After finishing off my milk, I asked, “So what happens when we get back to Georgia?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t thought it out that far. I assumed we could play it by ear, but most of all, I thought I would let you call the shots.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “Me?”
He nodded. “When it comes to you, I would assume you want to be making the decisions, right?”
“Well, yes, but at the same time, I’ll be your guest…or the club’s guest or however it is. I would respect that.”
Rev appeared thoughtful. “My house is directly behind the club, so I guess you could say the two go hand in hand. But you are my guest, and my brothers will respect that.”
“I just don’t want to be an inconvenience.”
“You won’t be. I’ll put you to work earning your keep.”
I laughed. “Oh you will, huh?”
Rev grinned. “You said it yourself that you didn’t want to be an inconvenience.”
“I can cook for you.”
“You cook?” Rev asked, his voice laced with doubt.
“Yes, I do.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just you didn’t strike me as the type who could cook.”
“One of the only decent people in our household was our cook. I hung out with her a lot. You pick up things.”
“I see.” Rev rubbed his hand over his beard. “So you’re willing to cook for me.”
“Of course.”
“That’s going to upset my mama.”
“How come?”
He laughed. “She usually cooks for us.”
“Oh, well, I could help her then.”
“Actually, I like the idea of having you in my house, cooking just for me.”
“Do you?”
With a wink and a grin, he replied, “Yes, I do.”
“Are you flirting with me, Reverend Malloy?” I couldn’t resist teasing him, and it felt good to let myself relax a little.
“Just stating facts, Annabel Percy,” he replied.
Just then our waitress appeared with our salads. At the sight of the overflowing plate, my stomach growled loudly enough for Rev to hear, which caused him to chuckle.
Once we were alone again, I was suddenly overwhelmed when I realized I had just accused him of flirting. After everything I had gone through, how could I possibly think of teasing a man about flirting? Least of all Rev. Not only did it go against the bond of friendship we had established, but it was probably insulting to a man like him. Considering how good-looking he was, never mind what a sweet side he hid, I’m sure he had a constant string of women interested in him, whether or not he reciprocated the attention. He certainly didn’t need a physical and emotional mess like me.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” I lied, as I shoved a large bite of salad into my mouth.
