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“Oh dear.”
An awkward pause followed as the reality of our situation sank in. We were well and truly alone now for this intimate dinner.
I spoke up. “So, now that it’s just the two of us… Are we still having dinner, or…?”
Neil rubbed the back of his neck. “It seems like the universe has conspired for this to happen.”
“I agree.”
He sighed. “Well, I suppose it would be a shame to waste the reservation. If you’re happy to stay…”
“Yes, of course. I’m happy if you are.”
“All right, then.” He caught the waiter’s attention and informed her the other two wouldn’t be coming after all. “Is there any chance we could move to a table outside on the balcony instead?” he asked.
The waiter nodded and showed us to a secluded little table down at the far end of the balcony. The sun was melting into pink and orange hues on the horizon. Strings of lights twinkled on the balcony railing, and boats drifted across the shimmering harbour. Neil held my chair out for me. Our bodies brushed as I moved to sit down. Neil settled opposite me, menu in hand. “Order whatever you’d like,” he said.
“Even the caviar?”
“Yes.”
“What about a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac?”
Neil’s eyes crinkled. “Now I know you’re just teasing me.”
I chuckled. “Yeah. I probably didn’t even say it right. My tastes are much simpler than that. I wouldn’t know how to appreciate it.”
We decided on our orders—a salmon dish for me and mushroom risotto for Neil.
By the time our meals arrived, the sun had slipped below the horizon, and a fresh chill laced the air. I hugged myself for warmth.
“Getting cold?” Neil asked.
“A little.”
“I thought by now you would have learned to dress appropriately for the weather.” His teasing tone took the sting from his words.
I shot him a mock glare. “It was hot before.”
The waiter must have overheard our exchange, because she returned with a woollen throw and offered it to me.
“Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome.” She lit the tea light candle on our table before retreating.
I met Neil’s eyes through the golden glow of candlelight. Shadows danced across his face, accentuating his sharp features—the cut of his jawline, the intensity of his deep-set eyes. Those eyes softened as they settled on me, taking in my blanket-clad form.
“What?” I asked sheepishly.
“You look cosy.”
“I am. Turns out I didn’t need to dress warmer, after all.”
His lips quirked. “Or were you just relying on wearing something from me again?”
“No. Well, maybe subconsciously…” I fiddled with the blanket’s tasselled edge, avoiding his stare.
When I chanced a glance back at him, he wore a look of smug satisfaction. I felt sure my racing heart was visible on my face. I sipped water, then busied myself with my meal, spearing a flaky piece of salmon on my fork. The fish was cooked to perfection, the pearly pink flesh giving way to the prongs. As I took a bite, the tender meat melted on my tongue, imbued with the flavours of lemon and herbs.
