She turned in a slow circle, taking it all in. The furniture wascomfortable without being showy, the windows were large, the hardwood floors gave her a little ping of envy.
“It feels good,” she told him. “You must be happy here.”
“I am.”
He led the way into the kitchen and motioned for her to take a seat at the big island.
“How long have you lived here?”
“About six years.”
“So you bought it before you got married? That’s unusual.”
“I was looking for a forever home and when I saw this one, I knew it was right for me.” He shrugged. “My ex helped with some of the renovations.”
She remembered him mentioning she’d been an influencer. “And did videos that she posted.”
“Asking or telling?”
“Am I wrong?”
“Nope.”
He walked over the large range with two ovens and turned on one, then pulled a casserole from the refrigerator. When she saw the elbow macaroni smothered in cheese sauce, she grinned.
“You made mac and cheese!”
He glanced at her. “Lobster mac and cheese.”
Oh, wow. That was impressive and unexpected. “You’re a bit of a surprise,” she admitted.
“Good.”
He removed a veggie platter from the fridge and set it on the island, then walked to a cupboard and opened it. “Cocktails, beer or wine?”
“I’m not driving. A cocktail. What can you make?”
“Just about anything but I’m going to make you an Aperol spritz.”
“How very European of you.”
She watched as he collected Aperol, prosecco and club soda, then combined them in a wineglass and added a garnish ofsliced orange. After he passed her the drink, he opened a bottle of beer and poured it into a glass, then took a seat next to her at the island.
“Is the color off-putting?” she asked, her voice teasing.
He grinned. “A little. It would be different if we were in Italy.”
“Now that would be a serious first date. I’d like to go someday.”
They touched glasses.
“Ramon holding you back?” he asked.
“Some. It’s not easy to leave him. Plus the store. Maybe when the kids are older I’d be more comfortable trying. My stepdad keeps telling me he’d be happy to run things for me so I can get away. At some point I’ll take him up on the offer.”
“He sounds like a good guy.”
“He’s the best.” She looked at him. “You know Ryleigh and I are the product of a sperm bank, right?” His blank look had her smiling. “Apparently not.”
