‘I also wanted to ask if you’re free tonight, because a couple of Becca’s girlfriends from her yoga class are coming over for a spot of baby worshipping, and bringing pizza and wine with them.’
‘Uh, yes I am, but I’m pretty sure Becca wouldn’t want me there too.’
‘Becca? Oh, she doesn’t . . . that’s not what I . . . or perhaps you’ve changed your mind about taking me to dinner? I can see you’re busy.’ Lyndsey stopped to suck in a breath and covered her face with her hands. ‘You must think I’m stupid and—’
‘I sure don’t. If I wasn’t covered in glass dust I’d kiss you. I’ve been wanting to since the day we met.’ The confession spilled out of him and before he could consider apologizing a brilliant smile illuminated Lyndsey’s face.
‘Thank God.’ She heaved a relieved sigh. ‘I was afraid it was just me, and I can’t make a fool of myself over any man again.’ A groan escaped her throat. ‘Forget that last part. I can’t seem to say anything the right way today.’
‘Hey, it’s all good.’ Griff spoke softly. Honesty was the hardest thing sometimes. ‘Yeah, I’d love to take you out tonight.’ He’d had enough pretense in his previous relationships, and had worked hard to turn that around. ‘I’ll finish this cutting work, then get cleaned up. You go over and pop those goodies in my house — I won’t be timing you to see how long you’re in there. How about I pick you up at seven? Will that work?’
‘Oh, yes, please.’
Her lack of dissembling warmed his heart.
‘I can’t stay out super late though, because I’ve got a work call with a client at midnight.’
‘Midnight?’
‘Time difference. Six a.m. in the UK. The lady in question demanded a consultation before she goes into work. She’s an emergency room doctor and has the Sunday day shift.’
‘Fair enough. I’ll make sure to whisk you back home before you turn into a pumpkin.’
‘Very funny.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘See you later.’ Lyndsey took off before he could say another word.
If he didn’t get his focus back, he’d cut his hands to ribbons and arrive for their date bandaged.After he finished cutting pieces for the lobster, he’d embark on his meticulous end-of-the-workday ritual. The work surfaces needed wiping down with a wet rag before he gave the floor the same treatment with an old-fashioned mop. Olivia had loved to mock him, saying he’d make someone a perfect house-husband one day.
Only then could he shower off the glass dust, shave and choose something to wear. None of that would take long. The tagline for The Right Place website — If You Don’t Love it, Lose it — pretty much summed up his life these days, so the majority of his designer suits were long gone. He’d saved a couple of favorites for fancier occasions than he had in mind for tonight’s first date with Lyndsey. Taking her to one of Nashville’s many upscale restaurants or trawling the honkytonks on Broadway was too mundane.He needed to come up with something that wouldn’t mark him out as predictable.
A flash of inspiration hit. Griff smiled, picked up his glass cutter and prepared to cut the lobster’s tail.
* * *
Lyndsey hovered in the hall. ‘Are you sure—?’
‘Yes.’ Becca shooed her towards the door. ‘Don’t keep the poor bloke waiting.’
‘Do I look okay?’
‘Okay? If you looked any more gorgeous, it would be criminal.’ Her sister pushed past, flung open the door and beamed out at Griff. ‘There you go, she’s all yours.’
Throw me like Daniel into the lion’s den, why don’t you?
‘For you.’ He thrust a bottle of wine at her sister. ‘I thought one more wouldn’t hurt for your girls’ night.’
‘You didn’t have to do that, but thanks.’ Becca grinned. ‘I assure you it won’t go to waste.’
‘Thanks for the shortbread, it was awesome.’
‘Was? As in, it’s all gone?’
‘There are a couple of pieces left. I’m not a pig.’
Lyndsey tried not to stare. Griff’s thick, wavy hair hung loose around his broad shoulders, and a fresh, close shave highlighted his tanned, angular face. Dark jeans and a blue-and-white striped shirt rolled to the elbow showed off his muscular forearms. He’d got it just right, making an effort without overdoing it. She’d aimed for simple too, with black linen wide-legged trousers and a crisp white shirt. Soft black leather flats. A chunky silver necklace and hoop earrings. After a month without a trim, her hair was on the way to becoming a halo of corkscrew curls, rather different from its usual close-cropped style.
‘Are you absolutely sure your friends are on the way?’ She frowned at Becca.
‘Yes, they’ll be here soon. Theo’s holed up in his room with a pizza, so I’m sure we won’t see him at all. Go now, before I throw you out.’
