“Disappointed?” He smiled, and his eyes shone with some unnamed emotion.
Rosie chuckled and clicked her tongue. “She’s not.”
Hank leaned his long arms against the worktable. “I told you our conversation wasn’t over.”
Oh, but it was. At least for her. Bethany lowered her eyes to the bowl and continued shaping meatballs, one after the other. “Did you need something?” Her skin tingled. Despite her brain’s warnings, her hormones bowed to his god-like presence.
“I have to head out, but I promised you dinner. What time does the restaurant close?”
“Not until seven. Then there’s cleanup after. I won’t get home until nine. I’m afraid it’s impossible.”
“I can help Travis close as long as you’re okay with the girls being here,” Rosie offered.
Bethany frowned. “Sure, I’m okay with the girls being here, but that’s not necessary. I don’t need dinner.” She managed a quick glance at Hank. “You’re off the hook.”
His lips slowly tilted upward. “But I’d like to, Beth.”
She kept her voice firm. “I can’t. And don’t call me that.” She pulled a large plastic bag from under the worktable and began filling it with meatballs.
Rosie let out an exaggerated cough, causing Bethany to glare at her. She didn’t need any interference.
Hank persisted. “What if we have dinner inside the restaurant? After you’ve closed. I’ll do the cooking.”
Bethany was certain her mouth hung open.
He laughed, the sound low and attractive. “What, you think I don’t know how?”
“No.” Bethany removed her gloves, tossed them in the trash, and sealed the bag of meatballs. “I figured you have your own personal chef.”
Hank grinned, and Bethany couldn’t miss how his eyes crinkled at the corners and his dimples flashed.
“I do. But only on set. The rest of the time, I fend for myself. So how about it?” He batted his eyelashes. “Wouldn’t you like to tell your friends Apollo cooked for you?” His smile morphed from charming to wicked and the heat in the room rose another notch. “We can even take a picture for your Instagram.” He turned his head and winked at Rosie.
Now Bethany did laugh. The man could charm a rattlesnake. Why should she say no? She wanted to save her business and those of the other tenants, and it was only an evening. She would use the opportunity to convince him to let her repurchase the building. She tipped a shoulder. “All right.”
Hank grinned. “I’ll see you at seven.” He turned toleave as Travis rushed into the room, making a beeline for them, looking like he had to take an exam and had forgotten to study.
“There’s a roomful of customers in there.” He pointed at Hank. “Fans wanting your autograph. And a lady. She says you’re needed for an interview.” Travis turned to Bethany. “She wants to bring cameras inside Grandma Lou’s. What should I tell her?”
“Tell her no.” Hank responded before Bethany could. “I’ll do the interview outside.” He touched Bethany’s arm and warm heat traveled to her heart. “I’m not looking to cause problems.”
He nodded and left before Bethany could ask the most important question: Was he planning on putting her out of business?
Hank foundhimself whistling on the way out the door, and there was a bounce in his step that hadn’t been there before. He told himself it was because of all the sugar he’d eaten, but he knew no amount of sugar had ever given him this particular jolt of happiness.
“You’ll stand here, Hank.” Elizabeth pointed to a spot on the sidewalk marked with a piece of yellow tape. A crowd of at least a couple hundred had gathered to watch the proceedings.
He stepped on the spot, smiling widely for the camera operator who snapped a photo and then peered through the lens to study it before snapping another one. Hank kept his smile fixed in place until the photographer gave him a thumbs up sign.
Then Elizabeth pointed to a female reporter in alavender top and white skirt who stood a few steps away. She had short, straight blonde hair and a thin face. Smiling, she thrust out her hand to shake his.
“Nice to meet you, Apollo. I’m Susan Winchester fromChannel Ten News.”
The cameraman moved into position. Hank eyed the green flashing light, making sure to keep his expression friendly.
Susan Winchester spoke to the camera. “Television star Hank Haverill, who is best known for his portrayal of the Greek god Apollo, is in Cleveland this weekend to purchase the historic Parker building in Tremont. The building was built in 1892 and used as a hotel before it was purchased by the Parker family in 1952 to operate a kitchen, and later, a pantry to help feed the neighborhood. In addition to Grandma Lou’s, which is still operated by the family’s descendants, the building houses a number of specialty stores, including a popular antique bazaar, jewelry warehouse, and a barbershop.”
She turned to Hank and tipped the microphone his way. “Hank, can you tell us why you decided to purchase the historic Parker building?”
