Never Far Away (The Never #2)(58)
Ella looked up to the Rock Bottom Brewery, one of Ella’s most favorite restaurants in Portland.
“Babe, I love this place.”
“I know. I asked Megan where I should take you.”
They hopped out of the truck and headed towards the restaurant. Ella hadn’t been there in months and she was already perusing the menu in her mind, thinking about what she would order. When they walked in they were met with the sounds of a busy restaurant: plates clanking, people laughing, doors from the kitchen swinging open. The restaurant was made entirely of a dark wood and even in the brightest of late Spring evenings, you could still feel the dark golden light reflecting off the wood creating the aura of an intimate setting. Ella loved that you could find any type of person here: Business women and men, college students, families, and the ever-present hipster. It was the beer that brought everyone in. Portland was famous for its beer and Rock Bottom definitely upheld the reputation.
A young brunette hostess brought them to a table with a small candle lit on the surface. After they sat down Ella ordered her favorite beer and Porter took the same.
“I can see why you like this place,” Porter said, smiling at her. She melted at his smile. After such an emotional afternoon with Dr. Evans, it felt good to see him happy, even if his worries were only suspended for the moment. She reached across the table and took his hand.
“I love you,” she said, only making him smile bigger.
“I know, Babe. I love you too.”
“I just want to make sure you understand that. I know things are difficult, but I love you and nothing will change that, ever.” He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, sending small shivers throughout her body.
“Ella, I don’t want you worrying about me. I heard what the doctor said, and I’ve taken it in. But nothing in the world could make my love for you turn into something resentful. The only thing I resent is that it took thirty-two years for you to come into my life.”
Ella bit on her bottom lip, trying to walk the fine line between trusting what he was saying and making really sure he understood where she was coming from.
“Just promise me something,” she asked, begging him with her eyes.
“Anything.”
“Promise me that you’ll talk to me about what you’re feeling in regards to the accident and your guilt. I don’t want that to come between us.”
“Done.” He said quickly in agreement. Ella was skeptical.
“Porter, I’m serious.”
“So am I. I have no reason to hide any of this from you, that’s not how I operate.”
“Ok.”
“Can we just have a relaxing meal now? I want to enjoy a dinner with my girlfriend and just let the stress of the last couple hours fall away.”
“Done,” she replied with a smile. His smile returned, just as she’d hoped it would. With the touchy subject behind them, they spent the next hour chatting and eating what Ella thought to be the best bacon cheeseburger she’d ever had. They managed to learn things about each other that hadn’t previously come up in conversation between them. Ella almost felt guilty that she had no idea when Porter’s birthday was, but immediately pulled out her phone to program a reminder for October first. He did the same for hers on April tenth, although they laughed about how neither one of them could ever forget her birthday.
“Best and worst day of my life,” Ella chuckled.
“More good than bad though, I hope,” Porter said, caressing her hand again.
“Of course.” She smiled at him sweetly.
“Are you about ready to go?” He said as he signed the receipt the waitress had left on their table.
“Yes. Are we going to pick up my car?”
“No, Megan picked it up while we were eating.”
“What? Why?” Ella was supremely confused.
“Don’t you worry about it. I’ve made plans. Trust me.” Well, how could she argue with that.
“Ok. What’s next?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said looking directly into her eyes, his voice low and sexy. Excitement ran through her body with his sultry words. He stood up and held his hand out for her to take. She gripped his hand tightly, trying to contain her rapid pulse. When they made it out to the truck he opened her door for her and again took her by the waist and lifted her onto the seat. He placed his hands on either side of her knees, keeping her legs hanging out of the truck.
“Since it’s a surprise, you’re going to have to keep your eyes closed.” She smirked at him, his playfulness welcomed by her. “However, I don’t trust you not to peek, so we’re going to have to resort to drastic measures.” He pulled a bandana out of his back pocket and started folding it up to be long and narrow. Ella’s eyes darted between the bandana and his face.
“You’re going to blindfold me?” He didn’t answer, just nodded his head, never removing his eyes from hers. “Are you serious?” Again with the nodding. She’d never been blindfolded before, well, except during pi?atas at birthday parties in grade school, but she very much doubted this type of blindfolding was anywhere near that realm. Letting a man blindfold her wasn’t anything she’d ever experienced before. He continued to let his eyes burn into her, waiting for what? Her permission? Her acceptance? She decided that if there was anyone on the planet she trusted enough to let them blindfold her, it was Porter. She closed her eyes and bowed her head towards him, giving him the surrender he seemed to be looking for.