Page 105 of Until He Confesses

She was forced to let it go, and she returned her attention to the menu. With my collaboration, she ordered a charcuterie and cheese board for us to share, sandwiches, and a tropézienne cake.

I was unexpectedly and suddenly famished when I heard her selection, so I decided to go ahead and order some extras. I picked burgundy snails, poached eggs, lentils, and a veggie burger. Her eyes widened with interest at my selection, and I was sure that I was only going to be able to eat half of it before she swooped in and demanded to taste from my plate. I didn't mind and looked forward to it, unable to help thinking back to the past when she would never truly eat from her plate.

I smiled then, shaking my head, and when I looked up, I saw her watching me.

“What?” she asked, and I considered whether to bring it up. Ultimately, I decided to. “You used to tell me that my food always seemed more appetizing, even if we ordered the same plate, so you would always take a bite or spoonful of mine before moving over to yours.”

She beamed as well as she recalled this.

“So, I was just thinking that I expect you to do the same here as well because of your expression when I ordered.”

Her smile grew even wider, but then she sighed.

“I wish I could, but wouldn't that be crossing a line?”

“No,” I replied matter-of-factly, and something about the way I said it immediately shut down her concern.

As I did this, she looked at me, and then she lowered her gaze and smiled. Eventually, the food was delivered, and we both dug in. She didn't hold back, taking bites from my food as usual, especially when it came to the cake. I knew she wanted the last piece because she kept sneaking looks at me as she maintained our conversation about home decor until eventually, I picked up my fork. Before I could put the cake to my mouth, she caught my wrist and stopped me.

“Shameless, I know. I ate most of it, but you don't even like sweets.”

I was amused and without further thought allowed her access to the cake. She put the fork into her mouth, savoring the taste, and I couldn't take my eyes off her. The way the fork went to her mouth and the way she refused to let go, licking it completely, sensually and inappropriately as she stared at me. Amused, I shook my head and picked up my phone to read the message that had just come in.

“I looked dumb, didn't I?” she asked, and I glanced at her again.

“It did what it was supposed to do,” I replied, so she wouldn't think that I was ignoring her. Her eyes widened, but I returned my attention to my phone.

“You mean that?” she leaned forward to ask, but I briefly ignored her. Then she began to stroke my leg underneath the table. I enjoyed every bit of it, but it was time to leave.

“I have one of those casual meetings set in an hour's time,” I told her.

Instantly, she pulled her leg away and nodded.

“Sure.”

I signaled to the waiter, and he brought over the check. She reached out for it, and I was so surprised that I couldn't react fast enough to take it from her.

“On me,” she said. “Thanks for the dress.”

I smiled as I watched her and decided to tease her a bit.

“You're not paying for the dress?” I asked, and she went still. Then she turned to me, and despite how hard I tried to hide my smile, the panic in her eyes amused me.

"You're joking, right?" she asked, and I stood up from my seat. I headed out of the café to call for a car. Suddenly Callie arrived and bumped into my side.

"You're joking about the dress, right?" she asked.

"Of course, I am," I replied. "Consider it an early birthday present since you won't let me get you anything."

"My birthday?" she asked, and then she smiled.

"It's next month."

"Do you remember the day?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked and waved, just as I spotted the tinted town car coming over.

"Tell me,” she said, and I smiled.

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