“Do you like cheese?”
“Like isn’t a strong enough word.I adore it.All types, even the funky ones.”I grin, leaning back in my chair.
Blade scrunches up his nose and shakes his head.“It’s only cheddar.”
I roll my eyes, laughing a little.“I like cheddar too.”
He looks at me.“You’re making me question my whole cheese philosophy now.”
“Oh, I’ll convert you, don’t worry,” I tease, my voice light as the tension eases bit by bit.
“Not sure about the funky ones.”
“Can I help you with anything?”
Blade shakes his head.“Nope.We’re good to go.”
He moves quickly through the kitchen, his movements smooth and practiced as he places the hamburgers on a plate.One lands in front of me, while the other finds its spot where he’s going to sit.Blade turns back around, effortlessly gathering the ketchup and mustard, then opens the refrigerator and pulls out a fresh salad.He arranges everything on the table, his huge presence dominating the space.
Without missing a beat, he opens the oven, slips on a mitt, and pulls out a tray of fries topped with more cheese than I thought possible and what looks like chopped-up bacon, sizzling with a delicious promise.The smell hits me immediately—salty, savory, and irresistible.He sets the fries down on the table with a proud smile.
“Loaded fries as promised.”
I nod, my stomach growling even louder now.“Right,” I say, my voice barely a whisper as I eye the fries.They look way too good to resist.Blade points at my tea.
“Would you like something cold now?Wine?Pepsi?”
I consider for a moment, then smile.“The wine would be good.”
He moves back to the refrigerator, retrieves the bottle, and opens a cupboard, where he pulls out a wine glass.
“You don’t look like a wine kind of guy,” I comment, raising an eyebrow as I watch him.
“I’m not,” he replies, not missing a beat as he pops the cork and begins pouring the wine into the glass.
“But you have wine glasses?”I ask, genuinely curious.
Blade shrugs as he sits down across from me, taking his seat with that same ease that makes everything look effortless.“I bought it today in town when I got the wine.”
“Really?And just one?”I laugh, a little surprised by the thoughtfulness.
“Yeah,” he grins, his eyes locking with mine.“Couldn’t have you drinking it out of a regular glass.”
There’s something about the way he says it that makes my heart beat a little faster.
Holding up the wine glass, I grin.“To the chef.”
Blade chuckles, his lips curling into that signature smirk as he clinks his beer bottle against my glass.“To us having a great night,” he says, and we both take a sip of our drinks.
I set down the glass and reach for the ketchup, squirt it generously over my burger, then top it with the lid.Without wasting a second, I take a big bite, the flavors exploding as I sink my teeth into the juicy patty.The mess is immediate—juices spill down my chin, and I curse under my breath as I scramble for a napkin.
Blade’s watching me, amusement flickering in his eyes as I quickly wipe my face, a flush creeping up my neck.
“That’s the problem with burgers,” I mutter, glancing up at him.“They always get messy.”
He smirks, clearly entertained.“It’s part of the experience,” he says, taking a slow sip of his beer.“And you’re doing it right.”
“Is there a wrong way?”I ask, raising an eyebrow.
