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When the check came, Cullen immediately grabbed for it but Gaines protested. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re giving me a place to stay. Please let me take care of dinner.”
Luna thought it was rather chivalrous of the two men to argue about who would pick up the tab. She was absolutely all in with equal rights, equal pay, equal everything, but if someone was going to be generous, she was not about to take that feeling of goodwill away from them. It took her a long time to accept a compliment with a simple thank-you, rather than an offhanded statement such as “This old thing?” Or gratefully accept a gesture with “I appreciate this very much” instead of answering with “You didn’t have to do that.” Using positive words in response to a positive word or deed elevates the intention even further. Luna was all about “living in the light.”
“Thank you, Christopher. It is always a delight to spend time with you. This was lovely.” Chi-Chi placed her hands in a prayer position and bowed her head in respect.
Luna mimicked Chi-Chi’s acknowledgment. “Yes, Marshal, always a pleasure. Thank you.”
Gaines smiled, stood, and pulled out Luna’s chair. Cullen did the same for Chi-Chi. It was a traditional courtesy that was always appreciated.
As they headed toward the parking lot, they had to decide who was going to drive whom and where. Gaines strained his brain to figure out how he could get Luna in his Jeep alone, not for nefarious reasons, but simply to spend some time with just her. Fortunately, Cullen made a suggestion. “Chris, why don’t you drop Luna at her house, and I’ll bring Chi-Chi back to her car. We can pick Luna up in the morning on the way to the center. You know how to get to my place, right? It shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes to jockey everyone around.”
“No problem. Give me your address again, and I’ll put it in my GPS.” Cullen gave him the info and Gaines punched it into his phone. He would transfer the information when he got in his vehicle.
“Cool. See you in a few, bro.” Cullen did a slight jog to the passenger side of his SUV to assist Chi-Chi. Gaines did the same with Luna, who was now shivering. And it was seventy-eight degrees outside.
When Gaines touched her elbow, he could feel her trembling. “You OK?”
“Yes. Just got a little chill.”
He took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. Luna relaxed into his powerful yet gentle hands as he massaged her arms. “Better?” he asked.
“Much.” She hoisted herself into the Jeep. Funny how a simple touch could warm one’s entire body. As Gaines moved to the other side of the Jeep, she tucked her head inside the flap of the jacket. She inhaled his masculine scent. She rested her head back and closed her eyes, immersed in the touch and fragrance of him. It wasn’t cologne. It was simply him.
He jaunted over to the driver’s side and bounded in. “Should I turn up the heat?” he asked innocently.
Oh, if he only knew how much he already had.Without thinking, Luna easily rested her hand on his thigh. “I’m good. Thanks.”
Gaines was pleasantly surprised by the gesture and did nothing to dissuade her. It felt natural to him. He would have preferred if the invitation had been to stay at her place, but he knew she wasn’t ready yet. To break the silence, Luna asked, “So how muchwasthat bottle of champagne?”
“It was $299,” Gaines said sheepishly.
“Wow! How long ago was that?”
“About twenty-four, twenty-five years ago. I was young and stupid. Sophistication was not in my wheelhouse.”
“Well, you’ve come a long way, Marshal Gaines.” Luna smiled.
“Me? Sophisticated? Hardly.”
“I beg to differ. And you know better not to differ with me.” Luna gave him one of her brightest smiles.
“Yes, I am a quick study. Or so I’ve been told.”
They drove in silence for the next few minutes. When they pulled into her driveway, she said, “If you weren’t meeting up with Cullen, I’d invite you in for a drink, coffee, whatever.” She knew it was safe to say it because Gaines had to get over to Cullen’s place. But it opened a door for a future opportunity.
“Rain check?” Gaines asked.
“Absolutely.” She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek.
He took her face in his hands and brushed the few strands of hair from her cheek. “You are one special lady. Woman. Luna-tic. By the way, you look lovely tonight.”
Then he kissed her softly. She felt the heat rising in her chest until she was completely flushed. It was all she could do to break free of the magical spell. But this was not the time or place for a tryst. She wanted it to be special. Secretly, so did he. He kissed her on the forehead and unlocked both their seat belts. He went to the other side of the vehicle and opened the door and walked her to the front porch. He took her hand and gently brushed his lips across the back of her fingers. “Good night. Sweet dreams.”
Luna was dumbfounded. Speechless. She simply stood there, immersed in the pools of his deep blue eyes. No other words needed to be said. When she unlocked her front door, she glanced in the hallway mirror. “Lovely? If he only knew! Thank goodness for Chi-Chi!” Inside, Wiley was patiently waiting for a hug, his tail wagging to beat the band.
* * *
Several miles away, Cullen was transporting Chi-Chi to her car when it occurred to him that they were rarely alone together. He strained his brain to think of the last time it had happened. He drew a blank. The ride back to the center was about ten minutes. He had to fill up the air with something. Sitting next to her in silence was unnerving.
