Page 22 of More than a Memory
Sam wore gray slacks and a white shirt tucked in and unbuttoned at the collar with a navy blazer. He had forgone his cowboy boots for a pair of Italian black leather loafers, which he wore without socks. He looked sexy as hell, thought Darcy, and she kind of liked the jealous looks being shot her way from some of the other women diners. All mine, she thought, for tonight anyway.
They agreed on a bottle of wine and, when it arrived, they made a toast to another evening together. As they clinked glasses, they gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. As much as Darcy wanted to play it cool and keep things superficial, she got lost, just a little, every time she dipped into the deep waters of his liquid brown-green eyes.
Sam ordered a squash lasagna, which came with a salad and bread, and Darcy the salmon with asparagus and risotto. They nibbled on a beet and goat cheese appetizer while making small talk.
“Okay, about that favorite color?” Sam teased.
“I guess I’d have to say blue. What about you?” she asked.
“Well, it used to be orange, but I’d have to say that now it is most definitely green, emerald green,” he winked at her as he said this.
“You’re making me blush!”
“And you wear it well. Darcy, I mean every word I say.” He stared intently into her eyes. This time, she looked away.
“Well, what is the best vacation destination you have ever been to?” Darcy asked.
“Capri, Italy. Magic! I went there after graduation, before I entered vet school. I wish everyone could see the Blue Grotto. In the cavern, the sea glows an electric greenish-blue. It’s neon. Local guides took us in by small row boats to these caves extending into the cliffs. There would be several boats at a time and the oarsman began singing Italian folk songs as they rowed. It was from another time. I will never forget it,” Sam said, his eyes far away reliving it.
“What about you?” he asked, coming back to the present.
“Well, I’ve never been to Europe, though it is on my bucket list. I guess I’d have to say the Redwoods in California. Talk about magic. It’s like you’re entering another world. It was a spiritual experience, for sure. Next, I’d have to say I’m an island girl. When I go on vacation, I like to relax. I’m all about slowing the heck down. I race around enough in my regular life, so when I’m vacationing, I want restoration and good food,” she said, smiling as she watched the golden liquid swirl around in her wine glass before taking a sip.
“I’d love to show you Italy sometime,” Sam said seriously. “I speak enough Italian to get by, and I think you would love it. The best food in the world, so much to see, places to just hang out and people watch, gelato, expresso, pizza, beauty, wine,bellissimo,very beautiful!” he grinned.
“Only if you promise to take me to Capri!” she said.
“There was never any question about that,” he said.
Their salad courses arrived, and they both dug in. The house salad had goat cheese and walnut pieces with a house vinaigrette dressing that was out of this world. Neither spoke a word for several minutes as they enjoyed their food. Finally, Sam looked across at Darcy and said, “You’d have thought we hadn’t eaten in a week.”
“It felt like I hadn’t!” she laughed.
Their main courses arrived, and they took this at a little slower pace since their appetites had been somewhat appeased.
“Yum! This salmon is delicious!” Darcy said.
“I love this lasagna. It’s one of Chef Adam’s specialties,” he said between mouthfuls. “Here, take a bite,” he said, holding a fork full of the pasta across the table. She opened her mouth wide and took the proffered sample.
“That’s really good. I must admit it sounded awful to me, but I stand corrected.”
“Here, now try some of my salmon.” She passed him a bite.
“Yep, that’s good salmon. Chef Adam is highly regarded in the culinary world. He has won many awards. We’re lucky he resides in these parts,” Sam said.
“That’s good to know. This is my first time here,” she admitted.
“Hey, I’m glad to be the first one to share this with you,” Sam said quietly. “That just means that I don’t have to share space with anyone else in your memory of this place. It’s just ours,” he said.
Darcy smiled shyly at Sam, suddenly lost in the moment. Completely forgotten was the vow she had made to herself to keep him at arm’s length. He reached across the table and took her hand. Raising it to his lips, he kissed her palm, sending shivers up and down her spine.
“Can I interest either of you in dessert?” The waiter’s interruption broke the spell, and Sam regretfully released her hand.
“Oh, I’m definitely interested in dessert,” Sam said suggestively. “What sounds good to you, Darcy?”
He dazzled her with his wide gleaming smile and a wink as Darcy kicked him under the table. They decided on a French vanilla crème Chantilly and a lemon tart.
Earlier, Sam had stretched his legs out to hook his feet around Darcy’s calves. He just couldn’t help himself; he felt a need to be touching her. She had long ago slipped off her pumps and now she snuck her toes up his pant legs to wrap her feet around his lower legs, enjoying the feel of his hair tickling her skin. His smoldering look told her the effect she was having on him. His eyelids were lowered, and the hazel had darkened to brown, his gaze penetrating her very soul. Darcy shivered, feeling completely exposed to this man. She was saved when their dessert arrived.