A sigh escaped.Accepting their dinner invitation hadn’t been a sensible idea when Henry lived in the same residence.She might be savoring a sandwich and a glass of wine at home, pondering her urban fantasy idea.Maia still wasn’t sure why she’d agreed after initially saying no thanks.
She pulled a bottle of wine from her shopping bag.She’d intended to drink it over several nights as a treat for words written, but she couldn’t arrive empty-handed.
On the plus side, she’d spoken to Isabella, who had agreed to help her train with sessions twice weekly.With Isabella, she’d learn the area’s geography and the best places to run.
Maia straightened, locked her car, and marched to the front door.The door flew open to a beaming London.A delicious scent of herbs and bacon wafted in the air.
“Come in,” London said.“Dinner is almost ready.I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving.Something smells delicious and much better than sandwiches.”
“Henry is a superb cook.”London started to say something, frowned, and stopped speaking.“This way,” she said, her smile a little overdone.
Maia’s stomach did a swift somersault before settling in an uneasy quiver.Yeah, this was a bad idea.Henry had run from her, yet she’d still accepted London’s invitation.She hesitated a beat longer before sighing and following her new friend.
London led the way from the tiled entranceway, with its ornate umbrella stand and lacy green plant on a pedestal table, along a short passage.Maia noted paintings on the walls but didn’t linger to study the sea landscapes.A door to the right opened into a massive kitchen.A table, already set with cutlery, glasses, and plates, sat near several glass doors.It looked as if they opened onto a terrace, which would be pleasant on a sunny day.A long freestanding counter acted as a breakfast bar, while the workspace was immense.The fridge was a monster, and the massive gas cooker intimidated her.
Maia could cook and attempted to prepare healthy meals, but these appliances were too large for her needs.She smothered a quick laugh because she doubted her kitchen floor would stand the weight.Her gaze drifted to Henry, who stood at the stovetop, his back to them as he stirred a sauce.
“Maia has arrived.”
The broad shoulders stiffened.
Maia frowned.What was wrong with the man?More importantly, why did he always flee from her?
“Henry.”London’s sharp voice held a warning.
He turned, fleeting anger crossing his handsome face before his expression blanked.“Hello, Maia,” he said and returned to his sauce.
London huffed while Maia hesitated on the kitchen threshold.
She handed the bottle of white wine to London.“My contribution.”
“Thanks.”London’s smile was stiff.“Gerard had a last-minute phone call.He won’t be long.Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Sounds lovely.”Maia experienced an urge to rile Henry, but manners won.
“Take a seat at the breakfast bar.You can chat with Henry while I grab beers for the guys.”London glared at Henry’s broad shoulders as she left.
He heard but only thumped a wooden spoon against the pot in silent reply.Maia flinched and wished she’d stayed with her initial—albeit polite—rejection of the dinner invitation.But her curiosity about Henry had overruled her common sense, and yes, she should’ve known better.Hindsight and all that.
Men didn’t fit with her world.Not with the constant training and travel to play other teams.Samuel, her boyfriend of six months, had accused her of seeing another man.He’d been so pissed he’d punched the wall.A man with difficulty controlling his temper wasn’t the one for her, and they’d parted not long after that when he’d aimed his temper and fists at her.Not a circumstance she wanted to dwell on.
Her gaze went to Henry, and she decided to clear the air while they were alone.
“Henry?”
He tensed but turned to face her, his expression grim.Oh heck.What had she done to ruffle him?Yeah, she felt this weird draw, but she’d met him twice, and they’d barely spoken.
“Have I upset you?”
His intense gaze drilled right through her.It made her edgy.A touch neurotic.
“No.”
She waited for him to add information, but no more words were forthcoming.They stared at each other.
“Then why are you behaving as if I’m the enemy?”
