unexpected love story

a tapas tryist

The tapas bar was warm and intimate, the air perfumed with garlic, spices and the rich aroma of wine. Sarah and James nestled into a quiet corner table, a spread of small plates between them - patatas bravas, garlicky mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates.
"This place is incredible," James smiled, popping adate into his mouth. "Though I probably shouldn't be surprised you have such excellent taste."
Sarah felt a blush creep into her cheeks at his flirtatious tone. "Well, I thought it would be a good spot to really get to know each other better." She caught his gaze over the flickering votive candle. "After that cosmic connection we seemed to have."
James reached across the table to cover her hand with his. "You read my mind. I feel like I've known you forever, even though we just met." His thumb stroked her knuckles sending tingles up her arm. "I can't remember the last time I clicked with someone so effortlessly."
Their eyes lingered, the energy crackling between them. Then Sarah forced herself to tear her gaze away before she got too flustered. She cleared her throat. "So...you're a writer. What kind of stuff do you write?"
"Primarily fiction - novels and short stories," James replied, his voice taking on that passionate edge again. "Though I dabble in poetry and screenwriting too. You could say the written word is my one true love." He flashed her a wry grin. "Until now, that is."
Sarah felt her breath catch at his utterly unabashed flirting. She never knew how to handle forwardness like that. But she had to admit, it was immensely appealing - especially coming from him.
"Well," she finally managed. "I think I can give your previous love a run for its money."
The look James gave her then was downright smoldering, full of the implication of many more trysts to come. Sarah knew at that moment, she was completely, deliciously hooked.