Chapter Twenty
Linx dabbedperfume behind her ears and over her pulse points and checked her reflection in her full-length mirror. Her dark-brown hair flowed effortlessly over her bare shoulders, and bright red lipstick accentuated her exotic looking face, so much like hermother.
The ghostly outline of the avant-garde wedding dress designed by Grady’s sister faded like an old photograph compared to the vibrant colors she’d dazzle Grady with on this very first of all dates—a stretchy black miniskirt with a bold red rose pattern over knee-high black leather boots and barethighs.
It felt strange to be up in her loft getting dressed while Grady manned her kitchen with Cedar at hisfeet.
Now that they were both present and accounted for, Cedar perked up and was back to her happy self. She pranced around her home and wagged her tail whenever Grady looked at her, begging scratches andkisses.
Linx had never seen Cedar happier and morecontent.
She stood at the top of the stairs and watched Grady set the table, wearing a barbeque apron. His shirt sleeves were rolled up past his elbows, and he had a chef’s thermometer tucked over oneear.
This.
Looked.
So much likehome.
This.
Couldn’t.
Betrue.
Domestic and tranquil were not words belonging to her and Grady’sstory.
But still, she watched, mesmerized while love songs played on the stereo—another relic from her grandmother, complete with large speakers and a tuner in which she’d plugged an iPod. He’d found her secret playlist, the one she’d never admit to listening to—never dared tohope.
Grady set her rustic wooden table with a pair of candlesticks over a pinecone centerpiece. After lighting the candles, he took a platter and exited the back door, followed byCedar.
An essential oil diffuser spilled scents of pine, cedar, and vanilla, mixing with the aroma of grilled steaks wafting through the kitchen window. A bowl of tossed salad sat on the kitchen counter along with two wine glasses and a bottle of redwine.
Slowly, Linx descended the stairs, hardly believing the warm, cozy cabin belonged to her. He’d spread her grandmother’s wedding knot afghan on the lodge-pole couch, and arranged wildflowers in the vases on the endtables.
Ginger slept curled up with a hot water bottle in her playpen, and the curtains were drawn, the lightsdimmed.
Grady Hart sure knew how to put on a date night. He’d even swept and cleaned thekitchen.
The screen door in back swung open, and the man who tied her heart up in knots came through with a platter. “I hope you still like your steaks medium-rare.”
“You remembered.” Her fingers fluttered over the silverware in the drawer. She’d use her grandmother’s silver tonight. Thankfully, she’d had them polished for the Gold Rush Festival display. “This is all so special.Thanks.”
He set the platter on the counter and leaned toward her. “See? I’m not such a badguy.”
“I never said you were.” She set the table, her breath quickening. “Although I’m still a badgirl.”
“I’m not sure I can forgive you for keeping Cedar,” he said, grinding pepper over the steaks. “But I’d like to hear yourreasons.”
“I’mevil.”
“So am I.” He set the plates on the table and put the salad bowl between them. “That’s why I can’t forgive you, even though I’m going to let you haveCedar.”
“You’ll come visit, won’tyou?”
“Yeah, maybe we should have joint custody. Shall we kiss on that?” He stood in front of her, too close, raking her with his scorchinggaze.
Linx wet her lips, but turned away from him. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to be kissing andtouching.”
