Page 23 of Wild Tangled Hearts

He raises an eyebrow, a small grin tugging at his lips. “I don’t do well with surprises.”

"Or not being in control," I chuckle lightly. One date and I already know this much.

“True,” he grins, extending his hands in a gesture of submission. “But I surrender myself to you tonight.”

“Good. Because I’m excited to show you some of my favorite places.” It’s my turn to treat him, and I’ve planned an evening that’s a reflection of me, of my world.

I can’t help but feel a little giddy as we head down the cobblestone streets. The night air is crisp, and the soft glow of streetlights casts a warm, romantic ambiance.

“How was your week?” he asks.

As we stroll, our hands brush against each other, sending warmth up my arm.

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe the chaos,” I reply, my voice filled with affection and exhaustion. “There were paint spills, glitter explosions, and a paper mache mishap that somehow ended up as a dinosaur hat.”

He chuckles. “Did you always want to be a teacher?”

“I’m an artist first,” I say, shrugging. “But I love kids. Their curiosity and boundless creativity inspire me every day. Teaching allows me to nurture not only their minds but also their imagination."

I notice a fleeting shadow cross his expression, but it vanishes as swiftly as it appears. “Your students are lucky to have you,” he says, his words laced with sincerity.

We reach our destination, a hidden gem tucked away in a narrow alley. The sign simply reads “Mykonos Restaurant” in rustic letters. The scent of grilled meats and Mediterranean spices wafts through the air, making my mouth water.

The restaurant is dimly lit, with flickering candles and a soft murmur of conversations in the background. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret.

As we’re seated at a corner table with a perfect view of the bustling kitchen, Sebastian raises his brows. “This place is great.”

I lean in with a playful wink. “And about a tenth of the price of your fancy French restaurant.”

The corners of Sebastian’s lips curl into an amused smile as he leans in closer, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. “I can appreciate someone who’s savvy and frugal.”

I shrug. “Why spend a fortune when you can enjoy incredible food without breaking the bank?” I glance around, taking in the cozy, rustic charm of the place. “Besides, hidden gems like this have character. It’s not just the food; it’s the experience.”

Our waiter arrives, and I eagerly order a sumptuous array of my favorite dishes: tzatziki with pita, spanakopita, moussaka, keftedes, dolmas, saganaki, and a bottle of Retsina to wash it all down.

Sebastian grins at me, his eyes widening. “That’s a lot of food.”

“They’re small portion sizes,” I justify with a playful wink. “And I love to eat.”

“We have that in common—” He coughs, and when it doesn’t subside right away, he excuses himself and steps outside.

Concern washes over me as the seconds tick by and he doesn’t return.

I take a sip of the dry wine the waiter pours, my eyes flickering between the doorway and the seat across from me. After a few moments that seem longer than they are, Sebastian returns, his brows still furrowed as he sits down.

“Sorry about that,” he says, clearing his throat.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my concern lingering.

“Just a tickle in my throat,” he reassures me with a small smile, then takes a sip of water.

“I was worried I’d overwhelmed you with my food choices.”

Sebastian grins, his eyes sparkling again. “I’m up for the challenge.”

As if on cue, our table fills up with the mouthwatering dishes I’d ordered. The fragrant aromas mix in the air, creating a tantalizing symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

I gesture toward the array of dishes. “Dig in. We’re not fancy here.”

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