“I’m well aware. You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.” He walked unerringly to the cupboards and took out two plates.
She moved to a drawer to remove utensils and napkins. “Considering I know half your family, I don’t believe that’s true.”
“I brought wine,” Rory said, pulling out a very nice 2019 Leonetti Reserve.
Her mouth watered. Without responding, she fetched the two wine glasses Millie had hand painted with little shovels and given to Serenity for Christmas a couple of years ago.
Rory sat, his hair wild and dark and curling beneath his ears. Like usual, he wore jeans and a dark T-shirt stretched tightly across his muscular chest. His eyes were piercing and blue, and he waited until she sat down before opening the wine.
“Sorry I didn’t get here in time to shovel your walk,” he apologized. “I take it you also did Millie’s?”
Serenity dished up two plates. “I did. I was worried Brandon would do it before I could, so I got there before he did.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s champing at the bit to get out of the house. It’s too bad school is out for a while. I think he’s going a little stir-crazy.” She chewed her lip. “You know what? I may ask him if he wants to work at the hardware store. Maybe he can sit behind the counter and help Verna check people out. Perhaps she’s ready to do inventory since it’s the end of the year.”
“That’s nice of you,” Rory said. “I can see if my cousin Anna needs help at her law firm. Maybe he could answer phones.”
The fragrance of the wine wafted toward Serenity. “We just have to find something for him to do that doesn’t involve too much movement.”
“It’s sweet of you to worry about him.” Rory’s tone was low and deep, sliding across her skin.
She shivered. It was difficult to be so close to him and not jump on his lap. Man, she missed kissing him. He always took over in a very good way, and he liked to take his time. The guy could kiss.
“Have you decided about the Elks Lodge ball?” he asked.
She shrugged. “It’s not a good idea, Rory.”
“Sure, it is.”
She wanted to go to the Elks event. She really did. It would be a nice way to ring in the new year, and the whole town usually turned out. “Maybe I’ll just meet you there.”
“No, I think we should go together.”
She flashed back to last year when they’d attended, and she’d already been impossibly in love with him. They’d danced well past midnight, and that New Year’s Eve kiss still filled her dreams. “I don’t think so.”
“Come on, Serenity.” He took a bite of the food and then poured the rich wine into the glasses, letting it breathe for the perfect length of time.
“How much danger are you in?” she asked suddenly.
He placed the bottle back on the table with natural grace. “I’m not in any danger, and I’m making a move soon.”
“A move?” She took a sip of the Leonetti. It was spectacular, like usual. The red wine had silky and well-integrated tannins with a lingering finish. It was truly one of the best wines she’d ever tasted. She shook her head. “Rory, I don’t want you to quit your job because of me.”
“I’m not quitting my job because of you. I’m ready. Well, I’m almost ready.”
She sampled the spaghetti and almost moaned at the delicious taste. “What do you mean?”
“I have one more matter to take care of, and then I’m out.” His eyes went carefully blank.
She narrowed hers. “Please expound on that matter.”
“It’s something administrative,” he said smoothly.
“You’re lying to me.” She reared back. “I can tell. I canfinallytell when you’re lying.”
He chuckled. “No, itisadministrative.”
