Page 44 of Not So Very Sensible

But his sincerity and humble self-deprecation made her heart even softer towards him, so much that she barely noticed as the time flew, and the food was slowly eaten, and awareness of everything seemed to fade except Ethan’s dark eyes, which were fixed on her, as they had been for most of the meal.

A server asked if everything was satisfactory, and she nodded before asking for more hot water to refill her teapot. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

But she didn’t come right back, not that it mattered as they kept on talking. It was only when another server passed that Ethan got his attention and asked whether Ellie’s hot water was coming soon.

“Of course. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Ethan smiled as the server hurried away. “Let’s hope his moment is faster than the other’s.”

She shrugged. “I’m sure they’re doing their best. It’s a busy time.”

“Still, I appreciate it. I know other people who’d be telling them off by now.” His face twisted.

Hmm. She wondered who it was who conjured that facial expression.

The server returned as promised and refilled her teapot. She stirred it, then poured out another cup and took a satisfying sip. Then smiled at Ethan. “Thanks for getting more hot water.”

“Of course. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

“I am. This is the best. Thank you.”

He smiled, his fingers grazing hers, and she gave a little shiver. If she trembled like that over an accidental touch, then how much more would she cope if he did what his eyes promised and kissed her?

He’d planned to do that last night, hadn’t he? This to-and-fro between trying to work out his intentions and just living in the moment was fast wearying her. Maybe instead of having a plan, she should just relax and let go.

“What are you thinking about so seriously?” he asked.

She sighed and allowed her hand to remain where it was as he shifted his to gently clasp it. “I’m not great at just relaxing and being in the moment. I like my lists, and to know where things are going.”

“You mean with us?”

She nodded.

His thumb brushed the thin skin on the back of her hand. “I like my lists too, so I know exactly what you mean. But I think we can trust God to work things out. I’ll come visit you, and you can come see me. We’ll make this work.”

“Really?”

“Ellie, I like you. A lot. And I’d like to continue exploring this, if that’s what you want,” he added, his expression suddenly uncertain.

She turned her hand so her fingers slid through his. “I’d like that too.”

He smiled at her, and his pupils darkened. If they’d been alone she could’ve sworn he would lean in and kiss her. But as they weren’t, and the hustle and bustle of a family—complete with crying baby—entering the room was hardly conducive to romantic moments, she made do with staying entrapped in his gaze.

Approaching their table, their server said, “I see you two appear to be finished here.”

“Finished with the food, yes,” Ethan said, before adding softly, “but definitely not finished with other things.”

Ellie’s heart skipped several beats, and if she’d been the braver sort, she would have leaned in and kissed him, regardless of the audience around them.

But she wasn’t, so she didn’t, and the moment soon passed as the crying baby’s wails ratcheted up to screaming, evoking several loud comments from other guests that someone should take the child away.

She winced. “Poor bub. And poor mum. It’s not easy to deal with crying infants.”

He nodded. “It looks like they’re here for a special occasion too.”

She glanced at the elderly man who was making loud comments about the impropriety of bringing a young child to high tea, and raised her eyebrows.

He shifted his glare away, complaining to his wife about young folk these days.