Page 19 of Never Say Never

I glanced down at the menu. "But you're more appetizing."

The corner of York's mouth twitched. "Say another stupid line, and I will leave. This isn't a game."

"I'm serious, but fine."

"Hi, I'm Jessica! I'll be your waitress. What can I start you two off with?"

We both ordered water. I was pretty certain it had everything to do with how we'd felt, as if we were being watched outside. There were too many people in the restaurant to tell if the same feeling was coming back.

There was a silence left behind when the waitress left, one I wasn't familiar with. I cleared my throat, dragging up every ounce of experience I had. "So wha?—"

"Sorry about earlier," York said.

I shut my mouth, letting my words die off. "What?"

"About Dawn. It's still a hard subject for me to talk about. In fact, I don't."

That can't be healthy, then again what the hell would I know about mental health? "We all have something we protect. Sorry I brought it up."

He shook his head. "You wouldn't have known."

"Yeah, but I have a tendency to stick my foot in my mouth."

York didn't argue with me. The tension between us eased as I laughed. Dating wasn’t my specialty. Sure, I could take someone out, sweet talk them all night, and then break their back in the bedroom but this felt different. I wanted to know more about York.

"Okay, so outside of work, what are your hobbies?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"We all have something."

"Then what's yours?"

"I like trying out some of my mom's old recipes, and on occasion, I like to go to the batting cages." The look on York's face said he wasn't expecting my answers. "I am more than a man whore."

"Never said you were one."

"Yeah, but I know that's what they say about me around the office."

York stared at me. "Ever thought about not having relations with people you work with?"

I shrugged. They were all temporary anyway. "Never crossed my mind." I gestured at him to speak. "Hobbies."

He moved in his seat. "I really can't think of any. I mostly work, and if I'm not working, I’m trying to be a good parent. Although, not sure I'm doing well on that last part."

"Can't be worse than my dad."

"Wasn't yours the football coach of your high school?"

Right. The made up good father that did nothing but cheer me on till his dying breath. I nodded. "Yeah, but he placed impossible expectations on me. He wanted his family to mean something." I waved it off. "I’m sure you're doing great. Mind if I ask how old they are?"

York hesitated before relaxing a little more. "My daughter’s are ten. Twins.”

Twins. The moment I heard it, I smiled. If they were anything like me and Gin, they shared a bond that no one else would or could understand. They came into the world together. That was special.

"Did you always want kids?"

York nodded. "From the time I was young. What about you?"