Free Declan by Kate Allenton

I’m glad I did.”
    He lifted their hooked fingers and kissed them.
    They continued with nervous banter until he pulled into the marina and they got out of the car.
    “What are we doing here?”
    “I called in a favor.” He led her down the dock, his large palm on the small of her back toward Luke’s luxury yacht and helped her onboard.
    Twinkle lights decorated the bow where a white tablecloth covered a small table. A candle was lit in the middle, and it was decorated with two place settings with crystal glassware. Silver domes covered the plates. Her heart skipped a beat as he pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit.
    “Oh, Dec, it’s beautiful.”
    He pressed an easy kiss to her neck. “You’re beautiful.”
    Her cheeks warmed in response. When he took his seat, she leaned forward. “Does this seem weird to you? I mean don’t get me wrong, but this doesn’t seem like…you.”
    Declan cleared his throat before answering. “The guys suggested it. They didn’t like my idea of dinner and a movie.”
    She slowly smiled. “Dinner and movie would have been perfect. I’m not high maintenance.”
    Declan’s stiff exterior relaxed, helping to diminish her nerves. He lifted his lid and moved it aside, and she followed suit. The Italian aroma of garlic and tomato sauce drifted to her nose. Steam rose from her all-time favorite dish. “Lasagna is my favorite dish.” She met his gaze. “How did you know?”
    He popped the top on the wine bottle sitting in ice and poured them both a glass. “I pay attention. It’s the only dish that you’ll clean your plate when my mom makes it for Sunday lunch.”
    He’d noticed something so insignificant. All of this time, she wasn’t even sure if he even knew she was at the table. “This looks just like your mom’s.”
    “It should. She made it when I explained it was for you for our first date. I swear I heard her squeal with delight.”
    She picked up her fork and took a bite. Closing her eyes, she moaned at the flavor, taking her time to enjoy the bite. “I’m surprised you told your mom.”
    He paused with a bite lifted to his mouth. “She already knew. Both Sky and Flynn beat me to the punch.”
    “How does Flynn know?” Olivia picked up her wine glass and sipped.
    Declan’s gaze caressed her face. “I told him we were dating and you were off the market.”
    Olivia choked on the wine, using her napkin to swipe away the dribbles from her lips. “You what?”
    Declan sat his fork down and rubbed his smooth chin. “Is there a problem being exclusive? Did you still want to date other people?”
    Olivia rested her napkin on her lap. “No, but don’t you think we should have discussed it before telling Flynn? This is our first date, and you just assumed…”
    Declan held her gaze but remained silent. The delicious food was forgotten.
    “I didn’t assume, I hoped. There’s a difference.”
    The tension in her body fizzled as she looked into his worried eyes. The emotion was uncharted territory for a man like Declan. He was always self-assured, decisive, and determined. He didn’t know where they stood, and the thought endeared him to her.
    “Okay, but next time…don’t assume. I do have an opinion, whether you like it or not.” She picked up her fork and took another bite.
    He failed at hiding his smile. “I’ve known that for years.”
    She waved her fork in the air. “I know, I know, you’re observant.” She grinned. “Then you also know how I can get when I’m mad.”
    “Oh yeah. I’ve seen that too.”  
    They finished their meal and retired to the padded seating area, where he took their wine and grabbed a blanket to cover her legs. They talked while stargazing and enjoying the late evening night. When she was in his arms, it felt right and natural, and they both started to relax as though they’d been together forever. She guessed in a way they had.
    He drove her home and walked her to the door, stopping her before she walked