I love good food. Whether Camille realizes it or not, she’s figured out the direct path to my heart.
“Never.” Lizzy shrugs. “It wasn’t something I grew up around. Mom either.”
“That’s completely unacceptable.” I stop and put my hands on my hips. “Before you head home, you have to come out to theranch. I’ll take you riding.” Camille is watching us with a huge grin on her face. “Both of you.”
She narrows her eyes and shifts her gaze between us. “What are you two plotting?”
“Just an afternoon of horseback riding.” I nod toward Lizzy. “When do you get back from Glacier?”
“Sometime on Saturday.”
“Perfect. You two can come out to the ranch on Sunday and stay for dinner.” I turn my attention to Camille and smile. The look on her face is one of pure joy, and I want to reach out and kiss her. “Momma’s been hounding me for weeks to bring you out.”
“Me?” Camille points at herself, and I nod. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
I shrug. “Just never got around to it, I guess. We’ve been busy with the renovation, and I know you like your alone time. I didn’t want you to feel obligated.”
“Adam.” She puts her hands on her hips, mimicking my stance, and shakes her head. “I’d be honored to join your family for dinner. Your mom is sweet. Plus, I still haven’t met your sister.”
“Then come over on Sunday. Momma will be pleased.” I should have said something to Camille sooner. Momma’s been anxious to have Camille over for dinner and has asked me several times to invite her. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.
My family suspects I like Camille, but I haven’t confirmed that to them. If she comes to Sunday dinner with me, they’ll know for certain. I’m not sure I’m ready for that. This thing between us is delicate and I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on her. My family can be a lot sometimes.
“What is that?” Lizzy gasps and runs into the kitchen. She picks up a clear bottle full of yellow liquid. “You bought Limoncello?”
Camille smiles. “I did.”
“Does this mean you’re making chicken piccata for dinner?” She looks up at Camille with puppy dog eyes, clutching the bottle to her chest like she’s begging. It’s adorable, and I have no doubt I’d give her whatever she wanted if she gave me that look. “Please say yes.”
Camille shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “I was trying to surprise you. But yes, I bought everything I need to make it this morning.”
Lizzy jumps up and down and squeals. “Oh, Mom. You’re the best. I’ve missed your cooking so much since you left.” She spins on her heels. I lean against the doorway and laugh at Lizzy’s nonsensical behavior. “You have to stay for dinner, Adam.”
“Thanks.” My smile grows. “But I don’t want to interrupt your limited time together. I already take up too much of your time during the day.”
“Don’t be silly. I hang out with you when Mom’s busy. I still have a couple weeks before I head home. That’s plenty of time for us.” She turns to Camille with her hands clasped in front of her. “Mom, tell him to stay.”
Camille laughs and pinches Lizzy's nose like I’d expect to see someone do to a small child, not a grown woman. Everything about this girl is adorable, and it causes my heart to squeeze even more than before. “Adam, stay. I’d much rather cook for three than two. It’s easier. Plus, we’d love to have you.”
“As long as you’re sure.” I run my fingers over my beard, catching a glimpse of my paint splattered hands. “I hope I’ll have time to run home and clean up first. I’m a mess.”
“Of course.” Camille pats my forearm as she passes me heading into the kitchen. “I’ll plan dinner for seven if that works for you.”
“Seven is perfect.” I glance over at Lizzy, and the light in her eyes does something to me. The excitement of youth andpossibility emanates from her. It's that look of happiness when someone gets exactly what they wanted.
I catch a glimpse of mischief in her eyes as well, and it makes me laugh even harder. If I’m judging her expression correctly, Lizzy is up to no good. Or maybe a lot of good, depending on how I look at it. Her enthusiasm may be exactly what I need to get Camille to consider taking our relationship to the next level.
CHAPTER 14
CAMILLE
“Wow, you completely outdid yourself.” Adam tosses his napkin over his plate, bringing a smile to my face. He lets out a low whistle before he continues. “That was one of the best meals I’ve had in a really long time.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” I’ve always loved watching others enjoy my cooking, but Adam’s praise does something entirely different to me. It excites me and makes me want to kiss him senseless. “I hope you saved room for dessert?”
“You mean there’s more?” His jaw drops, and I laugh until my shoulders shake.
“I love to cook.” I pick up the bottle of red Adam brought. It came from the vineyard next to his family’s ranch. Istillcan’t believe anyone can grow grapes in Montana and make wine this good. I have a feeling The Wine Room will become one of my favorite places. I refill his glass before I pour a little more for myself. Lizzy covers hers, indicating she’s had enough. “Now that my kitchen is finished, you can expect a lot more meals from me.”
