People like me.

“It’s from a trust. From my mother. After she died.” Her words are choppy and disconnected, as if she isn’t sure if she wants to keep going but somehow she does. I’m an asshole.

“I’m sorry…” I mumble. “I guess my small talk could use some work too.”

She gives me a weak smile.

I’m not sure which one of us is more relieved to have our food finally arrive. We both let out an audible sigh at the sight of our approaching waitress, thankful for the excuse to be quiet as we each dig into our burgers and fries. Our eyes meet a couple of times as we’re eating, and the awkward silence between us makes me desperate to say something.

But this isn’t a date. I’m just feeding her. So, I take another mouthful of burger and keep my mouth shut.

“Thank you,” she says to our waitress as she clears away our plates. Without the distraction of our food, we are back to uncomfortable silence. It’s a little too close to an awkward first date for me.

“Did you like it?” I ask.

“It was delicious!” she says with a genuine smile. “I can’t remember the last time I had a burger that good. And those fries!”

This time I’m trying to keep our conversation on the lighter side. “You save room for dessert?”

“Always.” She gives me an innocent smile.

I order a slice of chocolate cake for us to share.

“Oh my God,” she groans, a sensual moaning sound accompanying her first bite.

“That good?” I ask.

“It’s awful. Don’t bother trying it. I’m just eating it out of obligation,” she claims with a playful grin on her chocolate-coated lips.

“You’re so selfless.” I laugh out loud as she shovels a second massive forkful of cake into her tiny mouth.

I manage a few bites before she consumes the rest of it. She reaches for the bill, but I grab it before she can manage. I shuffle out of the booth and help her up.

“It’s my treat. I am rich, after all.” She tries to grab the check out of my hand, but again I’m faster than she is. She’s forcing a smile, still a bit insecure.

“That’s not how dates work, Goose.” I pull her against me. “The man buys his woman dinner.”

“But I’m not really your woman, am I?” She stares up at me. I can’t tell if she hates the idea. For the first time in a long time, I let myself wonder what it would be like to have someone. What if that someone is Elizabeth?

“Tonight you are.” Before she can respond, I capture her mouth with mine. The kiss isn’t gentle. It’s possessive and hungry. I don’t try to hide how much I want her right now.