Wrapping an arm around her waist, he kissed her forehead. “You are amazing. Everything looks incredible and much too pretty to eat.”
She smiled up at him through her lashes. “I did not get up at dawn to put all this together for folks not to eat. What time did you and Eustace begin cooking?”
“Not until nine. My brother cussed the entire time he had to fry more than fifty pounds of wings for two parties. We dropped off the last order an hour ago. Eustace went home to shower and change, so he’s probably right behind me.” Gage glanced over her head. “Are you finished with everything?”
“No. I still have to grill the shrimp, fry the Thai sweet chili chicken, and bake the General Tso’s chicken.”
He leaned in closer, and the clean masculine scent of his cologne wafted to her nostrils. “I’ll wait until everyone gets here, then I’ll grill the shrimp for you.”
“Thank you.” Tonya exhaled an audible sigh. “I’m going to wait for the halftime festivities, then I’m going home to take a bath and relax.”
“Do you want company later?”
She gave him a tired smile. “As tempting as that may sound, I’m going to say no.”
Gage chided himself for being selfish. It was apparent Tonya had been on her feet since dawn cooking and preparing for Hannah and St. John’s guests, while he’d shared cooking for two parties with his brother. “I’m sorry—”
“There’s no need to apologize,” she said, interrupting him. “We can always see each other over the weekend.”
“I’ve made plans not to work next weekend. And because I did promise to take you around the city, maybe you can clear your calendar and pencil me in.”
She laughed softly. “I’ll jot you down for Saturday morning through Sunday night.”
Gage resisted the urge to pump his fist. He didn’t want to believe he would have Tonya all to himself for more than forty-eight hours. “Thank you, babe.”
Eustace joined them, putting an arm around Gage’s neck in a mock chokehold. “I need you to help me, brother.”
“With what?”
“We have to figure out how we can steal Tonya away from Hannah, so we can increase our catering business.”
Reaching up, Gage forcibly removed Eustace’s arm. “You’re wrongandthat’s cold, brother.”
Eustace gave Tonya a bear hug. “You can’t blame me for trying.”
“No harm, no foul, boss,” she mumbled against his broad chest.
He released her. “I can’t believe you put all of this together by yourself.”
“Hannah and St. John did help slicing the veggies.”
Eustace angled his head. “Don’t be so modest, Tonya. Your presentations are works of art.”
“That’s where we agree,” Gage said to Eustace. He took Tonya’s hand, threading their fingers together. “Come, babe, and show me what else you need to do so you can get off your feet.”
