Page 44 of Second Time Around
Thirteen
Two days after she’d run into Beck at the park, she was curled up on the couch, sipping a glass of wine, and reading the last chapter of her romance novel when her phone rang. When she saw his name on the screen, she stared at it and debated whether to answer. For all he knew, she was still at work and couldn’t get to the phone. Then she thought of the other day when his hand had gripped her waist and he’d gazed at her with desire. It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her like that… Still, she wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
“What now?” she answered.
“Geez. You really have to stop greeting me this way,” he teased.
“But it’s so much fun.”
“I’m at work, so I’ll get right to the point.”
“Please do.”
“I want to cater your book club meeting.”
She broke out in laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s a book club, not a wedding reception.” She wished she hadn’t chosen that comparison, but there’d been a lot of wedding talk lately. She and Kelsey were convinced that Nick was going to pop the question to Stacy any day now, and they’d been talking about it nonstop.
“I’d have to pare it down, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the food delivered?”
“We usually only serve snacks, not a meal.”
“It doesn’t have to be a meal.”
She sighed. “What’s in it for you?”
“Maybe I just want to help a friend.”
“Or maybe you want to drum up more business for your restaurant.”
“Why do you always think the worst of me? Never mind. Don’t answer that.”
She suddenly felt guilty. After all, the man was offering to make her food, and it was one less thing she’d have to worry about.
“What would you bring?”
“I was thinking about a tray of our signature sandwiches in sample sizes, and maybe a dessert tray too.”
She perked up at that. Damn sweet tooth! “Would it have brownies on it?”
He laughed. “If that’s what you want.”
“Yes, please.”
“What time is the meeting?”
“Tomorrow at seven.”
“I can be there at six to set up.”
“Okay, but only if you promise to leave before the meeting starts.” She’d never hear the end of it if he was there when her friends arrived, not to mention her sister.
“Done.”
“How much will it cost?”
