Page 72 of Just One Chance

Boone's hand that had been on my lower back shifted.

He was probably thinking about how upset he was when I first arrived. But we'd gotten to know each other, and there were no hard feelings anymore. Everything was going to work out for him. He'd get the recognition he longed for, and he was building his business. That part had nothing to do with me. It was all him, and I hoped that he realized that.

"It's been wonderful having you here. I'm just happy that you've enjoyed your stay. I assume that your time is coming to an end soon," Judy said.

"I'll have the rest of the recommendations to you soon, and then I'll be heading home. I'm always available if you have any questions. I can't wait to see the results."

"Yes, we'd better go mingle," Judy added with a wink in our direction.

"Thank you so much, Kennedy. Enjoy the rest of your night," Raymond said.

We watched them walk away and immediately talk to another couple. "They love to socialize on nights like this. Are you hungry?" I asked Boone.

"I'm used to being alone at events like this, but it would be nice to have a date for once."

"I said I'd be your date for the night."

He guided me toward the restaurant, nodding and saying hello to various people as we walked.

He was cordial with everyone, not the growly, grumpy man I'd initially met. He preferred to spend time by himself, but he could socialize when he had to. Or at least that's how it seemed.

At the hostess stand, the woman smiled. "I have a table for you."

The restaurant was fully booked for the evening, every table filled.

As we walked through the maze of tables, Boone said, "It's reservation only on nights like this, but Malcolm always reserves a large table for family to stop and eat. We need our energy."

Except the hostess stopped at a table for two in front of the windows. "I hope this is okay. Malcolm said I should reserve this for you."

"This is perfect," Boone said as he pulled my chair out.

I smiled as I sat, and he pushed my chair in.

A candle flickered in the middle of the table, making the evening feel intimate. "I promise I didn't plan a romantic night for two."

"It is Valentine's Day. Why not?" I asked, more than a little curious.

"I was supposed to be working tonight, and we eat dinner when we can."

"Not that you owe me a date or anything." There was one red rose in a vase on the table.

"I did ask for you to be mine for the evening."

I smiled. "That is romantic."

"I didn't plan any of this, but I hope you know that there's nowhere else I want to be right now."

"I believe you." It was the same for me. I never really got into Valentine's Day. In fact, I usually spent it with Jodi. But I had a feeling I'd remember tonight for a long time.

The server stopped by with a bottle of wine that Malcolm sent.

"Is Malcolm setting us up?" I asked after she poured two glasses and left.

"I think he wants you to give his restaurant a glowing review. It probably doesn't have anything to do with me."

I sipped the wine. "She didn't give us a menu."

"I have a feeling that Malcolm will send out an array of food for us to try, and it will be all for you. He wants to impress you."