Page 16 of Match My Fall
Aswe stepped outside,Iadded,Fortunately, we didn’t scare her away.Butwe can’t blow it.Tryto restrain yourself tonight.
CHAPTER5
CASSANDRA
Afterwe left the hotel, with my arm looped throughValen’s, he showed me around the village.Thebrick sidewalks were paved and lined with solar streetlamps.Snowwas piled on both sides of the walking path.Thequaint area was walkable, its pathways leading to unique shops and restaurants.Thescents from the various establishments stirred my appetite.
“What’syour favorite place to eat?”Iasked him.
“Toohard to choose.Usually,Iend up atKelly’sPubfor après ski.Afterfinishing a shift, we head over for cold beer and good food.”
“Soundsgood.Let’sgo there.”
Hegrunted. “Onsecond thought, too many of my pack mates will be there.They’llwant to gab.Isee them enough as it is.I’drather go someplace whereIcan be alone with you.”
Theway his gaze traveled over me when he said that sent tingles to my toes.
Itook a deep breath to center myself. “Okay, since you know the best places, what else would you suggest?”
“Doyou likeGreekfood?”
“Loveit.”
“Let’sgo toAthena’sRestaurant.”
“Soundsgood.”
Wecut across the shoveled brick sidewalk over to the restaurant.Valenled me inside, and my mouth watered at the aroma of grilled meat and spices.Iwas hungrier thanIthought.Theinterior was warm and inviting, with deep orange and red hues dominating the color scheme.Framedpictures ofGreecehung on the walls, andGreekinstrumental music played at a low volume in the background.
Oncethe host seated us at a table for two and handed us menus,Iglanced over the options on the drink menu.
“Wouldyou like to share a bottle of wine?”Valenasked.
Ooh, now that wasn’t somethingI’ddone with a man in a long time.Withgirlfriends, yes.Aglass or two alone at the end of a long day, sure.Buton a date?Ithad been so very long.
“I’dlove that.”
Wescoured through the options and picked one we thought we’d both like—a white wine fromGreece.
“WheninGreece,”Inoted. “OraGreekrestaurant.”
Valenchuckled. “It’sgood.Iusually drink beer but on a special occasion like this, wine is a better option.”
Iarched my brows. “Oh, is this a special occasion?”
Heappraised me with a gaze that lingered long, and his lips quirked with a hint of a smile. “Ithink so.”
Heatcurled inside me.Thatlook reminded me of desire and being desired—and it felt damn good.Iresisted the urge to squirm or make a snappy comeback.Hewas working his charm and working it well.
Fortunately, the server arrived with the bottle of wine beforeIcould ruin the mood.Sheuncorked it and poured us each a glass.Therich aroma of the wine filled my nostrils asIlifted the glass to my lips and took a sip.Thevelvety texture and fruity notes danced across my tongue, andIsavored the flavor.
Aftershe left, we glanced at the food options.
“Anythinglook tempting?”Valenasked, a sensual edge in his voice.
Ohyes, he knew exactly what he was doing.Aurora’swords returned.Anythingthat happened tonight would be one night and one night only.Besides, that’s allI’dwant.Welived in different states and led different lives.Whateverthis spark was between us had to simply be attraction.DidIwant to pursue it and see where the night went?
Mybody replied, hell-freaking-yes-you-do, mama bear.
