She frowned but did as requested. “Hank, what are you?—”
He rubbed her shoulders. “Shh. Relax. We have plenty of time.”
“If this keeps up, I’m liable to fall asleep.”
“Quiet and breathe.” Her skin was soft and warm and damp with sweat, and she smelled of basil, lemons, and oregano. How would she react if he leaned down and kissed the back of her neck? Probably not well judging by the tense set of her shoulders. He continued to work the muscles inher upper back until he felt them loosen. He turned her around. “Much better. Ready?”
She nodded.
“Car’s out front.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the dining room.
“Wait. Are you sure I’m dressed right?”
“You’re perfect.” He pulled her along, past the counter where Travis counted money in the cash register.
“You okay to close, Travis?”
Travis’s usual scowl was absent. He gave them a thumbs up. “I got it taken care of. Have fun, kids.”
Hank raised his eyebrows, but Bethany laughed. “Thanks, best brother ever.”
Then they were out the front and slipping into the limousine, while Louis held the door.
“Now can you tell me where we’re going?” She rested her head against the back of the seat.
“No, now you can relax and be patient.” He smirked and raised a brow. “Any guesses?”
“Dinner somewhere?”
“We already ate dinner. Loved the calzones. My compliments to the chef.”
She laughed, low and musical. “Dessert, then? Ice cream?”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “My surprise doesn’t include food.”
She lifted her head. “More episodes ofApollo?”
He threaded his fingers through his hair. “No. You know how much I enjoy watching myself on screen.”
“I’m stumped.”
“You’ll know soon enough. What’s on the menu for tomorrow?”
She yawned. “Way to change the subject. Tuesdays, Iusually make meatball subs. They’ve proved a hit with the younger crowd. And macaroni and cheese for a side.”
“Sounds like my next meal. Have you heard from Rosie?”
“Yes, she called me a little while ago. They came home from the hospital today. She sounded worn out but that’s to be expected. Tia’s doing great.” She sat up and looked out the window. The evening sun slipped toward the horizon, casting the sky with a pale pink glow. She could see Terminal Tower in the distance. “We’re going downtown?”
“Not quite.”
Louis turned onto West 10thStreet. She pressed her face against the window. “This is residential.”
“True.”
“Why are we stopping here? Whose house is this?”
He smiled. “Mine.”
