more.”

Luca winked and it went straight to my panties. “Always, kitten. Always.”

He ushered me out of the cottage, and we got into his car. It was a gorgeous evening, with the sun starting to set over the ocean. As he drove, we talked about everything and nothing.

It was so easy to talk to Luca, and once again I had that feeling that I almost couldn’t trust it. Everything with this pack was easy, and it was hard not to brace myself for an inevitable end.

When I realized the way my thoughts were going, I told myself that I wasn’t going to think like that. I would enjoy my time with this pack—who already had more of my heart than I was comfortable with—and instead of over-analyzing everything, I would just let the chips fall where they might.

I had no reason to sulk in doom and gloom feelings with Pack Kahele.

We drove downtown, the lights of the restaurant district already twinkling in the early evening. On the outskirts of Half Moon Bay, several new places dotted the strip.

On the corner of a little group of buildings was a brand new restaurant. A sign with the name Heartbeat sat over the glass and wood doors. It almost looked like a pub in Boston, minus the wrought iron fence to the sideway and the potted plants in the windows.

“I’ve heard good things, and Chef Kincaid had a meeting with Logan a few weeks ago to talk about local business.” Luca ushered me into the restaurant, one hand on the small of my back.

The gesture was more comforting than I knew how to process. It had felt wonderful having Luca by my side at the last event. How much more confident would I feel as I spent more time with the pack?

The interior was cozy, with warm twinkling lights recessed into the brown wooden walls. Round tables were covered with crisp white tablecloths, and squat candles in clear glass bowls at the center of each one created an inviting atmosphere. The maître d’ stepped up to us and nodded respectfully to Luca. “Mr. Kahele. Welcome back to Heartbeat.”

Luca nodded. “Nice to see you again, Wilson.”

“Your table is ready.” Wilson led us to the side of the restaurant where I discovered we had a window seat overlooking the ocean.

Luca stood behind me to carefully push my chair in for me, and I smiled to myself, secretly thrilled at the five-star treatment. I’d told Talia that I didn’t plan to be a high maintenance princess, but I loved how it felt to come to a beautiful place for dinner, and to be treated as someone special.

“You like?” Luca gestured around us. “I find it charming.”

I smoothed my hands over the silky-smooth texture of the tablecloth, resisting the insane urge to steal it for Julian’s nest. Maybe Logan could find out where Chef Kincaid ordered his tablecloths from. “It’s very cozy. Upscale without feeling off-putting. I’m not stressed out trying to remember which fork to use.”

“Exactly.”

The waiter came over and we ordered wine.

“So.” Luca sat back in his chair. “I realize we’ve all only just started dating, but I wanted to ask if there’s anything you need. Or want. I want you to be as happy as you make us.”

I grinned, despite feeling a little bit nervous at the intensity of his attention. “I love spending time with you three.”

Luca looked me over. “You’re sure? We’re sort of set in our ways, and I can imagine it would be easy to feel like it’s hitting a wall.”

“I’m absolutely sure.” I sipped my wine. It was a sweet white wine, nice on my palate without the bitter tang of a red. The waiter returned, and I ordered a seafood sampler plate. Luca got a porterhouse, and he went back to looking at me as if I held the universe’s secrets.

“Our schedules can be a challenge,” he said with a frown. “Julian’s shifts at work require us to be creative, and I want you included in that. Even if we’re used to working late on nights he’s away, you’re important to us.”

“Thank you.” I shifted in my seat. “But I promise, I’m happy.”

More than happy. Happier than I should be during the early days of dating.

“You seem a bit reserved.” Luca fiddled with a napkin, the only tell that he might be nervous. “I wasn’t sure if we could do anything to reassure you or…”

I shook my head. “I’m still getting used to the idea that we’re all…an item. I don’t mean to push you away. It just seems too good to be true.”

“You deserve every good thing,” Luca cocked his head. “You deserve to be pampered and spoiled.”

“You barely know me,” I said with a laugh to hide my tension.

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