Page 7 of Snowfall
“This looks quaint,” I hum as I remove my helmet.
“It is. Best Cajun cocktails and fish tacos around.” Gerard dismounts the bike and escorts me to the door. For such a rugged man, he has plenty of gentlemanly qualities.
The inside of the restaurant is a rustic-chic. Natural wood makes up the family-style tabletops, and a beautiful tile pattern is laid out beneath our feet.
But it’s the view on the deck that’s completely breathtaking. The sun hovering over the water has the current illuminating with pinks and blues and golds.
Gorgeous.
I smirk at Gerard as we’re seated in a semi-private corner with our very own view of the sunset.
“This is . . .” I’m trying not to sound like an idiot here.
“Comfortable?” Gerard offers me a suggestion.
“Very,” I agree.
“Good.” He’s a bit presumptuous. He definitely put some thought into this date. I’m flattered, but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. I barely know this man. And I have zero idea of his intentions. Past experiences have taught me to keep my guard up, and that’s exactly what I intend to do until he can prove me otherwise.
“Gambit.” A man in a white chef’s coat and blue bandana approaches the table enthusiastically. “I thought that was you.” They clap hands as Gerard stands.
“Yeah, man, I had to introduce this pretty lady to the best sunset and fish tacos around.”
“Well, I appreciate that,” the man beams. He’s tall and broad like Gerard. A little bit intimidating, too, with his tattooed arms and rugged face. If I passed him on the street, chef would be the last occupation I’d peg him for.
“And you are?” He reaches out to take my hand.
“Kristen.” We shake.
“Kristen, welcome.” His blue eyes sparkle in the setting sun, and I find myself liking him immediately.
“Poker and I go way back.” Gerard slaps his friend on the back right before he sits down.
“A little too far back.” Poker chuckles.
“That’s an interesting name,” I comment.
“My God-given name is John, after John the Baptist, but no one but my mother has called me that in years.” His chuckle grows into laughter. “I didn’t exactly turn out to be the man she expected.”
“No one ever does,” Gerard muses.
“Well,” — Poker claps his hands — “you picked a great night to dine. We have some awesome specials. Mako shark and salmon cakes,” he announces proudly.
“I can’t wait to try.” Gerard bumps fists with Poker.
“Me too,” I add.
“Wendy is your waitress tonight.” He calls the girl over. “These two get drinks on the house all night, and I’ll be sending out a special appetizer for them in a few.”
The cute young waitress nods with a smile.
“Later, lovebirds.” Poker leaves the table.
Lovebirds?It might be a little early in the game to be calling us that.
“What’ll you have to drink, Kristen?” Gerard asks.
Drink? Normally, I would stick with wine, but my anxiety is a bit high, so I’m hitting it a little harder. “Bourbon and Coke, please, with a lime.”
