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“Oh, thanks,” she said absently. “I’ve got some.”
Liam narrowed his eyes. No, she didn’t. She hadn’t had a single cup all morning. This was surefire proof that something was askew with her. Enough of this.
He lurched from his chair and walked over as casually as he could. Knowing Cora, it wouldn’t do to attack her with questions straightaway. She had a stubborn streak that always rose to a challenge. Better to ease into it. He propped his hip on the edge of her desk.
Cora didn’t even bother looking up. “Can I help you with something?”
“What the devil is going on with you?” he demanded. Okay, he’d just made a grand mess of that. It was hard to act casual when he was worried about her.
She gave him a curious frown.
“What I meant to say was, let’s go to lunch. I’m starving.” It was a bad save, but it appeared luck was on his side.
Cora’s lips curled in amusement. “You’re always starving.”
“It’s half past noon. I’m nigh faint from hunger. Also, you look like you could use some fresh air.”
“Actually, I do need to get out,” Cora said, pushing back from her desk and stretching her arms. “And I skipped breakfast, so I’ll go if I get to choose the spot.”
“Deal.”
She chose the restaurant, but he drove, so they arrived in record time. He was getting better at driving assertively without inspiring others to honk and shout curses at him. Even though his own car was the equivalent of a swaybacked mare put out to pasture, he still managed to practice some of the things he’d learned in the class. Still, he deeply regretted bringing Magnus Blackwell into Cora’s life. If her mood today had anything to do with that ass, he was going to make the man pay.
Cora chose The Rusty Spoon, a hipster breakfast and lunch bistro in the university district. It was situated near a small man-made lake with a paved walking trail, and it was a popular spot among the college crowd and local business people. From the moment Liam stepped inside the quirky restaurant, he was intrigued. There were rustic tables paired with plush, cushioned chairs, and odd chandeliers hanging at intervals along the ceiling. One was made up entirely of spoons; another was a birdcage wrapped with winding iron vines and flowers. There was even a wall of clocks in all shapes and sizes, with plaques marking the time in various countries across the world. Overall, Liam felt as though he’d stepped into an enchanted tavern, complete with the mouthwatering scents of grilled steak, seasoned poultry and sweet, crisp apple cobbler.
He salivated as one of the servers rushed by with a platter of fried chicken and frosty drinks. “You may need to find a new roommate because I think I want to live here.”
Cora grinned as the hostess led them through the dining room and onto the back terrace. “Wait until you try the food. It’s incredible.”
A short while later they were enjoying lunch on the patio under a rainbow umbrella overlooking the lake. Lulled by the warm sunshine, lively atmosphere and delicious food, Cora finally seemed to relax.
Liam took a bite of his honey barbecue burger with onion straws, savoring the smoky, tangy flavors with nothing short of bliss. Jesus, this was amazing. He’d spent so much of his time in his past life trying to stave off hunger, it seemed he could never fill the void now. There were precious little upsides to this godforsaken task the angels had given him, but the food was definitely one of them.
“Slow down,” Cora said, laughing. “You’re going to choke.”
“I can’t help it,” he said between bites. “This is the most delicious thing I’ve ever had.”
“You say that about every dish you eat.”
“Perhaps, but this one is truly divine.” He took a drink of his iced tea and stretched back in his chair, crossing his hands behind his head. “Tell me what’s going on.”
She blew out a breath. “There’s nothing new, yet. We’ve got that appointment tomorrow night to talk to Eli Shelton about the robbery, but—”
“I don’t mean the case. I mean you. Ever since last night you’ve been acting distant and preoccupied. Did something happen with Magnus?” Because if it did, he’d happily wring the bugger’s neck.
“No,” she said, looking out at the lake. “It’s nothing.”
“Cora, I know you well enough by now to see that something’s been bothering you. Did Magnus do something to—”
“Of course not,” she said with feeling. “Magnus has been great. We’ve had a lot of fun, and we’re getting along fine. I’ve got no problems with him.” She gave Liam a pointed look. “And neither should you.”
“He’s nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Liam said in disgust.
Cora rolled her eyes. “Not too long ago, you were singing his praises. I don’t know why you’re so against him, Liam. You used to like him, and you even took his driving class. The two of you are like carbon copies of each other.”
“I’m nothing like him,” Liam said indignantly. She may have a point, but he’d be damned if he’d own up to it.
“I’m serious. Magnus reminds me a lot of you. He’s funny and charming and maybe...a little racy.” She ended on a breathless note. Was she blushing? He’d kill the man.Racycould mean a great many things, he knew from experience, and he didn’t want to imagine Cora and Magnus doing any of them.
