Free Caleb (The Unseen Series Book 1) by K.M. Thompson Page B

on top of hers resting on the table. Giving me a small but vulnerable smile, she nods.
    “Can I still have paella please?”
    “We’ll have a bottle of the 2000 Louis Roederer Cristal and two bottles of sparkling water, please,” I ask the waiter.
    “Very good, sir. Are you ready to order?” he asks.
    “Yes, we’ll start with Foie Gras mi-cuit, green apple puree and toast for both of us please. Then I’ll have the Swordfish brochette over garlic fries, tomato, and chicory.”
    “And for the lady?” the waiter cuts in.
    “SJ, do you like seafood?” I ask and she nods. “She’ll have the squid ink paella with calamari and octopus.”
    “Squid ink?” SJ asks when the waiter leaves.
    “It’s beautiful, you’ll love it,” I answer. There’s silence for a moment and SJ begins fidgeting again. “I love this place,” I say to break the silence. “The first time I came here, I spent more time looking around than listening to my client.”
    “It’s umm... overwhelming,” she replies and I can’t help but think she actually meant overstated.
    The waiter returns with our wine. He pours a small amount into a glass and hands it to me to check it isn’t corked. I give him a nod of approval and he pours out two glasses, leaving two bottles of sparkling water on the table after we ask him to leave them unopened.
    Our entree arrives and SJ begins fiddling again. “What’s the matter?”
    When she looks up, her eyes are glassy. “I don’t know which fork to use,” she says as her lip trembles.
    “It’s this one, with three tines,” I say and point to the fork. “The one with two tines is for the relish.”
    “But there’s no relish,” she says.
    “It’s the green apple puree,” I explain.
    “Why didn’t you just say that?” she huffs.
    “SJ,” I say firmly to get her attention. “You’re clearly uncomfortable, would you like to leave?”
    “No, don’t be silly. You’ve gone to all this trouble with the dress and reservation, it would be a waste,” she answers.
    “Answer me honestly, do you really want to be here?”
    She wrings her hands and chews her lip, eventually answering. “No, I don’t.”
    “Then get up and we’ll leave,” I say and pull her chair out.
    “What the..?” she starts but I move her quickly through the restaurant, stopping at the maître d’ handing him a stack of one hundred dollar bills for the meal and the inconvenience. “Caleb?”
    I stop suddenly and turn to face her. “Will you come to my place?”
    “I’m not sleeping with you,” she replies quickly.
    “I’m not sure if I should be offended or not.” I smile and quirk a brow. When she doesn’t smile back, I frown. “Why would you think I would be inviting you over for that?”
    “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed,” she says a little contrite.
    “Don’t apologize,” I say and sweep a lock of fallen hair behind her ear. “How do grilled cheese sandwiches and coffee sound?”
    “A lot better than squid ink.” She laughs and the sound is mesmerizing. I am such a girl.
    We climb into the waiting limo and head back to my place.
    “You know, that’s one thing I never really understand,” I say randomly.
    “What’s that?” she asks.
    “The wine production,” I answer and her eyebrows go up. She is clearly confused or thinks I’m crazy. The little crease between her brows looks adorable and it takes all my will power to continue what I’m saying and not try to smooth it out. “When the waiter asks if I’d like to see the wine list, he may as well ask me if I want to see the book of gibberish.”
    She chuckles and turns to face me. “Really? You looked so confident.”
    “I was trying to impress you. In fact I was mostly searching for one I could pronounce,” I say and begin blushing myself. I need a cold shower and to man up.
    She laughs out loud. “Are you being serious?” I nod. “Please don’t try to impress me Caleb, I’ve never felt so out of