Savor by Susan Scott Shelley

Author:Susan Scott Shelley [Susan Scott Shelley and Chantal Mer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Susan Scott Shelley
Published: 2022-12-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Anderson

We follow the maître d’ and descend the stairs into the restaurant’s lower level. The evening sky takes on a deep plum hue as the mass of city lights twinkle below us, stretching as far as the eye can see. The floor-to-ceiling windows combined with the glass ceiling give the feel of dining above the clouds. I suppose we are, considering we’re at the top of Philadelphia’s tallest building.

“This is amazing.” Penn’s chocolate eyes are rounded in admiration of the scenery, taking in every aspect of the restaurant. Slowing his pace until I’m beside him, he lowers his voice. “Did you see the centerpiece at the bar?”

In the center of the modern open space is a black marble bar, as sleek as the rest of the restaurant. Standing on a pedestal, rising high and beckoning attention, is an enormous silver geometric vase with varying shades of puffy purple flowers. The flowers compliment the color of the sky, and I wonder if the effect is intentional.

“They’re nice.” I’m not sure what to say, but from the bulge of Penn’s eyes, I’m guessing nice, isn’t it.

“Here you are.” The maître d’ gestures to a table next to one of the windows per my request when I made the reservations and waits as I pull out Penn’s chair. Once we’re seated, he hands us our menus, informs us that our server will be with us shortly, then bids us an enjoyable dining experience.

Penn leans in, his navy-painted fingertips clutching the menu. The energy zapping through him is palpable, and I’m second-guessing my choice for this date. “Have you been here before?”

“No.”

This seems to relax him, but his gaze flits around. “When you said you wanted to take me out to dinner, I wasn’t expecting…” He waves his arm in a flourish. “This.”

Prying his fingers from the menu, I lace our hands together. “If you’re uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else.”

“I’m not uncomfortable.” The dimple in his chin goes into hiding with the slow spread of his mouth. “I’m surprised.”

Not wanting him to witness how relieved I am by his answer, I drop my head and let out a barely-there breath before returning my gaze to him. He doesn’t need to know how clueless I feel. “I’ve wanted to try this place since it opened.” But there was never anyone I wanted to share the experience with until now. “I thought you might like it.”

“I do.” He leans in until a puff of peppermint breath sweeps over my skin. “Thank you.”

His bow lips graze mine in the softest, sweetest kiss. For an instant, the low murmur of conversations around us, the clank of silverware on china, the beat of ice against a stainless steel shaker melt into oblivion until there is only Penn. He pulls away, leaving me with insides as gooey as the marshmallow frosting atop the chocolate layer cake I noticed when I checked out the menu online before coming.

“So what are we getting?” He scans the menu with interest.

“Anderson?” A smoky, smooth voice calls.

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