Page 63 of A Promise Through Time

“The test is whether it tastes as good as it looks,” Dylan chuckled as he placed a basket of bread and rolls on the table. “Enjoy.”

She dove right into the food, not caring one bit that she was being rude. She glanced up a time or two to find Donal was enjoying the meal as much as she was. When they were done, she wiped her mouth with her napkin and released a satisfied sigh. “No disrespect to Mary, but I missed this so much.”

Dylan emerged from the kitchen with a tray of sweets and a coffee pot. He retrieved cups from the bar and poured them each a cup.

“Dylan, the food was amazing,” Tina said.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. What about you, Donal?”

“’Twas the best food I’ve ever eaten,” he replied.

“Wow! That’s quite a compliment.” He took their empty plates. “Enjoy the dessert and coffee. Stay as long as you like. It’s just the two of you tonight.”

“I was wondering about that. Where are all your customers?” Tina asked.

“We’re officially closed tonight.”

“Oh, no! And we made you work.”

“I’d be cooking anyway. Edna, Angus and Maggie have to eat.”

“I guess they do. Thank you so much for making my first meal back here so wonderful.”

As he headed back to the kitchen, he called back over his shoulder, “I’m sure Maggie told you, we’re here to help. We’ll babysit for you so that you two can have some time together.” It sounded like they would definitely get a chance to explore the town a bit.

Tina took a forkful of chocolate cake. “You have to try this,” she said to Donal, placing it in front of his mouth. He tipped his head in question. “Go on. I can guarantee you that you’ve never had anything like it before.” He was still examining the fork. “It’s sweet.”

Donal took it into his mouth and began to chew. His eyes closed in apparent delight.

“It’s good, huh?”

“Aye.” He took his own fork and loaded it up with more.

“Here, have some ice cream with it.” Tina put a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth. This time his eyes flew wide open.

“Mary must know of this.”

“She couldn’t make it even if she wanted to. She’d need a freezer.”

“Will ye show me?”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

Tina gazed across the table at him. Her heart fluttered in her chest remembering the brief kisses they’d shared. She hadn’t had a chance to discuss her situation with Elle, but deep down she knew exactly what Elle would say. She’d tell her to stop being so stubborn and forgive him already.

“Donal, I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said.

“There’s nary a thing wrong with ye, lass. Yer perfection,” he said, his eyes reflecting her own lustful thoughts.

“We should go upstairs,” Tina said,

“Yer right, Maggie will wonder where we’ve been,” he said.

She’d almost forgotten that it wasn’t just the two of them. Hope had filled her heart that they might spend the night together, but it wasn’t to be. At the top of the stairs they stopped outside of her room.

“Good night,” Donal said, caressing her cheek, his eyes traveling over her face.

“Good night. I’m so happy we got Elena here and that she’s going to be fine. I’m also happy to share this experience with you.” Was he going to kiss her or not?