Yun cocked her head to the side as if debating how to answer. “Gimbap looks like the rolls you find at sushi places, and it’s wrapped in seaweed, but the stuff mixed with the rice is different, and instead of fish, the meat is usually Korean ground beef, and everything is fully cooked.”

Olivia shrugged. She’d once been squeamish about sushi rolls because of the seaweed factor, but she’d gotten over it. “Sounds great.”

Yun glanced at Gabe. “Why don’t you two head for the park with Sambo, and I’ll run in and throw a plate together.”

They headed off in separate directions, and after looking back and forth between them, Samson trotted along next to Olivia, sniffing the occasional tree or miscellaneous spot on the grass as they headed down the sidewalk. Gabe slung his leash over his shoulder and locked his hand around Olivia’s.

“You good with this? I promise not to let it derail our night, but this way we can pick a place to eat without being in a rush.” He squeezed her hand affectionately. “It’s not often a beautiful woman wants to take me to dinner, and I want to make the most of it…first by making her wait, then by forcing her to hang out with a friend. Yeah, guess I’m not making the best impression, am I?”

Olivia laughed and leaned into him. “You’re making a great impression, and I’m good with this. Absolutely. Yun seems really sweet. And it’s a good way to see a different side of you.”

He pressed her hand against his lips. “Next time I’ll head out your way and check out that town you’ve been talking about. And meet that aunt of yours.”

Olivia’s heart warmed at the easy declaration of days to come. She’d been so young when she started dating Trevor. Everything had been wrapped up in the world of high school and homecomings and football games and student council events. This…this was adulting and very, very real. And also not what she’d expected. She’d had so many friends talk about dating nowadays and how guys acted indifferent for so long. But Gabe seemed so confident in this new togetherness they were experiencing that she wasn’t entirely sure how to handle it. Not knowing what else to say, she went for the truth. “I’d like that. A lot.”

When they neared the end of the sidewalk and the busy street separating them from the massive park, Gabe told Samson to heel, and with surprising ease, the dog trotted around to Gabe’s side without the slightest hesitation.

“Wow. I see why you’re so forgiving of a leash with him.”