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“It’s definitely something for me to think about.” He takes a drink from the water bottle, then sets it down.
“You should. If nothing else, you’ll find yourself feeling more energetic,” I say.
“Did you go to school for nutrition in addition to marketing? he asks.
“Over the past couple of years I’ve become a certified nutrition coach. I figured if I was going to cook for other people, I should learn what to feed them. If they’re dieting, I need to accommodate them by preparing healthy choices.”
“Does pastitsio fall under a healthy meal?” he asks, nailing the pronunciation.
“It can be. It’s all about balance. You got your vegetables in, the ground beef is your protein, and the pasta is your carbohydrates. This could be a pregame meal for you if you wanted it to be. I wouldn’t recommend eating this every night, though. You could have chicken, rice, and salad some nights.”
“How exciting,” he says, but it’s clear he means the opposite.
“Hey, chicken and rice can be delicious and healthy at the same time. Do I need to cook some tomorrow to prove I’m right?”
“No, please don’t. I’d rather have something I can’t make myself.” He sounds almost panicked.
I laugh. “Don’t worry, there’s no chicken and rice on the menu. I’ve already planned everything out, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with my choices.”
“I have no doubt I will be. So far there’s nothing disappointing about you… or your food.” He adds the latter as if it’s an afterthought, making my heart leap in my chest.
“That’s nice to know. I’m glad you’re pleased.” I point to his plate. “Are you done?”
“I am, but I’ll take care of it.” He’s moving toward the sink before I can reply.
I place the pan of pastitsio in the refrigerator and wipe down the counters. All that’s left to do is start the dishwasher, which he happens to be standing beside. I find a detergent pod in the cabinet under the sink and drop it into the bottom before I close the door. I start the wash cycle and turn to Ryder.
“What time would you like me to arrive in the morning?”
“How does nine sound?”
“Great.”
“Hey, bring your swimsuit so you can take a dip during your off time. I just had a pool put in a few months ago.”
I’m taken aback by his suggestion. I didn’t know he had a pool. “Okay.” I tap each front pocket on my pants to make sure I have my keys and my phone. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His lips curve into a smile that makes my knees weak. “I’m already looking forward to it.”
CHAPTER8
RYDER
Like an eager schoolboy,I’m outside as Calista pulls up the next morning. I’m watering the flower beds along the front of my house, trying to appear like I haven’t been waiting on her. I turn off the faucet and wrap the hose up before I meet her at the back hatch of her minivan.
My lips stretch into a wide smile I couldn’t hold back if I tried. I’m happy to see her, and it has nothing to do with the breakfast she’s about to prepare for me. That’s a bonus, for sure, though. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, yourself,” she says, echoing my smile. As she shifts things around, I edge closer. Her perfume is subtle and sweet like a freshly picked bouquet of wildflowers with a hint of…bacon?
“Did you bring me bacon?” My eyes light up.
She snickers, lifting a rectangular-shaped insulated bag by the handles on top. “I made you a breakfast casserole, and yes, bacon is one of the ingredients.”
“It’s ready to be eaten?” I can’t keep the excitement from my tone.
“Yep. I figured you’d be hungry by now, so I made it at my place.” She taps a finger against the bag. “It’s in here.”
I hold out my hands and wiggle my fingers. “Come to daddy.”
