Chapter Eight
Trey noticed a shiver pass through Alexis. He walked to the two whiskey barrels on his deck and turned the knobs. Heat immediately radiated from them. He loved his patio heaters, one of the few landscaping pieces he’d chosen on his own. “These will keep you warm.”
“These are cool.” Alexis moved near one and rubbed her hands together. “I knew it would be chilly tonight, but I didn’t expect the temperature to turn downright cold.”
“Me either. You’re welcome to wait inside while the steaks and veggies cook. They shouldn’t take too long.”
“I’ll be fine but thank you. After the humid summer we had, this is delightful.”
“I heard it was the hottest on record.” He lifted the lid to the grill and flipped the meat.
“Wouldn’t surprise me.”
“You’re welcome to pull a chair close to the heater. You don’t have to stay standing.”
“I’m good, really.” A minute later, she dragged a chair to the heater.
This is nice, he almost said, but he didn’t want to scare her away. When she let down her defenses, she became shy around him, and understandably so. He hadn’t exactly treated her well in the past. There had to be an in between, somewhere between the prickly pear and timid persona.
Dinner finished cooking, and he loaded it onto a clean dish to carry inside. He plated their food, refusing any help from her.
“I owe you, remember. Let me do this nice gesture.” He tossed her a casual wink. “It doesn’t happen that often.”
“Can I at least pour drinks?”
“Sure,” he relented, realizing she’d be more comfortable if her hands stayed busy. Dinner with him would be more of a chore for her, not a token of appreciation, if she was nervous the entire time. “The glasses are in the top right cabinet. Take whatever you want from the fridge.”
“What would you like?
“I’ll take a regular soda. Do you mind if I move Truffles in here? If so, I completely understand. Not many people want an animal near their food. Usually, I wouldn’t let her if there’s company, but considering the situation.”
A soft smile lit her face. “It’s fine. I don’t mind at all.”
“I’ll bring her in, then we’ll eat.”
When he returned from the living room, he saw she’d brought the food to the table. That was Alexis. She had a servant’s heart, always put others before herself and sought to make their lives better in a million different ways. Did she ever let anyone take care of her?
He pulled out the chair where she’d set her plate. “Have a seat.”
“This smells amazing.” She breathed in deeply, wafting the scent to her. “I’ve been eating cafeteria food for too long. Aloni’s a great cook, but she’s still cooking for a large crowd.”
“The shelter is amazing. I’m impressed with how well it’s run.”
“Rachel was an outstanding director, and the entire staff is incredible. There’s a true spirit of teamwork and cooperation throughout the entire campus.” Her face came alive as she spoke.
“It shows.” She’d found her calling, that was obvious, and he couldn’t be happier for her. “Shall I bless the food?”
She closed her eyes and lowered her head, while he said a prayer over the food. He fought the temptation to peek at her. His thoughts struggled to stay focused, and he kept the prayer short, feeling guilty for his irreverence.
They spoke little while they ate. An odd tension hung over them. An awareness of a shift between them. Moving forward, putting the past behind them. Was it possible? He wanted it to be.
When they finished eating, he cleared the table and wiped it down. Alexis tried to rinse the dishes, but he put his foot down. He might have caved and let her get the drinks, but doing the dishes crossed the line. What kind of a gentleman and host would that make him?
Giving up on her insistence to help, Alexis sat on the floor beside Truffles who slept peacefully. Alexis stroked her fur, smiling down at her.
“Did you ever have a pet?” he asked.
“When I was a toddler, my parents surprised us with a puppy one of my dad’s coworkers was giving away.”
