Page 56 of Chasing Forever
“It wasn’t any trouble. This is a simple dish to make, and I was in the mood for a homecooked meal anyway.”
What else are you in the mood for? “Can I set the table?”
“Sure.”
He was glad to have something to do with his hands; otherwise, who knew where they might roam? As they worked around each other in the kitchen, he was constantly aware of her presence and the scent of her perfume. He was glad he’d worn cologne after all now that he smelled it on her too.
There were no candles, soft music, or dim lighting, but the scene felt intimate anyway. It was just the two of them having dinner together, thousands of miles away from home and their everyday lives. It was peaceful and intoxicating at the same time.
“How about a toast?” he said once they were seated and he’d poured the wine.
“To my jumping?”
He shook his head. “Not just that. To Kauai and to us meeting here. I’m glad I met you, Callie.”
She smiled sweetly, and they clinked glasses before raising them to their lips. Lips. Callie’s lips. Oh God. He was in deep trouble.
He’d set the plates in such a way that he wouldn’t be staring directly at her all through dinner. He hadn’t been sure he could handle it. She was sitting to his left, at the head of the table, and he was facing the window with a view of the ocean.
“This is delicious,” he said after a few minutes.
“I’m glad you like it. I have my grandmother to thank for teaching me how to cook.”
“You must really miss her.”
“I do. But oddly enough, I’m starting to feel better. She knew exactly what she was doing by making me come here.”
“I’m glad it’s helping.”
“You deserve some of the credit too,” she said.
He jerked his head up. “Me?”
She nodded. “You’ve helped me come of out of my shell. I know for a fact that I never would have jumped off that cliff if it weren’t for you.”
“Good thing it turned out okay, then. I wouldn’t have wanted to take credit if you were lying in traction at the hospital instead.”
“If that had happened, we wouldn’t be having dinner together.”
“I’d be spoon-feeding you Jell-O instead.”
They laughed, and he felt himself loosening up. Never mind that he was on his second glass of wine.
“More?” he asked, holding up the bottle.
“Sure.”
He poured and then set down the bottle. Their plates were empty, and he wondered, Now what?
“Would you like another helping?”
“No thanks.”
“How about dessert? I have chocolate cake.”
“Maybe later.”
“Okay.”
