Page 69 of The Last Goodbye

“Is that what you think this is?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me what this is.”

“What you did for my sister—” He looked out at the water before turning back to face me. “It’s probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done. I’m taken aback that you went to that effort.”

“You’re making this a much bigger deal than it is, Bass. I knew having your mother there was important to Jovi. I told you that my father didn’t make it to my graduation, so maybe I did it for selfish purposes.” I smiled and shrugged at the same time, trying to make light of the situation.

“Don’t do that,” he said, his voice deep and serious now.

“Don’t do what?”

“Don’t take away from what you did.” He looked in my eyes. “It was really nice, and I want you to know that I appreciate it.”

“Wow. I didn’t expect this.”

“I’m guessing you heard she went to three sheets, and her good deed went bad pretty quickly.” He laughed. “But Jovi and I are used to that. What we aren’t used to is her showing up, and you gave that gift to my sister.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t totally work out, but I’m glad Jovi was happy that she was there.”

“Listen, I insist on paying you back for the ticket and the hotel. I’m not okay with you covering that cost.”

“I paid for both with points, so there’s no way to pay me back. Honestly, I have so many points because I’ve had to travel a ton for work over the last two years, so they were just sitting there.”

He studied me for a long moment. “There must be some way I can pay you back.”

My stomach flipped at his words. Or maybe it was the way that he was looking at me right now.

It could also just be that the man was sexy as hell, and I was incredibly attracted to him.

When was the last time I’d found a man to be this attractive?

It had been a while, for sure.

“You could agree to one of the flooring options I brought in today, and do it quickly, so I can get that ordered.” I smiled. “It would be great if you didn’t make that difficult.”

He smiled back at me. “You make me sound like a menace.”

I grinned and didn’t say a word, just allowing my silence to do the talking, which had him leaning his head back as he laughed.

“Me choosing the flooring quickly does us both a favor, though. We obviously all want the job done as quickly as possible.”

“Fair point. But I’d still call it a win.”

He leaned forward, his forearms resting on his thighs. “Let me cook you dinner tonight. You know, as a thank-you.”

“You want me to come to the restaurant tonight?” I chuckled. “And eat by myself at a table?”

“No. I’m off tonight.” He swiped his tongue along his bottom lip so slowly that I had to fight the urge not to fan my face with my hand.

It was hot outside, but not enough to cause me to suddenly sweat.

“Okay. So, you’re going to eat with me at the restaurant?”

“We’re friends, are we not?” he pressed.

“I think it depends what day of the week it is and honestly what hour of the day that you ask me that question.”

“Listen, I’d like to thank you for what you did for my sister. I consider you a friend. I’ve told you that cooking is the way that I express myself.” He moved even closer. His face was just a few inches from mine. “Have dinner with me here on the boat tonight.”