See You Again

Lunch

Sam POV

When I awoke the next morning Joe was still on my mind and as I got ready for lunch I found myself for some unexplainable reason making an effort with my appearance.

I was looking forward to spending more time with Joe and already knew that when this holiday was over I was going to miss him. In some small way he had made the holiday bearable, I enjoyed our conversations and he could always manage to make me laugh.

My train of thought is broken by a knock at my door, I take one last look in the mirror and grab my bag before answering the door.

"You ready for lunch?" Joe asks with as smile when I open the door

"Definitely" I smile as I step into the hallway and close the door "so where are we going?"

I had been so engrossed in our conversation last night that I hadn't been paying attention to everything around us and therefore hadn't spotted anywhere I wanted to eat.

"Well I saw a little seafood place on the way back here last night" Joe says offering me his arm "does that sound good or do you fancy something else?" He asks

"No seafood sounds great" I say linking my arm with his "lead the way"

As we walked to the restaurant we found ourselves once again engrossed in conversation, for two people who barely knew each other we sure had a lot to talk about.

Joe POV

From the moment I picked her up to the moment we arrived at the restaurant we had talked none stop, I loved how we could just pick up our conversation like we hadn't spent anytime apart, I had never had that with anyone before.

I guide Sam over to our table and pull out the chair for her, when she sits I tuck into the table before taking my own seat across from her.
When I look back at her as she reads the menu I see the sun catching her eyes just right giving them an extra sparkle and for some reason I can't turn my gaze away.

"You ok there big man?" She asks

"Huh oh yeah I'm fine" I say snapping out of my trance "I should have said this earlier but you look lovely" I smile

"Why thank you" she smiles "you look pretty good yourself"

"So what are you having?" I ask turning my attention to the menu

"Hmm it all looks good but I think I'll have the garlic shrimp" she says

"You know what I think I'll have the same" I smile "what would you like to drink?"

"I'll have a lemonade please" she says and I grab the waiters attention.

Sam POV

As Joe orders our food and drinks I find myself staring at him, he really is a beautiful man and there was just something about him that made me feel completely at ease.
As I watch him I begin to wonder if maybe Hannah was right.

Over the course of the meal we talking endlessly about everything  and nothing, every now and again I catch myself staring at him but quickly turn away when he notices.
Even though Joe had said this wasn't a date in someways it felt like it was and if I was honest I didn't mind that much.

"Would you like dessert?" He asks

"Tempting but I think I'll save dessert for my evening meal" I say

"Alright I'll go pay and we can take a slow walk back" he smiles

"Oh wait" I say pulling my purse put of my bag

"My treat I insist" he says "I invited you it's only right that I pay"

"Are you sure?" I ask "I don't mind paying for my half"

"Absolutley sure" he says before walking over to the waiter

While I found it sweet that he wanted to pay at the same time I felt like I should do something in return, I had in now way expected him to pay and I felt a little like I was taking advantage.

As I watch him pay I get an idea, it was a little crazy and I wasn't sure of he'd agree but I had to try.

"You ready to head back" he says stopping beside me and offering me his arm

"Yes" I smile linking my arm with his "thank you for lunch, I had a really nice time"

"Yeah me too" he smiles "maybe we can do it again before we leave" he says

"Well actually" I say taking a deep breath "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight? You know, as friends" I ask

"I'd love too" he smiles "what time are you picking me up?" He asks and I laugh

"Say around 7?" I suggest "and this time it's my treat"

"Ah I get it" he chuckles "and there's me thinking you liked my company"

"Oh I do, I really enjoy your company I just wanted to return the favour" I say feeling a little bad

"I was just messing with you feisty" he smiles "but I enjoy your company too"

Ever since I started talking to Joe I hadn't thought about Jake once, he hadn't even entered my mind. I knew I liked Joe but I had no idea if he liked me back or if he was even interested, I guess I will just have to see what happens.