Page 121 of Wilde Flame

“Don’t look so surprised. I pay attention when you tell me things.”

“I don’t know if I should pinch myself or splash cold water on my face.”

Caden let out a bark of laughter. “Eat those deviled eggs you’ve been craving.”

I picked one up and took a bite. Closing my eyes, I moaned. “Ohhh…these are heavenly. Mmm, so good.”

“Lilibeth.”

My eyes snapped open, and I looked at Caden. “Yes?”

He looked around and lowered his voice. “If you keep moaning like that, we’re going to have to skip the movie.”

My face instantly heated, and I reached for my water, drinking nearly all of it. I set it down, wiped my mouth, and whispered, “Sorry.” Then I glanced around. “Where did everyone go?” I asked.

“It’s a date. Do you really want my mother and sister hanging over us the entire time?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “No, I guess not.”

Once the eggs were gone—which I ate most of—Ensley appeared again, along with Vivianne. They set the pasta down in front of us, and Ensley leaned in and whispered, “I had some. It’s so damn good, I think I had an orgasm.”

I snorted, then quickly covered it up by clearing my throat. “Thank you, Ensley.”

She stepped back and bowed. “I’m at your service.”

I had to press my lips together to keep from laughing.

Once they’d walked behind the stage and off to what I guessed was the kitchen, I smiled at Caden. “I’ve never had anyone do anything like this for me, ever. Thank you.”

He reached across the table and took my hand in his. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get my head out of my ass.”

I looked around, grinning. “I think the wait was worth it.”

We fell into an easy conversation, and before I knew it, we’d finished our dessert. Moreen came out to quickly ask how everything was. I stood to hug her, thanking her for the amazing food.

“Moreen, everything was so good. I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on me! You’re an incredible chef. You could put Anna’s right out of business!”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down. “Oh, stop it.”

“I’m serious.”

Caden added, “It was amazing, Moreen. I really think you should talk to Mitch about opening up a café or bakery. He owns so many buildings, and I bet he would have something for you. River Falls needs something new in town.”

I clapped excitedly. “Oh yes! Moreen, you should!”

She chewed on her lower lip. “I don’t know. It’s…it’s such a big move.”

Taking her hands in mine, I said, “If I can do it, so can you.”

Vivianne appeared next to me, lacing her arm in mine. “Let’s take a potty break.”

“Potty break?” Caden asked. “Mom, she’s not five.”

Ignoring her son, Vivianne guided me back through the theater and out into the main lobby. We turned to the right and headed to the bathrooms, which were just as beautiful as the rest of the place.

“Vivianne, this is all so amazing. I don’t know how to thank you all.”

She smiled. “Don’t thank us. It was all Caden’s idea.”