Page 84 of Scored

By the time I reached the seventh floor, I chose happiness. I chose to enjoy Fin’s celebration. I flashed my digital keycard from my phone and listened as the lock opened. Pushing the door inward, I was met with the delicious aroma of garlic.

“Welcome home, Ms. Hubbard,” Fin said with a sexy grin.

“And what smells so sensational?” I asked after hanging my coat on the hook. “I detect garlic.”

“Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta.” He lifted the vegetarian cookbook he came home with a few months ago. “It’s one recipe we haven’t tried.”

Going closer, I snuggled against his warm, solid frame. The fireplace was ablaze. Darkness prevailed beyond the windows. Within, a warm glow was embellished by the soft jazz music playing from hidden speakers. Our world was our bubble.

Fin reached for one of two glasses of red wine already poured and breathing on the counter. I took the glass. He picked up the second one and lifted it toward me. “To the official owner of the Lexington Coopers.”

Our glasses clinked.

We each took a sip.

“Have a seat.” He pointed to the tall stool at the island. “I want to give you a rundown of tonight’s activities.”

He was still wearing the same gray pants that he had on at Maker’s Mark. The ones that showcased his firm round ass. The soft sweater was gone. The t-shirt from beneath his sweater was all he wore over his wide shoulders and muscular chest.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t go out to celebrate,” he said. “I’m hoping my alternate plans will let you know how damn proud I am of you.”

Running my finger around the rim of the wine glass, I moved my gaze upward. “What do you have planned?”

He nodded toward the saucepan and large pan filled with water. “You see we have dinner, but first…” He looked down at our glasses. “We have wine.” Opening the refrigerator, he brought out a small charcuterie board with various cheeses, grapes, olives, and crackers. “We have our hors d'oeuvres.”

I reached for a black olive. “Better than any restaurant.”

“You see, Ms. Hubbard, our dining experience will be like no restaurant I’ve ever visited.” He lifted one eyebrow. “I’m not sure they exist.”

I couldn’t stop smiling if I wanted to, which I didn’t. Fin’s enthusiasm was adorable and sexy, a fascinating combination. “What, pray tell, do you have in mind?”

He stirred the sauce and then turned, leaning down with his elbow on the island’s counter. “Do you recall an evening months ago when you came home and soaked in bath salts?”

The night of my accident outside Daphne’s home—part mine. “I remember.”

“Do you recall what our dinner plans entailed?” He furrowed his forehead. “I’ll give you a hint. We weren’t going to be eating at the dining table.”

Warmth crawled from my collar to my cheeks. “I do remember. I ate your delicious lasagna in the bathtub.”

“Tonight, you won’t be dining alone.” He grinned. “I don’t care if an army comes to that door.” He pointed. “We will ignore them. Our dinner will go on as planned. And after dinner, I bought a succulent slice of chocolate mousse with strawberries. Just one.” He winked. “We can share, over there” —he jutted his chin— “on a blanket in front of the fireplace.”

“You are absolutely correct. I’ve never heard of a restaurant that provides dining and bathing at the same time.”

Fin laughed. “We should test it out a few times before we look for investors.”

Investors.

Did Dad get involved with the wrong people?

My smile slipped.

“Vee?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head. “Tonight is about us and celebrating what I feared would be taken from me. Tomorrow I can pick up all my other concerns.”

“Oh, I forgot,” he said.

“What? You have wine, hors d'oeuvres, delicious pasta, a unique dining experience, and dessert by the fire.”