Chapter 2
Arriving at the Brady Pub they took a seat at the nearest table. The tables were set with a white table cloth and a single rose sat in the middle. She sat down in a seat across from Rafe.
He smiled at her as he reached for a menu and handed the other to her. "You know you don't have to be so nervous around me, I don't bite." He said jokingly trying to lighten the mood.
"How did you know?"
"You haven't said a word since we left the theater and you've hardly looked at me since we kissed."
"Sorry...this is just the first date I've been on in a long time and..."
"I haven't been a date in a while either so I know what you mean. But we have been spending time together for a while now so there's no reason to be nervous around me."
A waitress came and took their drink order, "Christmas is coming up soon, have you put up a tree yet?" Rafe asked.
"No not yet I haven't really had the chance."
"But you are going to out one up right?"
"Yes of course. I've always loved Christmas, it's my favorite time of year."
"Was your family big on traditions?" 'Cause mine went all out at this time of year."
"Um...my parents died when I was young." She said looking down at the floor as she answered.
"Oh I'm sorry I had no idea. How old were you?"
"Nine but before that Christmas' were great. After they died it just wasn't the same but my grandma tried to make them special for me."
"Is your grandma still alive?"
"No she died last year."
"Oh I'm sorry."
"My grandma was an amazing woman. I love and miss her everyday." Rafe reached over and took her hand in his.
"You know you could always spend Christmas with me."
She smiled shyly, "I'll get back to you on that one." She said with a small smile.
"You better."
Just then their food came saving her from having to say anything more on the subject. She really wanted to spend Christmas with Rafe but they had just admitted their feelings for one another.
They both reached for the salt shaker at the same time causing their hands to touch. He didn't let her pull her hand back instead he grasped hers in his much larger one and held it there glancing up into her eyes.
Their eyes met and held, they just sat staring into each other's eyes until they were interrupted by the waitress asking if everything was alright. "Yes everything's perfect." Rafe responded smiling back at Jordan.
The rest of their meal they talked easily about anything and everything. When they had finished they ordered dessert even though Jordan didn't think she could eat another bite. "Come on we can share it." He told her with a grin.
They ended up splitting a chocolate lava cake that was to die for. She took a bite, "Oh my god this is so good." She said as he smiled and took a bite for himself. "See I told you."
"And you were right. When something is this good I guess you just make room."
"Did Jordan Ridgeway just admit that I was right?" Rafe asked joking with her.
"You might not hear it again so you better enjoy it." She said dropping the last forkful onto the tablecloth. "Oops." She said causing them both to laugh.
"Waste of a good dessert," He joked as she tried to clean it off.
Once their bill came Rafe insisted on paying and they grabbed their coats and headed outside. He said he wanted to take a walk with her now that he could again. "Ok but you have to let me know if you get tired." She said as he took her hand in his.
"I will now come on." He led her through the park just as the sun was beginning to set.
"I had a great time tonight." She said as they reached a park bench and sat down to watch the sunset together.
"Me too. So did you make your decision on whether or not you want to spend christmas with me?" He asked turning to look at her and brushing a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Yes I would love to spend Christmas with you." She answered with a smile. She knew it was a bad idea but she couldn't say know. She really liked Rafe and wanted to be with him but with her past she knew that she had to be careful. He could never find out, never.
He could tell there was something else on her mind maybe something she wasn't want to talk about yet but he could be patient and he felt like she was finally beginning to open up a little and let him in. He didn't want to push, he hoped she would tell him when she was ready.
