Posted by Captain Michael Stout (CO) in Dinner

“Leave it to you to ruin a perfectly good come-on with suggestions of food.” and he kissed her deeply once more and said “Ok. Let’s get to it.” and let her slide off his lap. As she sat back down, he said “You know, I’ve wanted to tell you that for years. Even before I left. But you and your damn boy toys…” with a wry grin.

Stout, CO

“Mmm Honey, I would have dropped him in a heartbeat if I’d known you were interested,” Elizabeth said honestly. After all, she wasn’t dead she’d had a crush on Mike Stout since the day she’d met him as her Chief and had figured he’d never look at her twice so she continued on with her life all the while wishing he’d show an interest in her.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner.

“Damn straight you would. I’m guessing none of them could cook like this.” he said with a sweeping indication of the plates. “Oh, and before you ask… yes, there is dessert.” and he smiled at her and his tone grew slightly serious. “Now before we get all carried away, I want to make one thing clear. I’m not looking for anything outside of this here.” and he pointed back and forth between the two of them. “And you know how I get with people using my tools. Imagine how I’d get with someone using my… um… you.” and he stammered slightly, not really knowing what to call her. He knew what he wanted to, but Mike was in unfamiliar terrain. Sure, he’d had relationships before. But not any since he had met Elizabeth.

Stout

Elizabeth looked at him and blinked once, “Do you not know how I hate sharing my tools? you’re the only one I’ve ever let touch my tools and if you think I’m willing to share you, you can think again mister. I don’t share what is mine, and you, baby, as of this moment are mine so you can forget about either of us sharing.” She smiled sweetly.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner.

Stout smiled broadly and said “I think I can handle that.” and he took a bite of the steak. He nodded slightly. He had outdone himself. Slightly salty, balanced by the port in the mushrooms. The grill marks were diamond pattern perfection, and the meat itself was still warm. “What do you think?” and he looked at her and winked.

Stout, CO

She smiled around the steak in her mouth, “I love it, it’s savory and succulent. The steak is just right, and I’ve never tasted anything like it before. Though I hate to say this I think you cook better than I do,” Elizabeth admitted as she continued to enjoy his cooking.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner.

“Wait till you try my lasagna. No joke, it stopped a war once.” he replied with a grin. “And don’t worry. I don’t mind cooking, as long as it’s for two.” he added with a wink.

Stout, CO

She smiled softly, “Gotta love a man who can cook this good.” She grinned enjoying the food savoring the flavors. She actually blushed at that comment because it gave her such pleasure.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner.

Mike smiled at the comment and said “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.” and took another sip of wine. Growing slightly more serious, he said “You know you really did save my life. If I hadn’t had the thought of you to keep me going…” and his voice trailed off. Shaking his head, he smiled a bit and said “But I did. And that’s what mattered. But I gotta say, the thought that you would actually be sitting here, with me, eating steak and looking as gorgeous as any thought I had of you… it’s pretty shocking, actually. And you know me. I don’t do ‘shocked’.”

Stout, CO

“No,” Elizabeth said taking a sip of her own wine, “Shocked is not something you do.” She smiled softly at him. “Survive, and fight, yes,” Elizabeth told him, as she looked into his eyes. It hurt her that she hadn’t been able to be there for him. She slipped her hand into his and gave it a slight squeeze to show her support.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner

Mike squeezed her hand back and then said “Survive and fight… as long as I have something to fight for.” He held her gaze for a few long moments. Then a mischievous smile crossed his face and he said “It’s gonna be damn hard to eat your steak if I don’t let go, you know.”

Stout, CO

“Your right, but at least I’ll have the comfort of knowing my steak wont go cold alone.” She laughed softly, after all he couldn’t eat either if he didn’t let go of her hand.

Elizabeth Notta, B&L Owner.