Page 23 of Forever Found

He moved to show a wine cellar of sorts behind him. It was an alcove lined with stones set in the wall. Most likely, it was temperature-controlled based on the shelf level and type of wine. Reds were housed at the top with whites at the bottom for cooler temperatures. Of course, this was simply an intermediary location; a full wine cellar was located in the basement.

“Red, white, or rosé?” he asked.

“Red. But not too dry, please.”

He selected one, opened the bottle, then poured her a glass. His fingers touched hers as he handed it over to her. “Do you mind if I freshen up while dinner is finishing? Grady will keep you company.”

“Of course. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll just sit here until I find out all of Grady’s cooking secrets. You said he’s a great cook.” She glanced at Grady.

“Good luck with that,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. If you need anything, Grady will be happy to get it for you.”

She reached across the table, then placed her hand on top of his. “Thank you.”

When she touched him like that, he didn’t want to leave. “No problem.” Begrudgingly, he pivoted and made his way upstairs to his bedroom suite as his chest tightened. His pulse ticked up. She did that to him. But he had no right to desire her or want to make her his. A relationship would never work for them. There were too many obstacles to overcome. He wasn’t even alive!

He quickly and efficiently cleaned himself up, washing away not only the lingering odor of the demon, but also Lyndsey’s sweet scent. He forced himself to turn his thoughts to the matter at hand, to why they were at his home.

While she’d been getting ready earlier, he’d been busy rethinking her situation. He’d decided the safest course for her was to stick close. First, they’d have a quiet dinner. Grady would work his magic and prepare a meal for them. Then, after dinner, they would go to Fortune’s Pub, a bar next to Misery Inn. He’d already texted members of the council, plus some other friends, letting them know of the meet-up and the reason behind it. Hopefully, there would be a good turnout. They would all protect her. It would allow him to focus on coming up with a plan to get rid of Caleb for good, and she was a vulnerable mortal. No other scenario would allow for Lyndsey to have a safe, happy, and carefree life.

A knock sounded at the double doors to his suite. Grady inched the doors apart, enough to be heard inside. “Sir, dinner is ready.”

Had he been in his room that long? He glanced at the clock. No. Grady had simply been extremely efficient as usual. He liked that about the man. Plus, he’d never met anyone as organized. “I’ll be right there,” David said.

When he entered the kitchen a few minutes later, Grady directed him to the dinette table beside the large bay window. Lyndsey was already seated, sipping what he assumed was another glass of wine. “I chose the dinette, sir, because the snow looks so beautiful.”

David nodded. “Excellent, Grady. It’s perfect.” He took the seat across from Lyndsey, then poured wine in his glass. “More?” he asked, tilting the bottle in her direction.

“No, thank you.”

Grady slid two plates onto the table. “Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast with fontina and pasta,” he announced.

“Mmm… It smells delicious,” Lyndsey said.

“You outdid yourself, Grady, especially on such short notice.”

Grady chuckled. “Not so. I always have something in the refrigerator ready to fix. In this household, how could I not?”

“True. But still, you amaze me. Thank you,” David added. “Dig in,” he suggested to Lyndsey. He ate a bite of chicken and pasta, letting his eyes roll heavenward as the flavors washed over his tongue. After he kissed the tips of his fingers, he opened them like a flower.“Magnificent.”

Grady grinned, then returned to the kitchen. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I can see why you enjoy your life here,” she said with a hint of a smile. “You’re quite spoiled.” Teasingly, she raised an eyebrow.

“I am. We lack for nothing, and I enjoy Terror. I like my friends. We are a family. You’ll see.”

She gazed across the table at him. “I wasn’t planning on staying if that’s what you mean.”

Noncommittally, he shrugged. He hadn’t thought about her leaving. That would complicate things even more. “I meant that you just arrived.”

“I know. And look at all the excitement I’ve had already.”

They both smiled before digging into their food. “You mentioned you were a freelance photographer. Have you always done that?”

“Yes. I studied photography in college, and I began selling my work then. I also shot for a newspaper for several years, but that wasn’t for me. Too structured and confining.”

“Structure is my friend,” he said.

“I can tell. What did you do before…” She waved her fork.