Fresh sparks of anticipation stirred in her chest as they headed up the creaky steps of the Steakhouse. She inhaled the smoky aroma and sighed. Justine had a favorite motto—one that Grams hand stitched and hung beside the dining room table.
It read,“Take joy in the daily measures of life, and you’ll discover where true happiness lies.”Beneath the quote, a man twirled a woman away from the stovetop, her apron tossing as she whirled.
Justine had learned to take joy in the daily measures of life. And in doing so, shehadfound a measure of joy and contentment. But now something new had come into play. Something—orsomeone—unexpected, and Justine planned to take the same approach.
Perhaps she’d discover an entirely new level of joy. Or maybe she was only being a dreamer. Whichever the case was, Justine would immerse herself, and look forward to finding out what it might bring.
Chapter 9
Burke narrowed his gaze at the menu, forcing himself to focus on it instead of the fascinating woman across from him. The one who’d buried the cat that didn’t belong to her, helped herself to his Mentos in the car, and the one who’d asked him to turn up the rap song on the radio.
He let his gaze drift from his menu across the table once more.
It was one thing to see her silhouetted in her doorway or in the partial light of his BMW on the drive there, but it was quite another to see her beneath the outdoor roof lights streamed overhead.Beautiful.
“Okay, now I see why you were able to get a last minute reservation,” Justine said. “Nobodyeverreserves the rooftop.”
“Why?” he asked, worried that he was missing something obvious. Heat lamps radiated warmth from the center of the table, and from all four corners as well. But perhaps it wasn’t enough. “Are you cold?”
She shook her head. “No, these lamps are incredible. It’s just…too expensive.” She chuckled. “Not even the prom groups do it often.”
Tension drained from his limbs. “Oh, good. Yeah, well…” He nodded and shrugged.Menu, Burke. Just look at the menu.
Of all the women he’d dated before, he somehow doubted Justine would be charmed by his billionaire status. She didn’t seem the type to be motivated by dollar bills.
“So I guess we should get to know each other since we’re supposed to be engaged and all,” Justine said, a slight giggle coating the words.
“Right,” Burke said, eyeing the filet mignon. He lifted his gaze to see Justine was studying the menu as well. “Have you lived in Piney Falls all your life?”
“Yes.” She looked up at him with squinted eyes. “What are you ordering?”
Burke smiled at the sudden topic change. “Filet mignon. Would you like the same?”
She shrugged. “I’ve never had it.”
“If you like steak, you’ll probably like it. It’s really tender. Usually served fairly pink in the center.”
She dropped her gaze back to the menu. “Hmm…do you always order the most expensive thing on the menu?”
Burke smiled. “I have no idea.” It occurred to him then that she might be worried about the price. Hehadsaid he was treating, but perhaps she felt awkward ordering what was, apparently, the most expensive option. “I’ve been fortunate in the finance department. I’m not worried about the price.”
He cringed inwardly, hoping he hadn’t come off conceited. But honestly, money was no object when looking at a menu. And it’d been a long time since he’d been in the company of someone who considered restaurant pricing at all.
Burke wasn’t sure Justine had taken him at his word until the waiter came to take their order.
“I’ll take the filet mignon, please,” she said when asked.
The waiter, a tall gentleman dressed in black, had already brought out their drinks. He gave her a nod. “And how would you like that?”
Justine shot a look to Burke.
“I do medium rare,” he said.
“Let’s do that.” Justine closed her menu and handed it to the waiter, who turned to Burke next.
“And you?”
“I’ll take the same. And could you start us with the shrimp cocktail…” He looked up at Justine. “Do you like shrimp?”
