“No. Calhoun Industries,” I say. “Why did you think Coulson?”
"He mentioned it was named after his girlfriend’s brother, so I assumed it was theirs.” She shrugs lightly. “Either way, I thought I’d see if you and Erik wanted to come. Maybe we could get dinner after?”
I’m nodding before she finishes the question.
“We would love to. Would you like me to make reservations?”
“Yes, something…”
She’s cut off by Erik as he steps into the office.
“Not a steakhouse,” he says flatly, looking at me.
I roll my eyes. He thinks he’s the only one who understands her.
I open my mouth to reply, but his attention has already shifted to Tianna.
“I hope you’re planning to talk about what furniture we should bring to the house,” he says. “Meg is emailing you photos of pieces I think you need. And which rooms.”
He can’t help himself. He wants it settled, so he pushes until it is.
“Or,” I interject calmly, “we can have our first date and simply enjoy being out.”
That gives him pause.
He recalculates.
“What is your favorite flower?” he asks, pulling out his phone and tapping at the screen.
“I love daisies. They’re bright and cheerful.”
His brow furrows. “Not carnations?”
“No. Why would you think that?”
“The lotion you wear,” he says. “It smells of carnations.”
Her face softens. His lips part as he realizes how much he’s noticed.
“I love carnations too,” she says. “They are my favorite scented flower.”
He pauses his tapping.
“When is our date?”
“Tomorrow night, after the performance for the families," I respond dryly.
He nods and finishes what I assume is flower ordering.
He stares at Tianna and opens his arms. She steps in and gives him a hug.
“I will see you tomorrow. It will be my first date.”
“You mean our first date, right?” she asks.
He gives a small shake of his head. “Yes, our first date. But my first date. I have never taken a woman out before.” With that bomb dropped, he turns and strides out of the office.
Chapter ninety-nine
