It is said that seriousness adds charm to a man. While Andrew was checking the menu, Ashley allowed herself to stare at him. It was hard for her to take her eyes off him.
Andrew read the menu with his eyes downcast. His long lashes cast shadows over his eyes, effectively covering any emotions he might have had.
Normally, as a frequent visitor at this restaurant, Andrew did not need to check the menu. The manager would reserve the room and his assistant would arrange all for him.
He knew Andrew's taste for food.
But today it was different. He wanted to make sure that the food met Ashley's taste. Fortunately, there was information on her profile regarding her food preferences. She had a very different taste from him.
While Andrew like bland and light food, Ashley preferred those heavy with spices and had a kick of heat.
When he had picked up the menu, he pretty much already knew what he was going to order.
Soon he met Ashley's eyes staring at him seriously, which made him both excited and nervous.
Andrew's fingers twitched unconsciously. Discreetly, he raised his menu slowly to hide his face.
'Why is she staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?' he thought.
All of a sudden, his confidence faltered. He did not think that it was his charm that attracted her.
After a while, the waitress finally broke the silence. "Excuse me, Madame, Sir. Are you ready to order?" she asked, looking at them intently. Her voice pierced through the awkward atmosphere
which seemed to stretch on forever.
Ashley jerked her eyes back and lowered her head embarrassingly.
She felt a little annoyed with herself for unknowingly staring at Andrew this whole time.
Without Ashley staring at him anymore, Andrew gave out a deep breath of relief. He then called the attention of the waitress and said his order in a low voice. The waitress nodded, took his orders and left the room. Ashley did not hear what they said.
The ingredients of the restaurant came by air in the morning. They were very fresh, but, consequently, took longer to cook.
When the waitress left, Ashley looked at Andrew and said, "Thank you for earlier,"
If it wasn't for him, she would be stuck in the tangle, and Lena would definitely get her into trouble. It wouldn't be easy for her to get rid of them.
Without a doubt, Lena was by no means fond of Ashley. She constantly tried to find fault with her. But, when she was in front of other people, she pretended to be a behaved, good-mannered sister.
"How do you plan to pay me back for my help?" he asked lightly. He watched her, waiting for her reply. His eyes were intense and deep, like a hole drawing everything in its path.
She found herself lost in his eyes once more, and was suddenly lost for words. 'What?' she thought to herself. She was expecting him to say "You're welcome", and had thought about what she was going to say afterwards if he had said that. But his answer took her by surprise.
Ashley was taken off guard and was left speechless.
Meanwhile, he just sat there looking at her with his intense eyes, still expecting an answer.
After a moment's hesitation she answered, "Maybe I'll take you out for a meal some other day?"
"Okay," he said lightly, although sounding a bit disappointed. Ashley had no idea how much Andrew wanted to be together with her.
However, he did not want to appear too eager and frighten her off -- so he said nothing more about it.
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