Waiting For You

Assertive

Steve's POV

That's being fucking assertive!

Nat would be proud.

I smile at Annabella who looks confused but beaming somehow. Her hand fits perfectly in mine and my heart is filled warmth coming from her.

People didn't pay me any mind before but now that her hand is in mine, the ones who say hello to her in passing do a double take.

We walked in comfortable silence and for the first time in my life I don't care what people think.

Here we go.

We reach a tiny restaurant at the corner of the block and I squeeze her hand to get her attention.

"What do you think?" I ask and she smiles at me squeezing my hand to confirm.

I let go of her hand and open the door for her. Her cheeks are fully flushed now and I can't help but smile knowing I'm the one that did that.

The restaurant is packed and young teenagers run from table to table. The smell of butter, coffee, fresh baked goods make my mouth water.

"Hello, welcome to French Street Cafe!" A tiny teenager greets us at the door and then smiles widely at Annabella.

"Ana!" She beams and in a second the girl leaves the podium and hugs Annabella with a fierceness that Annabella stumbles back a bit and I put my hand automatically at the small of her back and she nods at me in thanks as the girl pulls away.

"Maxine!" Annabella smiles at the girl and pushes a curly tendril of hair behind the girls ear like an affectionate mother would.

"Oh, I love this turtleneck on you!" The girl beams and then her eyes finally find mine and her grin widens. "And he looks good with you too!" She wiggles her eyebrows at her and I feel heat rush to my face and Annabella whacks the girl's arm who giggles and jumps back behind the podium.

"Max!" Annabella scolds giving a short glance and I shrug shaking my head that I don't care but the flush on my face must have shown.

"So?" She wiggles her eyebrows at me with a mischievous look in her green eyes.

"Maxine this is Steve." Annabella steps to the side and I nod at the girl who grins excited and jumps from behind the podium and rushes to me with open arms.

Before I can react her tiny arms are around my waist and she laughs loudly.

"Oh, my God!" She keeps saying and pulls back and I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm but then her face turns serious and her eyes glare at me as she points a finger into my chest and I look over at Annabella who's holding back a smile at my scared face. "You better not hurt her, mister," she pokes my chest and I take a step back but her glare doesn't falter. "Or I'll personally come after you and chop your balls off." She says in a low tone that makes me gulp.

"Maxine!" Annabella says in warning but I can't tell she's trying her best not to laugh at the situation.

"I promise, I won't." I say meaning every word and glance at Annabella who's looking at me as if seeing me for the first time.