Apollo’s phone beeped. “Dinner is ready and needs to be pulled from the oven. I sent Francine home so she wouldn’t notice our little dragon friend.”
“I’ll give you a hand.”
The ovens—four in total—disgorged six, extra-large pizzas and two trays of wings. We set them on the waiting trivets on the counters, and as Apollo sliced them, I practically drooled like Tigger. As he finished carving up one, I carried it out to the table that could have seated twelve people easily.
I have to admit it was the best damned pizza I ever ate. I had a slice from the pepperoni, the mushroom-onion-bacon, the meat lovers, and the margherita one—which Tigger declared tasty but lacking in meat. The wings had two flavors, barbecue and hot honey. Also delicious.
“I might never move again,” I groaned, resisting the urge to pat my belly.
Apollo grinned. “Told you it would be good.”
Tigger and Tutu thought so as well. The pair continued to demolish the remains.
“Want to work some of it off?” Apollo queried.
I arched a brow. “Going to take advantage of me while my chaperone is stuffing his face?”
His laughter sent shivers through me. “If I’d have thought you’d be amenable to such a thing, I would have eaten less.”
I offered a rueful smile. “Me too. What did you have in mind, then?”
“Walk on the beach?”
“Sounds like a great idea.” I rose and followed toward the edge, remarking, “I’m surprised you don’t have some kind of barrier to keep people from falling off.”
“It’s coming. The glass panels are on back order. Here’s to hoping nobody falls off the bluff before they’re installed.”
At least the stairs going down to the beach had a railing. Good thing, given their steepness. We hit the sand and began sauntering. To my surprise—and delight—he grabbed my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.
“I’m glad you came,” he stated.
“Me, too, although I’d expected a different type of evening.” Playing coy wasn’t my style.
He chuckled. “Yeah. I’d hoped Tigger would toddle off for a nap after we ate, but this is nice, too.”
I kicked off my shoes and dug my toes in the sand. “I did debate whether to come.”
“Because I’m an evil outsider.”
“Partially.” I paused and eyed him. “What exactly is this, anyhow?”
“You want to know if I’m looking for a casual fling.”
“I guess. Not that I’m averse, but if we do get involved, I’d prefer to have an idea ahead of time of what I’m getting into.”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I had no intention of dating, being busy with work and getting the finishing touches done on this place. Then I met you and found myself wanting to get to know you better, and not just carnally. Will this end up being something serious?” He shrugged. “No clue. Guess we’ll have to spend time together to figure that out.”
Probably the best answer he could have given because I didn’t know where this would go either.
“I’ll admit I still think we’re too different for this to work long term.” I didn’t couch my skepticism.
“You say that, and yet, if you take away my money, I’m just a man who puts his pants on one leg at a time.”
“What, no personal servant to pull them up?” I teased.
“Hell no,” he exclaimed. “But I do have a house and groundskeeper.”
“And a chef.”
