Julie smiled as if she were surprised. From the look on her face, she wasn’t used to being spoiled. I wasn’t normally the type to go over the top for a woman but, with Julie, I couldn’t help myself.
We arrived at the restaurant, and I had the valet park the car. I picked a French bistro for dinner. It was a place I’d been to often, and I knew Julie would love it.
“You really didn’t have to do all this,” Julie said after I ordered us a bottle of champagne. “It’s just a job.”
“I wanted to.” I shrugged, and Julie frowned. I searched her face. She was obviously upset. I wondered if I’d made a mistake. “Did I do something wrong?”
“What?” Julie’s eyes snapped up to meet mine. She softened immediately. “No, no. Not at all.”
“Then, what is it?” I reached across the table to take her hand.
“It’s nothing,” she said. “I just… I know you’re used to this. Going to dinner at fancy restaurants. Spending your money w
ithout much thought.”
I laughed. “Ouch.”
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I don’t mean that as an insult. But I’m not used to things like this. My family is much simpler. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to treat me this way. I’m fine with diners and cafes. I don’t need a lot.”
“I don’t feel like I have to,” I said. “I just want to.”
Julie considered me for a few seconds. I knew she was trying to determine whether I was serious or not.
“Look,” I said. “I know we joke around a lot. Banter and flirting are great, but we’ve never had a really serious conversation before.”
“No.” Julie shook her head. “I guess we haven’t.”
“So,” I said, leaning back in my chair and spreading my arms wide. “Ask me anything.”
“What?” Julie laughed nervously.
“Anything you want to know,” I said. “I’m serious.”
Julie hesitated for barely a second, then a wicked smile crossed her face as she leaned forward. I knew she was going to have fun with this.
“How many women have you slept with?” she asked boldly.
“I don’t keep a running tally.” I laughed. “Same question.”
She blinked. “What?”
“Oh, come on,” I said, laughing again. “You didn’t think this was a one-way street, did you?”
“I haven’t slept with any women,” she said playfully.
I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“Three,” she said simply. “Including you.”
I nodded and gestured for her to continue with her questions.
“When was your last serious relationship?” she asked.
I sighed. I knew this question was coming, but that didn’t mean I was ready for it. My last relationship wasn’t something I enjoyed talking about. Still, I promised Julie she could ask whatever she wanted.
“Four years ago,” I said. “Her name was Amy.”
“What happened?” Julie asked.