Heaven Sent (Loki/Asgard Fanfiction - Aislinn's Story)

Chapter Five

Hemingway's was crowded, so it was a good thing Steve made reservations. When he caught her hand in his, Aislinn swore she felt a jolt race up along her arm. No man, Midgardian or otherwise, ever had such an effect on her. She glanced over at him. Did he feel it? If so, he gave no indication, although his thumb did graze hers.

Their table was tucked away in quiet, dark corner and she smiled as they sat down. "Did you ask for a specific table?"

"Nope. We just got lucky." He opened his menu, but laid it flat on the table. "Have you ever been here before?"

"My parents held an anniversary party here a few years ago. It was shut down for a while because of Superstorm Sandy, but looks like it's made a total comeback." She flipped open her menu. "How about you?"

He shook his head. "No. This is my first time. This is the first summer I've been down here that I met someone. The last few years, I had a steady girlfriend and she preferred Belmar over Point Pleasant."

"What happened to her?"

He drummed his fingers against the table. "She wanted to get married and I didn't."

"Was she someone you'd been seeing a while?"

A waitress in black pants and a white blouse came up to them. "Good evening and welcome to Hemingway's. Can I get you something to drink?"

Steve nodded. "Do you have Johnnie Walker Double Black?"

"We do."

"I'll have that, neat." He looked over at Aislinn. "Ash?"

"I'll just have a glass of Cavit Pinot Grigio, please."

"One Johnnie Double Black and one pinot. I'll be right back with those."

Steve sat back in his chair and resumed drumming his fingers. "To answer your question, she was a woman I'd been seeing for a couple of years. We worked together and it was convenient, but honestly? I wasn't in love with her, and I don't think she was in love with me, either." His eyes met hers. "What about you? How is it no one's been able to snatch you up?"

She sighed softly. "No one's ever asked me. The guys I've dated were more interested in getting me into bed than marrying me."

A grin played at his lips. "How successful were they?"

"Steve!"

"What? I'm just curious." The waitress brought over their drinks and Steve lifted his glass to sip. Lowering it, he added, "Can't say I blame them, really."

Her cheeks grew warm as she traced her fingertip along the stem of her wineglass. "I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted."

"I mean it as a compliment. A guy would have to be crazy to not try with you, Ash."

She picked up the wineglass and gave him a long look. "Are you going to try?"

He smiled. "Eventually, yeah. You're cute."

He winked, which made the heat in her cheeks burn hotter still. She sipped her wine, hoping it would help cool her face down. Her skin was so pale, it was fortunate that they were in a dark corner otherwise he'd probably see her blush.

Clearing her throat, she lowered the glass. "And here I thought you were a nice boy."

"I am a nice boy. I warned you, didn't I?" He took another sip of his scotch. "But you don't have to worry, I won't just pounce on you."

"Well, that's something, I suppose."

The waitress came back. "Are you folks ready to order?"