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“My nose already agrees.”
I put the flowers in a vase and set them on the table. “These are so lovely, Aithan.”
“Almost as lovely as you.” He grimaced and shook his head. “Can’t believe I said that.” He squinted at me. “Too cheesy?”
“No. Wholesome, which I like, remember? Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“Sparkling or flat?”
“Flat. I’m not a fan of the bubbly stuff.”
“Really? Why not?”
He shrugged. “Dunno. Probably because we never had carbonated drinks when I was a kid. My mom believes it weakens bones.”
“It does?”
“No, but there are healthier drinks to choose from, so I humor her.”
“Fair enough. Water it is.” I poured glasses for both of us then checked the roast. “Hungry?”
“Starving, actually. Wednesdays are heavy for me. I start with back-to-back private sessions at six in the morning and the day doesn’t let up.”
“Well, then let’s eat.”
I plated the roast and the veggies, told him what was in the biscuits, and we sat. The food was terrific, maybe my best roast yet. Aithan had only praise and second helpings to show his pleasure. He even liked the carob brownies I offered for dessert.
“It’s not chocolate,” he remarked, “but it’s a helluva a lot better than the weird hippie carob my sister tries to give me.”
“It takes some getting used to, especially if you go into it thinking it’ll taste like chocolate. But I buy the best quality organic carob available and add a little cinnamon to the recipe. It makes a big difference.”
He nodded. “Definitely.”
After dinner, we sat on the sofa, drinking tea and talking.
My phone buzzed on the side table. Aithan picked it up and passed it to me. “SOS? Is that an escape code in case this date goes south?”
Doh!I hadn’t expected him to see a note from Drew. “No, far from it. That’s just my friend Drew asking if it’s safe for him to return to the townhouse. He’s visiting from New York.”
“Ah.” He paused. “Friend?”
I chewed my lip. I didn’t want to fuck this up and wasn’t sure which was better, lying or the truth. I decided neither. “He’s an author I’ve done some recording for. He’s in town for a book signing. We’ve known each other for a few years.”
Aithan nodded, but I couldn’t tell if he was satisfied with that answer. He yawned. “Sorry. I probably should get going. I’ve got a seven-thirty class.”
I stood and he did, too. “Okay.”Crap. Had I just scared him off? I cleared our cups to the kitchen. He followed. When I turned around, he was right behind me.
“Hey.” He cupped my chin and tilted my face. “This was a great meal and I had a really nice time just chilling with you, Zel.”
“I had a great time, too. I’m glad you came over.”
His eyes were so blue and so intense. He shifted closer, leaned in and kissed me. It was light and sweet, gentlemanly, but his lips lingered on mine and curved into a smile as the front door creaked. He pulled back just a little. “Your author friend?”
A muttered, “Whoops,” drifted up the stairs, then the sound of the front door closing. I wasn’t sure if Drew had stayed or left.
I giggled. “Yep, that’s him.”
