Slide by Michelle Congdon Page B

the surreal New York City skyline. Sparkling white marble covered the floor, while in the center of the room sat a large, dark wood dining table with two white high-back leather chairs on either end. A funky art-deco light hung from the ceiling above the table but it was switched off, instead the only glow came from the candles sitting on top of the table. Two places were set with large round plates, cutlery and two oversized empty wine glasses. Two large silver cloches sat in the middle, while three smaller ones, ranging in size, were organized around them.
    It felt like I’d walked into our own fancy restaurant.
    “ It’s beautiful .” The words barely escaped me. I couldn’t stop ogling at the sight that lay before me. Not only was the room stunning, but I was also amazed by the effort Ryan― well Rose ―had gone into making it special. Ryan squeezed my hand again, reminding me he was right by my side.
    “I hope you like it. Come, let me sit you down.”
    Very gentlemanly-like, Ryan pulled my seat out and carefully pushed it in once I was sitting, and then turned back to face Rose.
    “Everything looks wonderful. Thank you, Rosy. I hope you made extra servings like I’d asked you to so you can take home and enjoy with your family.”
    Rose thanked him and politely waved the both of us goodbye. Ryan followed her and closed the door behind her.
    “She must really adore you.” I smiled, watching him make he way back over and take a seat opposite me.
    “Rose? Yeah, she’s great. I’d be lost without her.”
    “Why? Do you get her to cook romantic meals for all your other dates as well?” I teased.
    Ryan frowned. That wasn’t exactly the response I was expecting.
    “Actually, I haven’t done this whole thing before,” he replied pulling a face and waving a hand at the table setting. “No other girl has ever been further than the first guest bedroom before.”
    I stared at him for a moment, needing time to mentally process his comment. “You’re kidding, right?”
    “Nope,” he answered simply, propping his elbows on the table and resting his chin on the back of his hands. His eyes gleamed in the candlelight. If I hadn’t already known how wicked his thoughts were, I’d think they were all innocent.
    “But how do you know they don’t just go snooping after you leave them to go to training in the morning?”
    He laughed then. “I’ve never done that before either.” He adjusted in his seat and scratched the back of his head with his hand. “I don’t really know what made me trust you,” he added with a shrug. “To be completely honest, I wasn’t even worried about coming home and finding my place ransacked.”
    It was my turn to frown. “So what, you just usually kick the girls out in the mornings?”
    “If they stay the night… Mostly, they leave the same night.”
    I threw a look of disgust. How was he able to say that so casually?
    Ryan waved his hand dismissively in the air. “Let’s not talk about that, I’m trying to impress you with my home cooking skills.” He smiled that sexy grin.
    “You didn’t cook,” I pointed out dryly, determined to extinguish his cocky attitude.
    “Yes, well… Fine. The cooking skills of my house keeper.”
    That made me laugh.
    Both the food and the wine were fantastic and soon we were standing by the glass wall, bellies full, and staring out at the stunning panoramic view of the city holding our large glasses of vintage red.
    “Dinner was delicious. Remind me to thank Rose if I see her again.”
    “Oh you will,” Ryan replied, standing directly behind and trailing quick soft kisses down my bare neck to the tip of my shoulder.
    It was enough to make my heart flutter. I tilted my head to the side, so he had a better angle.
    “ Evangeline? ”
    “Hmm?” I said dreamily, with eyes half closed.
    “Can I ask you something? But you promise not to get mad?”
    A smile rose to my lips. What did he have on his mind now?
    His kisses turned into tiny