“First date,” I muttered to myself. “It’s the first date, so calm down.”
But so far, I was enjoying it.
It was only about a twenty-minute drive to Evansham, but it was a lovely night and the road was scenic. I loved the fact that Amy had her window partially down and the breeze blew her hair around, and she wasn’t bothered by it at all. She had a soft shawl draped around her shoulders, and as the air moved through the car, I could smell her scent. Flowers and citrus, it was fresh and inviting. Soft, not overpowering.
At the restaurant, we sat at a table overlooking the water. The sun was beginning to fade, its rays reflecting on the lazy waves.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured. “Always so beautiful.”
“Yes, it is,” I agreed, looking directly at her.
“Stop,” she insisted. “You’re giving me a complex.”
“You should have one. You’re gorgeous.”
She smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”
“Me and every other man in the room,” I said.
She rolled her eyes. “I think you’re exaggerating.”
I chuckled as I lifted the menu. “I don’t think so, beautiful.”
She scoffed at my words, but I shook my head. “You are. And I like that.” I indicated her tattoo. “Sexy. Sweet. Just like you.”
“Oh lord, how am I going to survive you?” she muttered.
I leaned close, taking her hand. “Hold tight. I got you.”
She shook her head, but I saw her smile.
“You have to try this,” I said, holding out my fork.
Amy leaned closer, and I slid the tines inside, trying not to groan as she wrapped her lips around the fork and took the tenderloin I offered her.
“Oh my God, that is so good,” she mumbled. She sliced off some of her stuffed sole, and I accepted the bite, the creamy filling delicious and rich.
“Incredible,” I agreed.
My nerves had disappeared as soon as I saw her earlier. Our conversations were relaxed and filled with laughter. More sharing. I swallowed the mouthful I was chewing and sat back, contemplating her. In the low light, she was even more gorgeous than before, which I thought was impossible. She was natural and easygoing. I liked her. A lot.
“Favorite time of day?” I asked.
“Evening. Once dinner is over and I’m ready for the next day, I can relax. Read. When it’s still light, I can take a walk and snap some pictures or draw.”
“You like to draw?”
She nodded, looking shy.
“I would like to see your work.”
“I’m not a professional.”
“I bet you’re underestimating your talent.”
“I’ll show you someday.”
“Soon,” I replied.
“You’re a little bossy, you know that?”
I shook my head. “Decisive. I have to be in my business.”
“You work from home?”
“Yes. Once it was only Mia and me, I set up from home. I hired a nanny I trusted, but I was right there every day, making sure she got good care. As she got older, I made sure she had the opportunity to interact with other kids, and once she went to school, I got someone a few hours a day.”
“What about now?”
“I was looking, but Holly insists that Mia go home with Angela and stay there after school if need be. Otherwise, she’ll come home. With the time difference to Toronto and out west, my day is a bit more flexible. I am looking for someone, though. I have meetings that are later sometimes, or I have to work long hours. I don’t want to impose on Holly all the time.”
“I know a few people I would recommend. One lady, in particular.”
“Great. I’ll get their names.”
We chatted about a few other things as we finished our meal. The waiter cleared our plates and offered us a dessert menu. Amy rubbed her hands in delight. “The best part of the meal,” she crowed.
I smiled widely as I looked down at the choices.
“What?” she asked.
I met her gaze. “I can’t tell you how wonderful this is, Amy. I was nervous earlier. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. And frankly, you are so different from the last person I dated, it’s refreshing and enjoyable.”
“Your ex,” she said simply.
“Yes.”
“Explain it to me.”
The waiter reappeared, and she paused. “I can’t decide between the crème brûlée or the apple crisp,” she mused.
I handed my menu to the waiter. “One of each, please. Two coffees as well.”
Amy smiled. “Ice cream on the crisp. Extra caramel sauce.”
“Of course.”
The waiter left, and I sat back, drumming my thumb on the table.
“Right there. That right there is what is so amazing about you.”
“That I like caramel sauce and ice cream?”
“Yes.” I scrubbed my face. “I don’t want to talk about my ex or compare you, but Kelsey was fanatical about everything. Eating out with her was a nightmare once she let me see her real self.” I barked a laugh. “Well, everything was eventually. But when we dated, she ate lightly, and frankly, I was too wrapped up in her, ah, assets to notice much. But she never enjoyed anything. No appetizer, never dessert, and she pushed her food around her plate, never eating much. She drank a lot of white wine, though. Later in our relationship, she criticized everything. Nothing was ever enough for her.” I looked at the table. “Mia and I certainly weren’t.”
Amy reached across the table, clasping my hand. “You’re better off without her, then.”
I met her understanding gaze, flipping my hand over and squeezing hers. “We are. But you’re such the opposite. You enjoy life. You’re open and real. It’s refreshing and—” I ran a hand through my hair “—I know it sounds stupid, but I find it endearing. I like you.”
She smiled. “I like you too.”
The waiter appeared, setting out our desserts and coffee. He left, and she picked up her spoon, holding it up in challenge and winking at me drolly. “But I love desserts, so my affection for you means nothing. I fight for the last mouthful.”
I picked up my spoon, tapping it against hers.
“Duly noted. May the best man win.”
She grinned. “He is going to be a she.”
And we dug in.
We walked to the tavern, my arm cinched around her waist, tucking her into my side. It was a lovely night, the scent of the ocean strong in the air.
“God, I love it here,” I said. “The scents and the people. The atmosphere you only get in small towns.”
“I know.” She hummed in agreement. “It must be a huge culture shock coming from such a big city to Nova Scotia itself, never mind such tiny towns.”
“It was and is at times. People knowing my name. The bakery remembering I like the sourdough loaf when I go in. Getting greeted by name at the pharmacy or the waves I get as I walk down the street. Everyone talking to Mia. I don’t think that ever happened back there. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s awesome. I want Mia to grow up with this surrounding her.”