Fall

Me: Will do.

Jamie Hudson: I’m going to die an early death. Don’t choke on your food. Don’t let him touch you. If he tries to kiss you, slap his face. And don’t leave your drink unattended.

Me: K.

“Who’s that?” Smith asked once I shoved my phone back into my purse.

“Uh, my dad,” I lied. I’m a total liar.

“Oh, cool. He’s a pastor, right?”

“Yup.”

“Pastor’s kid. Wow, I never thought I’d see the day when I’d take a pastor’s kid out for dinner.”

“I’m not a kid,” I fired back.

“Believe me.” He winked. “I’m well aware that you’re all woman.”

I laughed nervously and self-consciously tucked my hair behind my ear. His compliment seemed superficial, and honestly, it made me uncomfortable. Like I was a piece of meat he was ready to chew on or something.

We pulled up to the restaurant around fifteen minutes later. Canon Beach was close but with the evening traffic it took longer than I expected it would. I checked my watch, it was only 4:45, kind of early for dinner but I wasn’t going to say anything.

Smith jumped out of the truck and slammed the door. I wasn’t sure if he was going to open mine or if I had to get out myself. I had my answer when he didn’t walk around the truck. Grumbling, I jumped out and joined him.

The building was really close to the beach and had a really tall metallic sign hanging above the entry that said Fork and Knives.

“Cool, huh?” He grabbed my hand and led me up the marble stairs into the dimly lit restaurant. Everything was blanketed in dark lighting. A huge waterfall flowed from one side of the wall, and trailed throughout the lobby.

“Dinner for two,” Smith said confidently to the hostess. She gave him a saucy smile that he actually returned and led us to the back corner.

“Enjoy your meal,” she said looking at Smith.

“Oh, we will,” he answered with a wink in my direction, then he laid a hand that was a little too friendly on the waitress.

Was he flirting? In front of me? What?

“Sorry.” The smile fell from his face. “I’ve just learned that it’s best to let ladies think that I’m interested. The service is always better that way, and then they don’t poison my food when I ignore them.”

“Wow,” I breathed. “Must be tough being so hot.”

“You would know,” he said quickly. “But I wouldn’t call you hot — gorgeous is more like it.”

Okay, so he was good with compliments.

“What’s good here?” I changed the subject.

“I’m not sure. I’ve only been here once and then it was only happy hour, order whatever sounds great though, okay?”

I nodded and ordered a salad.

He ordered steak and a martini.

When our drinks came, my diet Coke and his alcohol, he shoved it toward me. “You want some?”

“Um, no, I’m good.”

“I can take you somewhere where you can drink and not get carded, if you want. It’s pretty close to here.”

“No.” I gave him a polite smile. “I’m fine, really. I mean, I’m only eighteen.”

“Stop making me feel old,” he grumbled. “I’m a damn cradle robber.”

“Nah.” I took a sip of water. “Plus, I don’t see any wrinkles yet so you’re safe.”

“Oh well, as long as I’m wrinkle-free.” His grin was wide, electric. Dark blond hair fell over his forehead as he leaned forward and reached for my hand. “Thanks for agreeing to come to dinner, Priscilla, I really want to… I don’t know, spend time with you. Is that okay?”

“Are you asking permission?”

“I’m asking your permission.” He lifted my hand and kissed it.

“Smith?” A girl approached our table. “I haven’t seen you in forever! How are you?”

She was gorgeous, like super-model gorgeous and she looked vaguely familiar. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I could have sworn I knew her.

“Angelica.” Smith coughed into his hand. “Yeah, wow, you look great” He stood and pulled her in for a hug.

“Thank you.” Her eyes lingered on him for a bit before she turned her attention to me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m Angelica.” She held out her hand. I took it and smiled.

“Priscilla.”

“You look familiar.” She bit her lip. “Do I know you?”

“I don’t know?” I laughed nervously. “I’m from Seaside, born and raised.”

“Ah.” Some of the color left her face. “Seaside.” She shook her head.

“She’s Alyssa’s cousin,” Smith explained.

Angelica snapped her attention to me. “Demetri’s Alyssa?”

I nodded.

“How sweet,” she said through clenched teeth. “Anyway, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Smith, sweetie, give me a call when you’re free, we should catch up on old times.”

A muscle clenched in his jaw, he gave a nod and smiled. “Sounds great.”

She waved goodbye and left.

“Why does she look familiar?” I asked, still watching her tall slim body make it’s way through the crowd.

“Angelica Greene, actress,” he bit out. “She knows Evan and Alesha, worked with them while she went through rehab.”