Page 74 of Something’s Brewing

Madison broke the silence. “So, we’re going on a real date?”

“Absolutely.” His voice softened. “I want to tell the world you’re my girlfriend.”

He paused, watching her reaction, and her heart turned over hard in her chest.

“I like the sound of that,” she admitted with a laugh. “I feel like a teenager again.”

Garrett’s laugh rumbled between them. “Good. Because I plan on kissing you like we’re a couple of seventeen-year-olds.”

She shook her head, fighting a smile as her hand lingered against his chest. “Behave. We’re at your workplace.”

“Fine. Tonight. You and me. Dinner at the Lakeside Inn. How does that sound?”

“Well, considering I have no idea where anything is around here, sounds good.”

“It’s one of the fancier places in Willow Creek.”

“Perfect. I can’t wait to dress up for a change.”

Garrett’s gaze swept slowly over her, warm enough to make her pulse skip. “And I can’t wait to show you off.”

And that, more than anything else, was what nearly stole her breath.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Standing at the threshold of Madison’s condo, Garrett raised his hand to knock. The door flew open, and there she stood. He raked his eyes over her flowy thigh-high dress and strappy sandals, which showed off her strong, toned legs. He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on her lips, then simply stood there for a second, taking her in. He needed to remind himself she was real. That she was okay. She wasn’t only beautiful, she was brave, stubborn, brilliant, and somehow, impossibly, his.

Garrett gestured behind her, “Looks like you cleaned up. I could have helped.”

“Yes, your sister came over and helped straighten up.”

“Remind me to thank her,” he said as his eyes raked over her.

“You’re stunning,” he said.

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Are you ready?”

“So ready,” she said, and locked the door behind her.

He clasped her hand as they strolled down the sidewalk toward his truck, and remembered the way she’d looked in the evening gown she wore at the masquerade ball. He’d nearly swallowed his tongue the first time he saw her. He’d been a goner then. He was worse now. And he didn’t care.

“Tell me about this restaurant,” Madison said. “Is there seating outside by the water?”

“There is, but I reserved a table inside so we don’t melt. We still have a lake view.”

“Sounds perfect. Besides . . .” She smiled, glancing at him. “If it cools down tonight, we have our own lake view we can enjoy. Just the two of us.”

His grip tightened slightly around her hand. “I like that idea.”

The winding drive around the lake brought them to the restaurant.

“This is beautiful,” Madison said. “I can see why you like it. I suppose you take all your dates here?”

Garrett grinned, helping her from the truck. “I’ve never taken anyone here. I haven’t dated since I met you. Nobody has ever compared to you.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple.