Page 98 of Stick Side
“Would it be weird if I asked you to do it?” Ben questioned. “You’ve prepared such an extraordinary feast that I’d feel like a real tool if I didn’t blend all of the flavors together properly.”
Melody smiled in a way that led him to believe she liked his answer and went about arranging both of their plates.
“Do you like chimichurri?” she asked as she twisted around to reach for a small bowl of fresh herb sauce.
“I think so,” Ben commented. “Either way, I’m game to give it a go.” He wasn’t sure exactly what was in it, but he had a feeling it might be the source of the herbaceous scent that was perfuming the air.
“Maybe just a sample drizzle then,” Melody suggested as she spooned a little bit of the vibrant green sauce over top of one of the corners of his steak. She dished out a few extra spoonfuls that she allowed to pool by the side of his steak, presumably so he had access to more if he liked it.
When she was finished plating their food, Melody stepped back to reveal two artful plates of grilled vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes, and herb-topped steak. His mouth began to water as he looked at the finished product.
“This is true restaurant quality,” he raved. And it really was. Between the incredible scents and the glorious pops of color, the meal was a feast for the senses.
“I hope you still think so after you taste it,” Melody teased with the soft smile of someone who seemed fairly confident he would be pleased.
Melody picked up two rolls of cutlery, inspiring Ben to grab both of their plates. He followed her out of the kitchen and placed their meals on the placemats where she had just deposited their cutlery.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Melody asked. “Water? Wine?”
“Water would be great, thank you,” he replied. “I would take a glass of wine, if you’re having one, but it really isn’t necessary. I wouldn’t open a bottle just for me.”
Melody smiled and walked back into the kitchen. She came back moments later carrying a pitcher of water and a bottle of red wine. She deposited the pitcher on the table and then passed him the wine. He was no wine connoisseur, but he didn’t recognize the label.
“How does it look to you?” Melody asked as she walked over to her dining room sideboard and pulled out the necessary glassware. “I think it might pair well with the steak.”
Ben flipped the bottle around so he could read the back label.A rich and spicy Australian Syrah. Pairs well with red meat, duck, grilled vegetables, and hard cheeses.
“It sounds perfect,” he said as he handed it back to her.
“I’m glad you think so,” Melody said with a winning smile and a hint of a laugh, “because the only other bottle I have on hand is a sparkling white that I don’t think would do well at all.”
Ben moved in behind her as she twisted open the wine bottle and placed gentle hands on her hips. He gave her hips a gentle squeeze before bending down and laying a soft kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. “The wine sounds great.” He spoke softly since his mouth was practically brushing her ear, “Butyouare what brings me here tonight. You could serve me mac and cheese and Kool-Aid and I’d still be happy so long as you were here to enjoy it with me.”
Melody put the wine bottle on the table and turned around in his arms. They were so close that her breasts brushed against his chest. He hissed in a breath, clearly still hyperaware of her proximity.
Seemingly unaware of the profound effect she was having on him, Melody lifted her arms and looped them around his neck. “You really say the sweetest things,” she said as she stood up on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his mouth. Her lips were barely on his for more than a second, but that was enough to leave him tingling with want.
His heart beat double time as he looked down at her and took note of the affection pouring out of her eyes. He didn’t want to hold up the incredible dinner she’d made for them, but a herd of wild horses couldn’t have stopped him from placing one more kiss on her lips. He kept his tongue to himself lest he lose all control, but he couldn’t resist one more intimacy, however chaste, before dinner.
Ben stepped back, while he still could. He had to clear his throat before he trusted himself to speak. “Which seat would you like? Did I guess right in my placement?”
He’d assumed she would prefer the smaller portion and to be seated in the chair closest to the kitchen, should she feel the need to get up and check on anything.
“You did,” Melody confirmed with the happy countenance he was used to seeing from her.
Melody poured their wine, while Ben filled their water glasses. “Bon appétit.” She raised her glass and brought it down to clink gently against his.
“Bon appétit,” he returned.
With that, Ben allowed himself to satisfy at least one hunger. Picking up his fork and steak knife, he sliced off a generous bite of what looked to be a ribeye steak. He made sure to get a little bit of the chimichurri sauce onto his fork along with the steak.
Ben groaned as he wrapped his lips around his fork. He needed to consciously focus on not talking with his mouth full.
Once he’d finished chewing and could speak more politely, he made sure to compliment the chef. “Melody, this is absolutely phenomenal.”
She smiled broadly as though he’d given her the best compliment in the world. “I’m glad you like it,” she beamed.
“I more than like it,” he said as he sliced off another piece. He wanted to be ready to pop it into his mouth the moment he politely could.
