Page 13 of An Unexpected Chance

I chuckled as I lifted the menu. “I don’t think so, beautiful.”

She scoffed at my words, but I shook my head. “You are. And I like that.” I indicated her tattoo. “Sexy. Sweet. Just like you.”

“Oh lord, how am I going to survive you?” she muttered.

I leaned close, taking her hand. “Hold tight. I got you.”

She shook her head, but I saw her smile.

* * *

“You have to try this,” I said, holding out my fork.

Amy leaned closer, and I slid the tines inside, trying not to groan as she wrapped her lips around the fork and took the tenderloin I offered her.

“Oh my God, that is so good,” she mumbled. She sliced off some of her stuffed sole, and I accepted the bite, the creamy filling delicious and rich.

“Incredible,” I agreed.

My nerves had disappeared as soon as I saw her earlier. Our conversations were relaxed and filled with laughter. More sharing. I swallowed the mouthful I was chewing and sat back, contemplating her. In the low light, she was even more gorgeous than before, which I thought was impossible. She was natural and easygoing. I liked her. A lot.

“Favorite time of day?” I asked.

“Evening. Once dinner is over and I’m ready for the next day, I can relax. Read. When it’s still light, I can take a walk and snap some pictures or draw.”

“You like to draw?”

She nodded, looking shy.

“I would like to see your work.”

“I’m not a professional.”

“I bet you’re underestimating your talent.”

“I’ll show you someday.”

“Soon,” I replied.

“You’re a little bossy, you know that?”

I shook my head. “Decisive. I have to be in my business.”

“You work from home?”

“Yes. Once it was only Mia and me, I set up from home. I hired a nanny I trusted, but I was right there every day, making sure she got good care. As she got older, I made sure she had the opportunity to interact with other kids, and once she went to school, I got someone a few hours a day.”

“What about now?”

“I was looking, but Holly insists that Mia go home with Angela and stay there after school if need be. Otherwise, she’ll come home. With the time difference to Toronto and out west, my day is a bit more flexible. I am looking for someone, though. I have meetings that are later sometimes, or I have to work long hours. I don’t want to impose on Holly all the time.”

“I know a few people I would recommend. One lady, in particular.”

“Great. I’ll get their names.”

We chatted about a few other things as we finished our meal. The waiter cleared our plates and offered us a dessert menu. Amy rubbed her hands in delight. “The best part of the meal,” she crowed.

I smiled widely as I looked down at the choices.