Page 58 of Unraveled

Her painted-red lips curved at the edges. “All right, then. Most men actually think to ask for a date, though.”

“Seems when I ask for things, we end up in a bed, and we don’t do much else.” Gian chuckled at the sight of Cara’s cheeks turning pink at his words. “Not that I mind, but change is always good, too. I tried a different approach this time, let’s see how it works out for us.”

“Let’s be honest here, probably still in a bed.”

“At least we’ll do something first.”

Cara nodded. “Good enough.”

Gian’s hand found Cara’s lower back as they walked into the restaurant. There was no waiting for a table, as he owned the restaurant, and had the private dining area reserved for the evening until his dinner was finished. Once he had Cara seated at the table, the server made his way in with a smile and menus in hand.

“I don’t know what I want to order,” Cara admitted after the server had offered the specials and what he would recommend. She looked to Gian. “Surprise me?”

“Believe it or not, but if I order for us, it won’t be something fancy and pretty.”

Cara laughed, gesturing at the silk table cloths and then to the extravagant crystal lighting above their heads. “Even in a place like this?”

“They know what I like,” Gian replied with a shrug. “And it’s not always spectacular, but something to enjoy. Sometimes, the chef likes to make something that isn’t an affair in his kitchen, too.”

“I stand by what I said, then.”

Surprise her.

Gian only had to nod at the server, and the man was gone from the private dining space. He didn’t even need to tell the man what he did or didn’t want—the employees knew the owner well enough, and Gian made a point to dine often at this particular restaurant. He did like the food, after all.

“How was your week?” Gian asked.

It was a safe topic of conversation. Something he could move into what he really wanted to ask.

Cara made a face. “Busy at school. Quiet all the rest of the time. Dull.”

“Why dull?”

Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “I get bored when I’m alone.”

“You sound surprised at that.”

“I never used to mind being alone.”

“I’m not very good company for myself, either.”

Cara stared beyond Gian, at the artwork behind him. “I find it hard to believe that you spend much time alone.”

“Cara.”

She didn’t look at him.

“Cara.”

“Yes?”

Gian reached across the table, and slid his fingers under her chin so that he could make her look at him. “If you have something to ask, then do so.”

“We’re casual, not exclusive. I said that, Gian. I don’t need to know anything.”

“You can still ask, donna.”

Cara’s lips pursed. “That would suggest more than—”