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And the outside table.
A moment later, she replied that he should consider it done.
“How about both?” he said when he returned to the clerk. His cell phone danced around in his pocket, and while he waited for her to gather all the things required, he checked the message.
And you’re having chocolate cake for dessert. With whipped cream. It goes on the cake, Mr. Sterling.
He grinned. Sienna had earned a bonus, and he made a mental note to add one to her next check.
After twenty minutes, he ended up with two custom-designed arrangements, one a bunch of yellow tulips that had shocking red stripes. They reminded him of Hope. The other hourglass-shaped vase was stuffed full with bright colors, including hot pink. The clerk had placed the bouquets in boxes so they would survive the journey to his condo, and she helped him carry them to the car.
“Good luck tonight. I’m sure she’ll love them.”
The thought that she might not unnerved him.
Before he drove away, he checked the time. He still had forty minutes. He’d wanted to pick Hope up from work, but she’d said she had a late meeting with a potential new client and promised to arrive no later than seven.
It had taken her hours to agree to have dinner with him. He’d given her references to women who had submitted to him at the Retreat, and he’d suggested she discuss her concerns with Celeste. He knew she’d done so, because Celeste had mentioned it in a phone call.
Rafe hadn’t contacted Hope until this morning, holding off as long as he was able. He’d been awake for over two hours before he’d given in and sent a text, inviting her to a casual dinner at his home. There had been nothing casual about the nerves he faced during the interminable hours while he’d waited for her answer.
Now, in his condo, he placed the bright flower arrangement on the indoor table and the tulips outside. He stepped back. Against the iron table, they didn’t stand out, so he switched the vases. Then he shrugged. Who the hell knew it was this complicated?
By the time Hope rang the bell, he had the champagne on ice, the steaks out of the refrigerator, and the flowers where they belonged.
As always, the sight of her walloped his solar plexus. Her hair floated around her shoulders, which would save him the effort of plucking out another clip. She wore a purple sheath dress that ended midthigh, and she had on cream-colored heels—pumps, he supposed they were called. Tonight she’d selected a strand of pearls that fit like a choker. Had that been deliberate? “You’re stunning as always, Hope.” Betraying nerves, her knuckles were white where she clutched the handles of her kitty purse. “Come in. Please.” He stepped back. “A glass of champagne?” he offered after he’d closed the door and she’d placed her bag on the bench.
“Really?”
“We’re not playing. At least not until much later.”
“Oh.” She tilted her head.
Dare he hope she was disappointed?
“In that case, yes. Please.” She followed him into the dining room. “The table is pretty.”
Sienna had done a superb job as usual, setting two places with beautiful china that he didn’t know he owned, cloth napkins folded in the shape of crowns in the middle of the plates, filled water glasses. She’d set up a coffee service on the bar next to where he’d chilled the wine.
After removing the wire cage, he uncorked the bottle to pour them each a glass.
“I could get used to this,” she confessed, accepting the drink.
He’d like that. “The evening has cooled a little. Mind coming outside while I cook the steaks?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
She followed him out the door and continued walking until she reached the edge of the balcony. Remnants of the sunset inked the sky. A few intrepid people splashed in the swimming pool below and a couple was out for a power walk.
“So relaxing.”
Joining her, he nodded his agreement. He could count the times he’d sat on the patio. Now he wondered why.
Rafe savored her pleasure. This wasn’t about chemistry or commitment; it was the other C. Compatibility. He liked her company.
They touched the edges of their glasses and watched the remainder of the sun fade. “Are you hungry?”
