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We both headed to the buffet line, the atmosphere lighter but charged with an undercurrent of unspoken thoughts. As we selected our food, I made sure to grab a small bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries, my mind already forming a plan for later. The playful tension between us had stirred something in me, and I was eager to see where the rest of this meal—and day—would take us.

Juice dripped down Erika’s chin, and I couldn’t resist reaching over, using my thumb to swipe it away. Without breaking eye contact, I brought my thumb to my lips, sucking the sweetness from it. Erika’s gaze heated, sending a thrill through me.

Once we finished our meal, I leaned in, my voice low with playful insistence. “Let me feed you one more strawberry.”

Her full lips curved into a smirk. “I’d like that.”

I held up a chocolate-covered strawberry, the rich scent mingling with her perfume. Erika’s lips wrapped around the berry, her eyes never leaving mine as she took a bite. The sight of her, the way her lips teased the fruit, was almost too much to handle. I shifted in my seat, trying to relieve the growing tension in my pants.

“I think we’re done,” I finally managed, struggling to maintain my composure.

Erika’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I’m not. I’d like one more.”

“You’re killing me here,” I groaned, glancing around the room. A couple of men were watching us, captivated by the scene. I could only imagine their reactions—Erika had that effect on people, her beauty undeniable, but seeing her lips around a plump strawberry was something else entirely.

“Deal with it and feed me,” she challenged, her voice dripping with playful defiance. “One more,” she pouted, her eyes locking onto mine.

I held the strawberry to her lips, and this time, she was quicker. She licked the juice that leaked from the ripe berry before I could wipe it off.

“No fair,” I protested, feigning annoyance.

“Gotta be quicker than that, Elliott,” she teased, her tone light, but her gaze intense.

Despite not drinking throughout the meal, she took a small sip of my champagne, savoring the combination. “Strawberries and champagne are the best,” she mused, her voice soft and thoughtful.

“I’ll make a note of it,” I replied, storing the information away for later.

“What now?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

“I pay the check, and you decide,” I offered, willing to let her take the lead.

Erika’s expression turned serious for a moment. “I have paperwork to do and some calls to make.”

“I finished my calls this morning. Nothing on the agenda,” I said, leaning back, content to spend the rest of the day with her.

Just then, the waitress appeared, placing the check on the table. Erika was quicker, snatching it up before I could. I scowled at her in mock frustration.

“Should have been faster,” she taunted, her eyes sparkling with challenge.

“I invited you to lunch,” I argued, trying to keep the upper hand.

“You’re so cute when you’re angry,” she said, laughing lightly. “I told you to knock off the alpha male shit. I’ll pay the bill.”

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair as I watched her hand the waitress her credit card. “You’re a handful,” I noted, my voice tinged with admiration.

“You don’t know the half of it,” she replied, signing the slip with a flourish.

“I hope to find out,” I murmured, my eyes lingering on her.

“Perhaps I’ll let you one of these days,” she teased, slipping her credit card back into her black clutch.

“When you’re ready,” I said softly, the words carrying a weight we both felt.

Erika rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile as she handed the signed receipt to the waitress. “Why don’t you be a good boy, Elliott, and pay the woman a nice tip?”

I chuckled, pulling out my wallet and handing the waitress a crisp fifty-dollar bill. “Big spender,” Erika commented as she slipped her clutch closed.

“Come. Let’s get you home,” I whispered, standing to help her from her chair.