When she paused for another drink, Sal decided to change the subject even if it was just for a moment. It was getting somewhat heavy and even though he now wanted to know everything about her, he didn’t want her getting upset. He knew she was probably near the part about how she lost her dad and it made him nervous.

“That smells delicious, Gracie. Are you gonna tell me what it is now?” It really did smell great. The mixture of the spices with the chorizo and shrimp was heavenly.

She turned back to her creation and covered it, smiling. “There was only one Chinese restaurant near the area where my grandmother’s restaurant was in Juarez. So it was pretty popular. One of their most popular dishes was their shrimp fried rice. My grandmother decided she could top it, adding a Mexican flair to it and put it on the menu. It was an instant hit. Even the owner of the Chinese restaurant came over one time to compliment her on it.”

“Mexican shrimp fried rice?” Sal eyed her, then leaned over and lifted the lid to get another look. His arm brushed against her and just like the time she nearly collided with him, just being that close to her excited him. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced. Maybe it was that she was an employee and it felt a little wrong or maybe it was that he remembered her aversion to him in the very beginning and the thought of any chance with her seemed like an impossibility at the time. Whatever it was, the feeling got stronger with each moment he stood next to her.

Another look at her dish and he had to admit it looked as good as it smelled but he could hardly concentrate. Now all he could think of was touching Grace. “Is it ready?”

“Almost, it just has to sit for a little bit. You can make it with chicken or beef also but shrimp was always my favorite. This was also another one they used to order a lot for parties because it can easily be made in large quantities.”

Sal turned to her. Standing this close he was tempted to lean in and kiss her but really had to be careful. Sure, she agreed they were on a date, but things would get incredibly awkward if he tried something she wasn’t ready for and she rejected him, especially since they’d still have to see each other every day. She blinked her big almond shaped eyes. “It’s actually really good served with Cadillac Margaritas.”

“Well let’s do this.” Sal pointed towards the bar. “Who better to fix them than you? I want the whole experience here, Gracie.”

She smiled and started toward the door. God what she did to him was insane. He walked behind her, wondering how long he could put off making a move. Even if it wasn’t a physical one. Not much longer that was for sure. Getting her to agree to give him a chance would more than suffice for now.

Grace went to the bar. Sal grabbed a lighter from just under the counter and walked out to one of the booths in the corner to set it up.

“What are you doing?” She asked from behind the bar.

“I’m setting up the table. I told you already. Just because we’re here doesn’t mean it’s not a real date.” He lit the candle in the middle of the table, glad he managed to derail any more talk about her mom and dad. He wanted to know all about it—all about her—but the intense stuff could wait for another time. Tonight he had other subjects he wanted to touch on. Like what his chances with her were. She’d already mentioned dating someone didn’t mean she was into them. He knew she’d been referring to her date last night but it could’ve been her subtle way of hinting he shouldn’t be putting too much weight on tonight. He’d get it straight before the night was over. After grabbing a couple of the pre-wrapped silverware, kept under the hostess desk up front, he walked back to the booth. Grace had already poured the margaritas and walked them to their table. She placed them on the table then smiled at him. “I’ll be back with the food.”

No way could he stay away from her now. “I’ll help you.”

He followed her into the kitchen and watched as she pulled out two plates. Sal inhaled deeply. “God, it smells good.”

“I haven’t made it in a while, but I think I got everything it needed.” She spooned some on both plates.

Sal inched his way closer to her, taking in the mixture of her warm skin and lotion maybe. He leaned in to help pick up one of the plates, when she turned her face their lips were just inches apart. “We could—” She stopped and stared at his lips then her eyes wandered up and met his. “I was gonna say we could also warm tortillas to go with this if you want.” He saw her gulp but she didn’t move away from him and he was sure she was feeling the same thing he was.

“Gracie.” His voice was hoarse and a near whisper.

“What?” She searched his eyes. The ease that had kicked in while she was cooking was gone and he saw the nerves were back.

“I wanna kiss you so bad.”

Her eyes moved down to his lips again. “You do?”

“Yes. But I don’t want you to—”

“Do it then.” She brought her hand up to his face and caressed it, making his legs nearly give out on him.

Putting the plate down, he leaned in and kissed her softly not wanting to come on too strong, but he did trace her lips with his tongue. The taste of her mouth was incredible, just like he’d imagined. Noticing her inexperience almost immediately only excited him more, but he forced himself to go slow and be gentle. It wasn’t easy.

He continued gently, placing his hand behind her neck and she leaned back allowing him better access. Then she eased her mouth open, inviting his tongue in and he really had to restrain from devouring her mouth. She followed his lead as his tongue moved around hers and he moved in closer, feeling her breathing become slightly labored. He didn’t want to stop but he had to before things got too heavy. He still had the rest of the night with her. Forcing himself to, but not before giving her a few more soft pecks, he pulled away and stared into her eyes. She licked her lips. “You don’t want me to what?”