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That was the smart move.
When Shane opened the door, he looked more haggard than she expected. His hair was mussed, there was sauce on his cheek, and he wore a pink plaid apron that seemed to pull the whole look together.
Eloise clapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the laugh that erupted from her lips. “You look like…”
“What?” He glanced down at the apron.
She shook her head, laughing again. “Like you’ve had a rough evening. Do you need anyhelp?”
Shane huffed. “What makes you say that?” He gestured toward the apron. “I’ll have you know this apron is very fashionable… in certain places.”
Shaking her head, she stepped through the doorway and then wiped her finger against his cheek. Eloise showed him the sauce and then let out a chuckle. “Isn’t this supposed to stay in the pot or something?”
His gaze dipped to her finger then he snatched her wrist. His brow lifted and his lips quirked upward at the corners.
Eloise gasped. “Don’t you dare.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She tugged on her hand, expecting him to lick off the little bit of sauce from her finger. But instead, he pulled her toward him.
Shane held her hand out to the side and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Come on. You got here just in time. Dinner’s almost ready.” He guided her away from the entrance and shut the door behind her. Then he nodded toward her finger. “You know, even though I’m well off, I hate when people let things go to waste.”
Her eyes widened, and without thinking about it, she popped her finger into her mouth.
Shane laughed, and she would have joined in, but the taste of the sauce distracted her. It had a little more kick than she had anticipated. There were notes of Italian seasoning and basil, along with something more savory.
Eloise’s focus darted up to meet his. “This isreallygood.” Her stomach growled, echoing the way she felt.
“Better be careful. You don’t want to give me a big head.”
Eloise shook her head. “I will never lie to you.”
There was a moment when she thought she saw something change in his countenance. She couldn’t be certain, but she thought he looked uncomfortable. That was silly. She was just getting into her own head again.
She slipped her hand into his and leaned into him. “Do you have time to give me a tour?”
Shane gestured before them. “Of course. This is the foyer, obviously.”
Eloise glanced around at the fifteen-foot ceilings and the ornate chandelier. Okay, so he did splurge a little on his home. It might not be huge, but it was decorated by someone who had good taste. Beyond the foyer appeared to be a great room for entertaining.
He tugged her to their left toward an open archway that led to the dining room. A distressed table that could seat at least eight guests was situated beneath a more modern lighting fixture. He continued to lead her through another doorway into the kitchen.
Her eyes rounded as she took in the white cabinets and marbled countertops. Five pendant lights hung over the island. A pot of something simmering sat on the stove, adding to the wonderful smell. “Your place is really nice.” She moved ahead of him, tracing her fingertip across the edge of the countertop.
Shane shrugged. “It’s alright, I suppose.”
She snorted. “I don’t know why you don’t invite more people over. This is the kind of place I would use to entertain people all the time.” Eloise turned toward him, her eyes meeting his.
“Maybe one day you could.” He’d said it so quietly that she wasn’t sure she heard him correctly or if she’d imagined it. Either way, her heart beat just a little faster. It was crazy how much she wanted this.
He removed his apron and raked a hand through his hair, not looking at her anymore. “I’m glad you came tonight.”
“Me too.”
Brushing past her, he set to work putting the meal in its serving dishes. He’d grown quiet as she watched him.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
