"Would you like any more wine?" I offered.
"Not at the moment. It kind of all goes to my head, and I want to be present for this."
"That makes me feel incredibly happy to hear you say that. Although, I have to admit, this is the first date I've been on since my divorce."
"Really?"
"Yeah, and I was nervous," I confessed. "I had a confrontation this morning with Levi's mother, and this date was the good thing I needed tonight."
"I'm glad to hear you say that. I've been looking forward to it too. Though, I did have another date last night," she blushed. "A guy I met a week ago. I hope that's okay, I've never dated anyone outside my ex-husband, so I'm kind of learning the rules. But to be honest, it's been fun. I… I… don't know. I've never had these experiences," Loren explained shyly.
Admittedly, part of me was bummed she was possibly seeing someone else, but I couldn't deny I understood what she was saying. She needed to experience more in her life, and I wouldn't let it get in the way of what we could build. Loren was someone I could see myself with, and if it meant I had to deal with another guy in the meantime, then I would figure it out.
"I don't know if there are rules, honestly. Probably just honesty and communicating, which you nailed, so I think you're off to a good start."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," I smiled. "So that box you brought, it wouldn't happen to be dessert, would it?"
"It is. In fact, it's a chocolate cake from Formento's," she beamed.
"Formento's! The 10-layer chocolate cake?"
"The very one."
Before she even finished her sentence, I ran into the kitchen to grab the box. Peeking inside, the smell of chocolatey goodness hit all my senses, and a groan left my lips at the Heaven awaiting me in the box. Grabbing two forks, I took the box back to the table, sitting it down with reverence as I did.
"I take it you like their cake."
Chuckling at her calling me out, I nodded. "Yes, you would be correct. Though I've only had it once, it was the best cake of my life."
"You know, some say it's better than sex."
"I would almost agree."
Laughing together, we picked up the forks and dug into heaven in a box. Chocolate exploded on my tongue as the moist cake, icing, and pudding mixed to bring the perfect bite. Almost simultaneously, Loren and I moaned around our forks, chuckling when we both heard the other. Licking my fork clean, I cherished the flavor of each bite.
"You might be right, you know. That tasted pretty great, almost better than sex," I laughed.
"Well, maybe because you haven't had sex with me."
Before I could respond, she covered her mouth, her face flaming, unable to hold her laughter back anymore.
"Oh my God, I have no idea why I said that. I'm not some crazy sex Goddess. In fact, until last week, I'd only had sex with one person, and it wasn't all that great before. I mean last week's, wow. Shit, now I'm rambling, and I… I…"
Leaning over, I took a chance and kissed her lips. Loren hesitated for a moment before dropping her fork and returning it. I could taste the richness of the chocolate on her lips, and it officially became the best kiss I'd ever had. Pulling back, I tucked her hair behind her ear, trying to reassure her. "Regardless of how many people you've had sex with, Loren, I think you'd be great at it. I hope that doesn't sound pervy."
"No, not at all."
"Good. Now, shall we finish this cake? Or you can leave it all for me, if you prefer."
"Not in a million years."
We sat around the table, finishing the deliciousness, and I relaxed into our easy comfort. Our date hadn't been perfect, but it had been fun, and that made it the best in my book.