Page 27 of Hooked on Mack
“Quite the romantic setting, don't you think?” he whispered, leaning in slightly across the table.
“Indeed,” I agreed, a blush warming my cheeks. “I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.”
“Did you hear about the latest case over at my firm?” Mack asked, swirling a piece of bread in olive oil before taking a bite.
“Which one?” I replied, picking up my own slice and echoing his movements. “It seems like there's always something new happening.”
“Ah, well…” He chuckled. “I'm referring to the one involving our rival firm and their client who tried to sue the city for damages after tripping on an uneven sidewalk.”
“Ah yes, that one. They really thought they had a chance, didn't they?”
“Indeed, but it just goes to show how unpredictable our work can be.” He took a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. “Speaking of which, how are things going outside of the office? Any exciting plans on the horizon?”
“Nothing too thrilling,” I admitted with a shrug. “Just trying to find more time for myself, you know? Rediscovering hobbies and interests outside of the courtroom.”
“Ah, that's important.” He nodded. “What kind of hobbies are we talking about?”
“Believe it or not, I've been getting into painting recently,” I confessed. “Nothing too serious, just a way to clear my mind and express myself creatively.”
“Wow, Larissa, I never would have guessed,” Mack said, his surprise not judgmental. “You'll have to show me some of your work sometime. I'd love to see it.”
“Maybe, if you're lucky,” I teased, enjoying the unexpected turn in conversation.
“By the way,” he added, looking me up and down with an appreciative smile, “you look incredible tonight. That dress is absolutely stunning on you.”
“Thank you.”
“Ah yes, Italian food, my one true weakness,” he admitted with a grin. “Though, to be fair, who can resist the allure of fresh pasta and authentic tiramisu?”
“Only a monster, I assume,” I joked, reveling in our easy banter. “But really, you should branch out more, Mack. There's a whole world of culinary delights just waiting to be discovered.”
“Perhaps you'll have to show me some of your favorites,” he suggested. “Consider it another way to expand my horizons outside of work.”
“Maybe I will,” I agreed, savoring the excitement that bubbled up inside of me as we continued to chat and laugh throughout the night.
“Alright,” I chuckled, placing my wineglass down on the table and gathering my courage. “I have a confession to make.”
“Ooh, a confession?” Mack asked, raising an eyebrow. “This should be good.”
“Okay, don't get too excited,” I warned, feeling the familiar sharpness of my tongue soften ever so slightly in his company. “It's just that… well, I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I?—”
“Wait!” he interrupted, leaning forward with mock seriousness. “Before you continue, let me guess: you're secretly a superhero by night, fighting crime and saving the world?”
“Ha! Not quite,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “Though I can see why you'd think that, given my many talents.”
“Of course, of course,” he agreed, grinning. “But please, do go on. I'm all ears.”
“Right,” I breathed, my heart pounding like a gavel in my chest as I prepared to reveal my true feelings. “I was just going to say that I… I would really like to go on a proper date with you, Mack. Like, outside of work events and random dinner outings. An actual, intentional date.”
There, I said it. Much to my relief, Mack's smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes with genuine delight. “Larissa, I've been waiting,” he admitted, reaching across the table tobriefly touch my hand. “I would love nothing more than to take you on a real date.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely,” he assured me, his eyes twinkling like the stars outside the restaurant window. “In fact, I already have a few ideas in mind for our first.”
“Is that so?” I raised an eyebrow. “Well, I do hope your plans involve something other than Italian food, Mr. Harrington.”
“Trust me,” he winked, leaning back in his chair with a confident air. “You're in for a treat.”
