“Wow,” he said, and it wasn’t a casual wow. It was astopped-in-his-trackswow. “You look…stunning.”
Heat flushed through her. “Thank you,” she said, unable to stop her happy smile. “You clean up nicely yourself.” He’d paired the sport coat with a cream linen shirt and pants.
“You said dress up.”
“I approve.”
He offered his arm, old-school and charming. “Ready?”
She locked the door and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, savoring the warmth there.
As they headed toward his car, he asked, “So where are we headed this evening?”
Cece took a breath of confidence. “It’s a semi-new place. Yellow Fish. Supposed to have incredible seafood, great art, and live music.”
Joe raised his brows appreciatively. “I’ve heard about how hard those reservations are to get. ‘Impossible’ is usually the word.”
Cece grinned. “Good thing I have connections.” She’d reviewed the restaurant forThe Buzza month ago and the owner had been very pleased with her writeup. He’d told her to call if she needed anything, and she had after her internet search had popped Yellow Fish up as the top selection.
“Remind me never to underestimate you,” he said, chuckling as he opened the car door for her.
Inside, the car smelled faintly of something warm and masculine. Joe slid in behind the wheel and started the engine, then glanced her way with more seriousness now.
“Before we get too far into the evening, thank you again for trusting me with your daughter’s case,” he said. “I had a great talk with her today and I’m already putting a plan together.”
Cece reached for his hand, fingers brushing his knuckles. “I should be thankingyou.You’re doing something huge for my family. I’ll make sure you’re compensated fairly. Just tell me what you think the fees will be so I can?—”
Jonas shook his head gently, cutting her off. “Cece, I don’t want your money.”
“Well, Natalie can’t really afford to?—”
“I don’t want her money, either. I’m doing this for free.”
She blinked. “But your time—yourexpertise—this is real legal work.”
“It is,” he agreed. “And I’m choosing to give it to you. Consider it my gift to your family. To Natalie and Tyler.”
Her throat tightened. This was so much more than she’d expected. Just him taking the case was a gift. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“You’re not.” His hand turned palm-up beneath hers, inviting connection. “You needed help. And I want to help.” He gently squeezed her hand. “That’s what this is about.”
Cece’s eyes stung, her emotions rising too fast to hide. “Thank you, Joe. Truly.”
He gave her a quiet, reassuring smile that made him so attractive she could barely stand it. “Dinner and time with you is more than enough thanks.”
She swallowed, her heart full. “Then you should know, dessert is on me, too.”
He laughed, a rich sound that filled the car and made her smile. “Well, then,” he said, shifting into Drive, “I’d better get Natalie the most amazing deal in divorce history.”
As they pulled away toward the glowing strip of town lights, Cece settled back into her seat appreciative, humbled, and maybe falling a little harder than she’d planned. Was Joe for real? How was a man this good still single?
Yellow Fish shimmered with energy the moment they stepped inside. It was bright and colorful but thankfully not loud or chaotic, justalive. The walls were lined with all kinds of interesting artwork, everything from bold mosaic panels of jellyfish to neon watercolor sunsets, each piece with a little price tag tucked neatly beneath it. The air smelled of lemon, fresh herbs, and grilled seafood, and a trio on a small stage played a mellow acoustic set with a soft harmony.
Joe nodded. “This is great. I love the music.”
“I thought you would.” Cece felt herself relax even further. She’d chosen well.
A hostess in a colorful top and black pants greeted them with a warm smile. “Good evening, folks. How can I help you?”
