The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 215

Now that she had confirmed the relationship with Callahan, she didn’t actually feel nervous. At least, that was what she told herself.

But when she caught a glimpse of Callahan’s gaze from across the table, her fingers paused slightly. The man’s long fingers held his wine glass, his knuckles distinct. His eyes, however, were fixed on her-scrutinizing, or perhaps… waiting for her to look up.

Leilani pressed her lips together and finally raised her eyes. “…Is there something on my face?”

Callahan raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone casual. “No.”

“Then what are you looking at?”

“Looking at my girlfriend. Is there a problem?”

Leilani nearly choked on her wine. Her ears felt warm, but she feigned composure and shot back, “You certainly adapt to new roles quickly, Mr. Langley.”

The corner of Callahan’s mouth hooked up imperceptibly. He put down his glass and suddenly reached out toward her.

Leilani instinctively leaned back, wary. “What are you doing?”

He paused, looking at her. “Why are you dodging?”

“…Reflex.”

Callahan scoffed softly, but his fingers continued to approach until he gently wiped the corner of her mouth.

“Sauce.” He retracted his hand, his tone calm.

Leilani froze for a moment, then realized what had happened. Annoyed, she grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth. She had actually thought he was going to…

Tsk, overthinking it!

Callahan watched the tips of her ears turn red, amusement in his eyes, but he deliberately asked, “What did you think I was going to do?”

Leilani kept a straight face. “I thought you were going to steal the meat off my plate.”

Callahan stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly reached out and actually speared a piece of cut steak from her plate.

Leilani’s eyes widened. “You’re actually stealing it?”

Callahan deliberately put it in his mouth, chewed twice, and nodded in assessment. “Tastes good.”

Leilani laughed in exasperation. She reached over and speared a piece from his plate, stuffing it into her mouth in retaliation. She mumbled, “Indeed, not bad.”

Callahan watched her cheeks puff out as she chewed, his eyes full of laughter. He tapped his finger lightly on the table and suddenly asked, “Are you free this weekend?”

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Leilani swallowed her food and looked at him warily. “Why? A date?”

“Yes.” He admitted it frankly.

Leilani hadn’t expected him to be so direct. She was speechless for a moment before pretending to be casual. “Sure, I have nothing going on anyway.”

The smile in Callahan’s eyes deepened. “Then I’ll pick you up.”

“No need, I’ll drive myself.”

“Letting my girlfriend drive herself on a date?” He raised an eyebrow. “Not appropriate.”

Leilani was surprised. Since when was he this smooth?

She looked down and took a sip of wine to hide her emotions, only to hear him add another sentence.

“Also, stop calling me Mr. Langley.”

Leilani looked up. “Then what should I call you?”

Callahan looked at her, his voice low. “Call me by my name, or…”

He paused, a hint of teasing in his eyes. “You can call me ‘Honey’.”

Leilani nearly sprayed her wine.

“Callahan!” she gritted out. “Quit while you’re ahead.”

The man chuckled aloud. He finally stopped teasing her, simply reaching out to gently squeeze her fingertips. “You’ll get used to it slowly. I’m going to be doing this often from now on.”

Leilani’s heart skipped a beat, but she pulled her hand back with feigned disdain. “…Eat your food. Stop touching me.”

Callahan withdrew his hand obligingly, but his gaze remained on her, as if he couldn’t get enough of looking at her.

So this was what falling in love felt like. It seemed… pretty good.

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