She followed his gaze to the bright opening of the cave. “It’s incredible.”
He nuzzled her hair. “I’m glad you’re enjoying this. It would’ve been a big fail if you’d been terrified. Or you thought it was stupid.”
“I would never think that!”
“It’s kind of touristy. But it’s fun.”
“It really is.”
They meandered around a while longer, soaking up the unusual atmosphere of the cave, then climbed the stairs to exit. Hayden headed to the gift shop to explore there too, admiring some pretty jewelry that was made by a local artist from shells and polished gems and silver. She admired the blue abalone earrings, rings, and necklaces, and pretty starfish crusted with tiny sparkly gems.
“Not buying anything?” Beck asked her.
“Nah. I don’t wear much jewelry. Takes too much time in the morning to decide what goes with whatever I’m wearing. Although I’m usually wearing pretty much the same thing every day.”
He didn’t say anything more, and after a while they made their way back out into the bright sunshine. She immediately slid her sunglasses from the top of her head back down to her nose. Beck did the same with the aviators he’d tucked into the neckline of his T-shirt.
“Let’s explore out here a bit.”
She let him tuck her hand into his and they headed toward the coast. After walking around and admiring the ocean, the cliffs, and some seals sunning themselves on rocks, Beck directed her to a nearby restaurant for an early dinner.
Instead of the burger place she expected, she found herself in an elegant seafood restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. She looked down at her khaki shorts, tank top, and tennis shoes. “I’m not dressed for somewhere like this.”
“Who cares? You’re gorgeous whatever you’re wearing.”
She wanted to tell him to stop saying that. She knew she wasn’t gorgeous. It almost felt like more teasing, like sarcasm. But that warm look in his eyes alleviated her discomfort and…she actually felt gorgeous.
He entered the restaurant with the ease of someone accustomed to dining in fine establishments like this, which had her blinking in surprise. They were soon seated at a table next to the glass wall, making it feel like they were practically floating over the ocean.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered, picking up the menu. “Did you bring me here just because of my crack about a nice dinner date?”
“No.” He gave her a lazy smile. “I already had a reservation here.”
“Oh my God, they actually do have burgers.”
Beck’s lips curved. “You were afraid you couldn’t get one?”
“No, I…I thought you’d want a burger.”
“I do like burgers.” He looked over the menu. “But I think today I’ll have the roasted pork tacos.”
She nodded, pursing her lips. “It’s hard to decide.”
Eventually she ordered the grilled salmon, served with Swiss chard and relish made of Meyer lemons and olives. Beck ordered them some chips and salsa to share, and glasses of a Pinot Grigio, naming the unfamiliar brand with apparent knowledge that again surprised her. When it arrived, she picked up her glass and sipped it, letting the crisp notes of pear, apple, and lemon tingle on her taste buds. With the stunning blue ocean and sky, the warm golden sun, and Beck’s glowing dark eyes across the table from her, she felt like she’d left the real world and was living in a dream.
“Attagirl,” he murmured. “Look at you almost purring like cat. Using all your senses. Like the wine?”
“It’s lovely.” She gave him a slow smile. With her legs crossed, she idly bounced the top foot in its tennis shoe, not even caring that she was sadly underdressed for this stylish restaurant. Because she was soaking up the sun and sea, the beauty that surrounded her (including Beck), and the delicious wine. “Thank you.”
The server appeared with their chips and Hayden’s eyes popped open at the presentation. “Gorgeous.” There were three different kinds of salsa, served in pretty white bowls. She picked up a chip, which was thin and delicate, and scooped one salsa. Flavor exploded on her tongue, bright acidic tomato, fresh cilantro, and the warmth of hot peppers. “Wow! This is amazing!”
Beck sampled some too. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “It is good. The chef here has won a bunch of awards.”
“I can see why. Yum.” Hayden loaded another chip and popped it in her mouth. “You should hire him. No offense, but this is way better than the chips and salsa you serve at Conquistadors.”
“Huh. No offense taken.” One corner of his mouth deepened. “You’re right. We’ve actually been talking about trying to improve our food.”