After a day of hitting the shops, hunger had finally started to nudge her. She was the kind who didn't fuss over table manners—comfort was her priority, and incidentally, her nonchalance often painted the most beautiful, natural picture.
Sherman glanced sideways, catching sight of her focused indulgence.
Was it really that delectable?
He speared a piece of broccoli, chewing thoughtfully.
It tasted... pretty ordinary, actually.
But as he watched her relish her meal, he found himself eating more than he intended.
Nearly full, Anthea waved over the server. "Could we get two of your desserts, please?"
The server nodded. "Sure thing."
Sherman's lips parted slightly. "One is enough for me, I'm stuffed."
"Don't worry about it, bring two," Anthea insisted. "I can finish them both by myself."
Sherman was speechless. He realized that she never intended to share in the first place.
When the desserts arrived, Anthea dove into them with gusto.
Sherman was taken aback; she could really put it away. He had four sisters, and they all ate very little to maintain their figures, barely touching their food and steering clear of sweets altogether. This had led Sherman to believe that all girls ate sparingly.
Clearly, he was mistaken.
He could only imagine how his sisters would react if they knew that their self-denial didn't necessarily give them the edge over someone who ate heartily with abandon—they'd be livid!
As Anthea enjoyed her dessert, Sherman just sat there, twirling his cross pendant between his fingers. They didn't speak, but the silence wasn't awkward.
About ten minutes later, Anthea finished and headed to the bar to settle the bill, only to learn that Sherman had already paid.
Anthea looked at him. "Mr. Christensen, I thought this was my treat. Why did you pay?"
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