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“Less than I do.”
She doesn’t know I can see her in the mirror and grins at Aiden, who smiles back. I get the distinct impression they’ve been conspiring about vegetables. But I’m not going to ruin it for them—let them think they’re sneaky. Their lack of sneakiness makes it easy to watch out for.
“Oh, also, because of the B&B’s history, there are going to be a lot of mounted fish on the walls and nautical-themed items. Just a heads-up.”
Cormac frowns. “Why would I need a heads-up?”
“Because you don’t like decorations, so I thought it might be good for you to know what you’re about to see.”
He chuckles. “I don’tdislikethem, Lily.”
“Your place is…decoration-free.”
“Are you trying to say lifeless?”
Slowly and exaggeratedly, I nod while telling him, “No. I would never say that.”
He laughs hard. “I’m not against the idea of some interior design. It’s just not something I think of. Plus, I like things to be clean and organized. Is that so wrong?”
“No. But would a painting kill you?”
“Maybe.”
I smirk at him. “Okay, no paintings. How about three flower vases, one for the kitchen, the living room, and the downstairs bathroom?”
“Yeah!” Aiden says.
“I’ll go as high as two,” Cormac offers.
“What do you think, kids?”
They both nod while smiling.
“I think you have a deal, sir.”
Franny adds, “Flower vases and burgers.”
He chuckles. “I told you. We’re having dinner with the Olsons tonight.”
She sulks. “Fine. Just flower vases.”
“I think we were sidetracked back there, Lily,” Cormac begins. “You were saying something before about why you were being quiet.”
“Oh, right.” Here goes nothing. “I got a call from Paxton.”
“That’s your business partner, right?”
“That’s the one. There’s a restauranteur who is, according to Paxton, kind of obsessed with my food. He is opening his own restaurant in Manhattan, and he wants me to be the executive chef. I’d have complete control of the place, per Paxton, and I’d also have part ownership.”
Cormac swallows for a beat. “That’s great.”
It is, but by his tone, that’s not all he’s thinking. “I’m—
“Are you thinking of taking the position?”
“Debating it. Yes.”
“I’m really happy. For you.” His posture stiffens as he says the words.
