First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 56

  The hostess at Carriqui smiles when we step inside, her eyes bouncing between Dani and I. "Reservation for Taytum?" I nod, and she motions for us to follow.

  The place has this warm, modern charm, string lights over the enclosed patio, lush greenery, the hum of conversations under low lighting. It smells like fresh tortillas, grilled meat, and lime. The kind of smell that makes your stomach growl in anticipation. We are led through the main dining area and out to the patio where a two-top table is waiting, surrounded by softly swaying plants and the ambient strum of live acoustic guitar nearby.

  I pull out Dani's chair for her, and she smiles up at me with that same look she gives when she doesn't have the words but is feeling everything.

  "This is beautiful," she says, her voice soft as she looks around.

  I sit across from her and give a small smile. "So are you."

  Dani rolls her eyes but bites her bottom lip to hide the smile. "You're just saying that because I wore lipstick." She jokingly says.

  "Nope," I say, leaning forward a little. "I'm saying it because it's true. The lipstick's just extra credit." This causes her to laugh.

  A server comes by with water and menus, along with a little basket of warm tortilla chips and house-made salsa. Dani's eyes light up, and I know I've already made the right call.

  "Alright," I say, grabbing a chip. "Let's talk food. Because I plan to spoil you and that includes appetizers, entrée, and dessert."

  Dani raises a brow. "That sounds dangerous."

  "Only the good kind," I say, dipping into the salsa.

  We skim the menu together, trading chip reviews and sharing bites of the queso when it's placed on our table. I end up ordering the carne asada plate with all the fixings and Dani gets the citrus marinated chicken enchiladas with roasted corn and creamy poblano sauce.

  By the time our food comes, we are both fully relaxed into the night. I catch Dani watching me a few times, her chin propped on her hand, a little grin tugging at her lips like she can't believe she gets to be here.

  "This place is amazing," she says, digging into her plate. "I feel... spoiled."

  "You are spoiled," I say, reaching across the table to graze her hand with my fingers. "You deserve to be."

  Dani pauses, chewing slowly, her eyes softening as she looks at me. "Thank you for this. Really." I just nod. I don't need her thanks. I just need her to feel it.

  We eat slowly, talking in between bites, her foot brushing mine under the table more than once. I didn't know how the night could feel so full without needing anything big or flashy. It is just her smile, her voice, the way she looks at me like I make her feel safe. At one point, she wipes her mouth and sets her napkin down. "Can I ask you something?"

  "Anything."

  Dani hesitates for a second. "Do you ever think about... where this is going? Like, really going for us?"

  I set my fork down and lean in a little. "Every day." Her lips part slightly like she hadn't expected that kind of answer.

  "I think about what it'll be like when KK calls me one of her parents without even thinking. I think about what color we'd paint the nursery if you let me help. I think about Sunday mornings and school drop-offs and family dinners."

  Dani blinks, her eyes glinting in the candlelight. "Wow."

  I chuckle softly. "Too much?"

  "No," she says quickly. "Not too much. Just... a lot. In the absolute best way."