Chapter 30

Natalie

I balance two plates and take them to my kitchen table. Alaric, my date, offered to help me earlier, but I'm an independent woman who believes I should do everything by myself.

"It looks amazing," Alaric says, smiling from his seat. "This is the first time I've been served a first-class dinner that wasn't bought at a restaurant. You're filled with surprises, Natalie Gracen."

"Thank you for all the compliments," I blush a little as I carefully put Alaric's food in front of him. Carmen insisted on letting Emma sleep at their place. She wanted me to give dating Alaric a try.

Alaric smiles down at his place, peering up at me with a pair of very dark brown eyes. "Can I dig in? I have eaten nothing since I got off work. And this looks like magic on a plate."

I laugh from my seat. "Go ahead—it's meant to be eaten. In my household, you just dig in without asking. I won't take offense."

Alaric's lips curl higher. "I'm going to love this."

"I hope so," I say, smiling back at him.

Alari