“I’ll lower mine to the counter,” I say, “and you keep lowering yours as I go, then once it’s flat on the surface, I’ll grab the spatula.”
She nods. “Sounds like a plan. Lowering…now…” She lowers the pot as I do the same. Once mine is flat on the counter, I release the pan, untangle my arms from hers, and sneak a kiss to her cheek before dashing across the kitchen for the spatula. I could hardly help it with as close as she was.
As we narrowly avoid disaster with the caramel popcorn, me mixing while she pours, I find myself glad we still have the whole night ahead of us. So long as Maggie’s on board. The fact is, I don’t want this date to end. I want to learn more about herand find out just what makes her tick. Every time she shares something, a list of new questions springs to mind.
The timer rings just as a knock comes to the door.
“It’s dinnertime,” Gertrude hollers.
“Let’s see how yer food measures up to ours,” Gill adds with a maniacal laugh.
Just off the kitchen is a dining room with a view of the city. The table is set beautifully; all it’s missing is the food. Gertrude and Gill take care of that, placing side dishes like risotto, roasted veggies, and a hollandaise sauce for the chicken.
When they reveal a layered chocolate torte, Maggie speaks up in a whisper. “I thoughtwewere doing dessert.”
“The popcorn is not dessert,” Gertrude says, overhearing. “’Tis a snack for later. Yer staying at the bed and breakfast tonight, no?”
Gill puffs his chest proudly. “We own that too.”
Maggie and I glance at one another.
Gertrude speaks up again. “Yearestaying the night, right? ‘Tis part of the package.”
“We’ve been thinking about it,” Maggie says, reluctance in her tone. “We haven’t decided since we’re just getting to know each other.”
“Then might I suggest ye get to know each otherthere,” Gill says.
“Exactly,” Gertrude adds. “No funny business necessary. There are two queen beds, after all.”
Maggie shifts her weight and looks at me, that pretty pink flooding into her cheeks.
I want to shoot her the devilish grin I’mknown for, but I resist, not wanting her to misunderstand my intentions. Sure, I’d love to do all sorts of things with Maggie that don’t involve talking, but more than that, I want to discover the ways we’re compatible outside of the romantic chemistry that’s been crystal clear from day one. At least, on my end.
“I say we do it.” I give her a soft, unassuming grin and lift a hand like a boy scout. “I promise to be the perfect gentleman.”
I study her face as the clock in the background ticks louder.
Gertrude and Gill lean in collectively.
An audible gulp slinks down my throat.Just say yes, Maggie, you can trust me.My heart pounds faster as I wait.
At last, she moves the slightest bit. It almost looks like she’s nodding, but the action is so subtle I can’t be sure. The slightest hint of a grin lifts one of her rosy cheeks. She pins her lips over that grin, but I’m positive now that it’s there, revealing amusement or delight, I’m not sure which.
“Okay,” she finally says. “Let’s stay the night.”
Gertrude claps her hands and squeals.
Inwardly, I’m doing that very thing. I don’t want this night to end, and it looks as if Maggie feels the same way.
16
Maggie
The sound of laughter fills our shared room for the night. There are two beds, just as was promised, but so far, neither of us has moved from the bed we settled onto when we arrived.
The bucket of caramel popcorn rests on a tray in the center, along with a now-empty bottle and two champagne flutes. Braxton lies on his side, facing me while leaning on an elbow. On the other side of the bed, I lean against the headboard, hugging my knees to my chest.
“So each of you guys has broken at least one bone,” I surmise from the stories Braxton just told.
