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“I take it that you are impressed," he said teasingly.
“More than. This is some kitchen. I am happy whoever decided to leave it as is.”
“Warmer over there.” Setting her aside, he strode over to it and opened the door.
“I take it this is not your first time here.”
“No.” Pulling the door open, he took out the dish and plopped it on the counter.
“The place belonged to my mother. I used to come here some summers.” He smiled at her as he reached for plates. “There is a wine cabinet—just pull the handle—yes, right there. And grab some glasses.”
“We look very domesticated.”
“Is that a good thing?” He scooped out baby potatoes to go along with the thin strips of roast beef. The aroma wafted around the large room.
“It might be.”
She took the glasses and bottle of wine over to the table and sat as he came over with the plates.
He handed her the plate and took his seat.
“Don’t tell me that some magical being came over and prepared the meal and left before we came.”
“Something like that.” He dug into his meal, cutting off a piece of the tender beef. “I know it’s cold but if you want the tour, we could do that. Unless, of course, you want to go to bed.”
“Bed?”
“Your bed," he told her hastily. “They dumped everything in the master suite, but I wanted to wait until you pick out a suite you like. Or if you prefer, you could take the master—"
“Jaylen, it’s fine. Let’s just enjoy the dinner and worry about that later.” She took a sip of the wine. “I did not look at the bottle. It’s very good.”
“Costa Regal. It is an excellent blend.”
“Hmm. This feels so weird.”
“In what way?”
“We are here, having a meal together. I thought I would hate you, be disgusted, and would not be able to stay in the same space. But it feels nice. We might be able to pull it off.”
“You think so?”
She nodded and reached for her glass. “You are not as despicable as I thought you would be.”
“Thanks?” There was a wry look on his handsome face that had her laughing.
“You are more than welcome.” She toyed with the stem of the glass. “I am scared.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Of?”
She shrugged. “I am not used to anything like this. Yes, I was introduced to a taste of it when I started with your dad. I am from very humble beginnings. From a group home to crashing on Corey’s sofa bed when I aged out of the system.
I worked my butt off to get a scholarship so that I could make something of myself. I don’t like to shop Jaylen. I am not a society princess. Yes, I know what fork and spoon to use at the dinner table and I have attended enough functions to know what the deal is.
But I was always content to be on the periphery—outside looking in and that was fine with me. Now I am going to have the spotlight shining in my face.” She gulped her wine. “And I will not be able to go for coffee at my favorite café.”
“What’s the name of it?”
“It does not have a name.” He frowned slightly. “It’s run by a brother and sister who took over from their dad. I think it’s just called—Café or something like that. They serve the best lemon meringue pie and apple cobbler. And the coffee’s not bad either.” She looked at him. “How do you deal with it?”
