It sounded suggestive and my heart sped up again for the second time today. This man was getting weird reactions out of me.
Just in time, our waiter came back with our food. I took my utensils and cut through my salmon and the flavor burst on my tongue.
I met his gaze watching my every move.
“This is pretty good,” I complimented.
Lachlan smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
He cut into his food and his fork with a small piece of meat drifted across the table to me.
“Try this,” he suggested.
His eyes were intent on me, and for a moment I just watched it. The offer was simple. I went with my instinct and leaned forward with my mouth open, letting him put the piece in my mouth. I closed my eyes for a second and enjoyed the flavors I had forgotten over the past months. I chewed with delight, my taste buds enjoying the food.
After I swallowed, I gave him a small smile. “Pretty good. What is it?”
“Want another bite?” He smiled at me with those intense grey eyes.
“No, thank you. I’m not used to rich food.” I replied and repeated my question. “What is it?”
“We call itgrouse.It is a bird you can only get from the Scottish moors.”
I nodded, realizing again I knew nothing about this country. When I came, it was to escape the memories. And my mother. My intent was never to explore the country and what it had to offer.
I quickly pushed the thoughts away and focused on Lachlan. As if he could feel my eyes on him, he glanced up and smiled.
When he smiles, he doesn’t look like Hunter,I couldn’t help but compare.
We finished our meal fairly quickly. We walked out together, and the fresh air along with the wind on my skin felt good. His hand was again on my lower back, and I tried to ignore how hot it made me feel.
“I’ll walk you home,” he stated.
I nodded, as if giving him permission.
His arm came around me although not in a possessive way. It was as if he wanted to ensure nobody bumped into me on the busy street. We walked together quietly and neither one of us felt the need to break the silence.
“That’s me,” I stated as I pointed to the old Georgian style building with a river stretching on the far east of it.
“You have a great location,” he sounded impressed. “Can you see Water of Leith from your apartment?”
I frowned. “You mean the river?”
He chuckled. “Yes, the river. It is called Water of Leith.”
“Oh,” I muttered and realized for the second time today I knew nothing about this country. “Yes, I can see it.”
“You can probably see my apartment too,” he was talking completely comfortably and I wondered if he tried to put me at ease.
He pointed to a building similar to mine, in Georgian style but much closer to the river. “I’m over there.”
“That’s pretty close,” I mumbled.
“We are practically neighbors,” he replied. “I don’t stay in the city too much but maybe I’ll start.” I glanced at him without a comment and I didn’t think he expected one since he continued. “I left my car at work, so how about we meet here and walk to work together tomorrow?”
“Why do you drive to work if you live so close?” I asked instead.
“I rarely spend the night here anymore,” he told me. “I used to in my twenties. Hence for driving to work.”
“Oh,” I didn’t know if that warranted a reply or not. “Ok, thank you for dinner.”
I was actually nervous. I wasn’t sure if I should invite him up, was I rude by not inviting him, or would I give the wrong impression if I invited him up?
Thankfully, he saved me from further debate. “I’ll be here at seven in the morning and we can walk to work. I noticed you like to go in early.”
He leaned in and kissed my cheek, and before I could even process what happened, he walked away without a backward glance.