The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 76

“Here we are,” Silas offered his hand to help her out.

Ava smiled nervously as his hand slid naturally to the middle of her back escorting her inside. The interior of the restaurant was warm and inviting. They were given a table in a quiet corner providing some measure of privacy. Silas helped her sit before taking his own place next to her.

“Your menus,” the server said offering sparkling water.

Ava accepted hers with trepidation. This was the first time she had dined in a restaurant. For once she was not the server but the one being served.

“Do you know what you want?” Silas asked seeing her brow furrow.

“I’m not quite sure. I’ve never been here. Do you have a recommendation?”

“Hmm. Are you partial to fish or shellfish?” he asked.

“…Fish.”

“Then how about we go with the Mesclun Salad, Sea Trout, followed by the Halibut. Strawberry yogurt sound all right for desert?” Silas looked at her knowing she didn’t like overly sweet things.

“That sounds good.” Ava nodded.

“Very well. Any requests for wine?” the server took their menus.

“Surprise us,” Silas said feeling a little playful.

With a slight bow the server departed leaving them. Ava turned her attention to the other diners some already enjoying their meals. Her gaze took in the lighted branches accompanying the bouquets in tall vases doubling as space dividers while also offering soft touches to the room’s intimate lighting. She turned as Silas took her hand kissing it.

Her gaze softened as she relaxed. With the kids’ help she had chosen a blue, silk blouse and black skirt. Alexis tamed her hair in small braids secured in a ponytail in a contemporary half-up style. Thankfully her outfit didn’t seem at all out of place.

“You look beautiful,” Silas said when he had her full attention.

She felt her face warm, “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true.”

Her blush deepened making him chuckle. Squeezing her hand he kissed it again loving her reactions. Unable to hold back he leaned forward kissing her temple.

“Silas, people can see us.”

“Good,” he whispered, “I want all of them to know you are mine and they better not touch.”

He didn’t release her hand until their server returned with their first course and a chilled bottle of wine. Ava was grateful for the distraction but it was only temporary. Silas reached over to claim her hand and kiss it periodically throughout their meal. His attention was almost overwhelming but it felt good too. Was this normal for a first date?

* * *

“Hello Marilynn, fashionably late as always?”

“Sarcastic as always Anne?” Marilynn shot back as she took her seat at the table with two other young socialites.

They were dressed in evening gowns as was their usual custom for their dining escapades. Since they were all single they like to flaunt their freedom and money to others. As they all had been in the same class it was only natural to try and one-up each other as well so it wasn’t unusual to trade thinly veiled insults and jabs.

“Hey we’re ready to order,” Anne snapped her fingers at a passing server. Though harried the server answered the summons knowing it was dangerous to ignore them.

“So what’s this I hear about your sister?” Anne turned to Marilynn after the server left with their orders. “I thought she was long gone.”

“Yeah,” their friend chimed, “she’s back now, or something? And engaged to Silas Prescott?”

“It’s a mistake,” Marilynn flipped her hair. “There is no way Silas Prescott would be interested in her.”

“You sure about that?” Anne asked.

“Absolutely. She’s nobody.”

Anne and the other shared a look before gesturing to a corner Marilynn hadn’t noticed when she breezed in. Giving them a questioning look she turned. Her mouth dropped as her gaze fell on Silas and Ava seated at a table. Kissing Ava’s hand Silas leaned in to kiss her whispering something that brought a blush to her cheeks and a light laugh.

“Doesn’t look like a mistake to me,” Anne said. “They’ve been like that for the past twenty minutes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Silas smile so much, or at all.”

Marilynn’s face flushed red as she met her friends’ smirking expressions. They had been waiting to rub this in her face. As angry as she was she couldn’t help but look at the loving couple as a server delivered the dessert course signaling the end of the dinner though neither seemed inclined to rush through it.

In fact they were attracting a bit of attention. Silas Prescott was a prominent figure wherever he went and always attracted notice. He was a stern, uncompromising person in public so it was a surprise to see him act so loving and attentive to the charming woman with him. For those who hadn’t heard the rumors it was quite a shock and for those who had heard them it was also a shock. No one believed such a thing was possible.

Marilynn gulped down her wine as soon as it arrived ignoring her plate as she stared at her sister leaning into Silas’s touch as he played with her hair. There was nothing special about Ava’s clothing. In fact her outfit was rather plain. Why then did Silas seem so infatuated with her? So long as Ava was around no one was looking at Marilynn which was the greater issue.

* * *

Silas sighed as the server returned his credit card. Though he was grateful for the prompt service he didn’t appreciate the interruption. Even so it was probably best the meal was over. It was getting harder to keep his distance from Ava whose subtle perfume was intoxicating and light laughter musical.

“Shall we?” Silas asked kissing her hand a final time before standing.

He helped her out of her seat immediately pulling her close. Ava didn’t flinch at his close proximity leaning into him as they headed for the exit. She didn’t even mind the stares that followed them. Though she had been apprehensive at the start being with Silas gave her confidence and she felt safe enough to relax in his presence. It was like a protective bubble no one dared break.

To her surprise Thomas was already at the curb with the limo. She wasn’t sure how it was coordinated but she appreciated it as a chill had settled in the air threatening more snowfall. Silas quickly ushered her into the limo’s warmth. With the door closed and they were finally out of the public eye Silas took her into his embrace holding her close and breathing deep the honey smell of her hair. He had thought it was perfume but it seemed to be her shampoo. It smelled as sweet as her.

Ava snuggled against him. He reveled in her close proximity. It wasn’t long ago she flinched wherever he came near but now she welcomed his touch. It was a lot of progress in a short time and made his heart hammer in his chest.

“So how was your first date?” Silas whispered.

“It was just like I dreamed it would be,” Ava smiled looking up at him with green eyes shining with joy. “Thank you.”

“No…thank you.” Silas chuckled kissing her forehead. “I want all your dreams to come true so don’t hesitate to tell me what they are.”

Ava nodded unable to speak. He always made her feel this way. Sometimes it was overwhelming but she no longer questioned his sincerity. Silas had shown her too much care and attention for her to doubt his intensions. He wanted her to be happy and to know she was special and deserving of love. It felt nice.