Page 64 of Dangerous Love

“How?” I murmured, my eyes taking in the entrees steaming on our plates.

He pulled my chair, then motioned for me to relax. Once I was settled, my eyes studying all the immaculate details in front of me, he shook out a silk napkin and placed it on my lap. “Madam is served,” he crooned. He stepped across from me and sat himself down, our feet touching under the draped fabric. “A good magician never reveals his tricks.” His calf hugged mine. “But I had help from one of the best chefs in town, and trust me, his food is to die for.”

I leaned forward until my nose inhaled all the aromas floating in the air. A mix of spices, warmth, and Mediterranean spirit called to my taste buds. I swiped some of the sauce with my pinkie and brought it to my lips. Then I closed my eyes as I allowed the flavours to make love to my tongue. “Wow,” I said. “This is out of this world.”

Michael smiled as he dunked his own finger in one of the dips between us. Slowly, he brought it to my mouth, his eyes never leaving mine. “It gets better.”

A new heat built inside me as his finger pressed against my lips and found my tongue. Physically, I recognized pleasure. I’d experienced it before. Emotionally, confusion nagged at me.

Stop with the Debby Downer act, sister. You’re not doing anything wrong. Riley is no more.

I sucked on Michael’s finger, the pesto better than any of the ones I’d had, even in Italy. “Jesus. Who is this chef?”

“Someone worth having as a friend. Imagine a guy like that cooking at any of your parties.”

I laughed. “I don’t know what kind of parties you have, but in my world, we cook frozen cheese pastries and call it a day.”

He tilted his head, a grin on his face. “Well, surely you could get converted, right? Professionally prepared food has to be better than the shit we sell at Coles.”

I gripped my napkin tighter. Why the hell did he have to find a way to bring both Riley and Avery in the forefront of my mind without even trying? I pushed the sadness away, and pretended I didn’t miss my brother like crazy. I sighed. “My brother’s a chef. He’s an amazing one too.”

Michael raised a brow. “Is he?”

“Yep. He owns Nutrify with his wife, as well as an Italian Restaurant on the Gold Coast.”

He whistled, his body leaning back like this was a dig to his ego. “Jeez. Nutrify, hey? Australia's biggest commercial line of premade meals. Well, that makes Alfredo here look like a third-year apprentice.”

I grabbed his hand and squeezed his fingers. “No! Not at all. This is the best date anyone has ever organised for me.” I paused when he grinned silently. “This is a date, right?”

He nodded. “If you’ll have me.”

Sweat pooled at the back of my neck, almost like my body and mind were stuck in some form of deadlock. My heart pumped harder, my hands growing clammy. I wiped them on the napkin, trying hard at keeping a smile pasted on my face, despite my soul wanting to cry. “Michael,” I said, “I really like you.”

“I like you too.”

God, help me to know what to do.“I’m so grateful for you, and I want to see what we have, without rushing through the steps. If that makes any sense…” I laughed, and it was the most awkward sound I’d ever heard.

“Babe, I don’t need to remind you that we already live together, right?” I relaxed when he winked and let go of my hand. “I’m in no rush, though. Good things come to those who wait.”

“Thank you,” I murmured before pointing to the food and changing the subject. “I can’t wait to try this.”

He grabbed his knife and fork and motioned to my plate. “Come on. Dig in.”

The meat broke under my fork like it had been slow cooking for longer than I’d been alive. I pricked the brown flesh and brought it to my lips. Perfectly crafted lamb melted in my mouth. Avery would die in ecstasy or kill the man for the secret recipe. The right amount of salt and spices, just enough tomato juice without overwhelming the senses, and an intricate combination of wine, garlic, and onions all blended together.

My belly sighed when I swallowed the first mouthful. “This is soooo delicious.”

“Isn’t it?” Michael murmured as he cut his roasted vegetables and brought them to his lips.

For the next twenty minutes, we ate in silence, our taste buds dancing in sync. Every once in a while, we’d look up at each other, a simple smile keeping us in this romantic setting. Between sips of our wine, we’d talk about our day and all our dreams and aspirations.

Stuffed, I sighed, my hand rubbing the top of my tummy. “Wow. I’m not sure I can move. This was amazing. Thank you.”

Michael wiped his mouth with his napkin before he met me on my side of the table. “Would you?” he asked, as he extended a hand.

I grabbed it, and he led me to the ledge of the rooftop where he first showed me the city views. With the nightfall, the lights shone even brighter, the warm vibe spreading throughout the whole of Brisbane.

“I’ve lived in lots of cities, but this is one of the best.”

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