3.5

Mason walked to the door and held it open. I wasn't sure if it was still a good idea to come here. The whole point was to talk-we accomplished that rather unpleasantly in the car. And to tell him the surprise which I didn't want to anymore.

The restaurant didn't seem crowded as it was mainly served off of reservations. There was a hostess at the front that welcomed us immediately. "Do you have a reservation?" She asked in a low, graceful tone.

"Yes. It's under that name: Faine." After confirming, she led us straight to the center of the restaurant. I was about to sit when I noticed Mason's expression. He wasn't much for eating around a lot of people whom he didn't know. "Can we move somewhere more private?" I insisted.

"Sure. My apologies." She led us to the corner of the restaurant, far from everyone, and we sat across from each other. "Your server will take your order in a minute, but in the meantime, feel free to scan the menu." She walked back to the front.

"Are you alright?" He seemed better, but I still felt the need to ask. "Yea, I don't know why I'm still like that."

"You're still how you were on our first date." He smiled. "Yes, the movie theatres, and but I recall messing up the kiss."

"Yes, you really did. You accidentally threw the popcorn everywhere. That was the first time that I laughed like that, and it was because of your phobia." I stretched my hand across the table, interlocking with his. "Your phobia made me fall in love with you even more."

"What did I do to deserve you?" His eyes explored deeply into mine. "I should ask you that."

"Ok. Enough of the cheesiness. Do you like it?" He opened his menu, and I opened mine. "I can't say. I haven't tasted the food yet."

"I was talking about its impressive appearance, but I think you will. It has a lot of good reviews. Do you see anything you like?" His eyes were still scanning the menu. "Not yet. They all look too fancy and weird."

"Then just order a burger. It also has good reviews online." He informed. "I guess I'm getting it then... chef. What about you?"

"Same, a burger. Oh, did I tell you that my parents called earlier today?" I placed the menu down on the table. "No, but I can guess it wasn't a pleasant chat."

"Weirdly enough... It was. They want us to come to visit before the end of next week."

"And what did you tell them?"

"Well, I told them that I have to talk to my boyfriend before I can give them an answer." I chuckled skeptically. "You know you didn't say the boyfriend part."

"I actually did. So, do you want to go? I was thinking about Monday."

It took a second for me to reply. I didn't mind getting time away with Mason. The only issues that I could foresee were his dad-who always seized the chance to criticize me, and the company.

"What about the company? Don't you have to be there?"

"George should be able to manage, but if not, or if something happens, then I will still have my laptop and paperwork with me. Well?"

"A new scenery would be beneficial for my writing, and we could use a vacation."

"So, Monday it is?"

"Monday." I agreed.

"Hello, how are your nights going?" A woman approaches the table, holding a small notebook.

"Good." We answer at the same time.

"I'm glad to hear that. My name is Emily, and I will be your server for tonight. Are you ready for me to take your orders?"

"Yes. We would both like a burger, extra cheese." He winked at me. He knows that I like extra cheese on everything. But why the wink, so cringe. "And two cokes, no ice."

Her face suddenly lights up, "Oooh, you guys are a couple?!"

"Yes." He instantly and proudly replied. "I'm sorry. I know I'm supposed to be professional, but you guys look so cute and perfect together!"

"We do look like the perfect couple, don't we? Baby." I kicked his feet softly, "T-thank you." I said, shy.

"My apologies for my fangirl behavior, but is that all?" Her face was still joyful. "It's ok, and yes. That will be all."

"Ok, I'll be back in a short while." She walks away.

"You're blushing." He laughs as he pointed out, and I place my palm against my hot cheeks. "Shut up. It's your fault."

"My fault? All I did was wink. You're the one that blushed. Not complaining, it's kinda cute." He reached over and brushed his fingers against my cheek, leaving an electrical sensation with his every touch.

I could feel it get hotter as my stomach followed my heart into absolute chaos. He had a mysterious effect on me, and I craved for more. His touch sent shivers throughout my body, and before I knew it,  I wasn't hungry for food anymore; I was hungry for him.

"What are you thinking about?" He leaned back into his seat, rendering my cheeks feeling naked while his eyes fixed firmly on mine. I slip out my leg from my shoe and slowly rub it against his crotch.

"You."