Chapter Nine
CHASE
After knockingon the front door, I fiddled with my tie, shifting from one foot to the other on Harper’s front porch. The door flung open, launching my stomach to my throat when I saw her standing in the doorway, and I forgot how to function. Her chestnut hair was styled and loose around her shoulders, subtle makeup enhancing her already striking features. She wore a dress in the exact shade of wow.
“Hi,” I managed, my voice not obeying basic laws of sound. “You look incredible.”
She blinked in surprise, then let out a small laugh. “You’re not too shabby yourself.”
The dress was a deep emerald that made her eyes a richer brown than I’d ever seen them. And the way it hugged her curves, just enough but not too much, made me want to stare for way longer than what was probably acceptable. She shifted from one leg to the other, and I realized I was still staring. I needed to pull it together.
I wanted this to be perfect. Different from work. Different from family. Different enough that there was no mistaking it for anything but what it was—a real, actual date. “I can hardly wait to show you off. How about a little dinner?”
Her cheeks flushed. I couldn’t tell if it was the humidity or the compliment that caused it, but either way, it was a nice contrast against the green of her dress. “Dinner sounds lovely. Should we go?”
I nodded, knowing my voice would probably betray me if I spoke again. As she locked up, I took in the small, screened-in porch. It was cluttered but cozy, with potted plants mingling with Finn’s toys and some practical but mismatched furniture. What was it like to come home to a place like this, filled with warmth and life?
We reached my SUV, and I opened the passenger door for her. She glanced at my hand as I offered it, almost like she was surprised, but then took it. Her touch sent a jolt through me. “Thank you,” she said, settling into the seat.
As I got in on my side, the only sound was the smooth hum of the engine and the sultry voice of superstar singer Sutton Vale singing one of her ballads. I hadn’t felt this kind of tension since high school prom. Back then, it was sweaty palms and not knowing where to put them. Now it was realizing how much was at stake.
“So,” I said, trying to break the silence as we pulled out. I turned the distraction of the radio off. “What is Finn up to?”
“Spending the night with Aunt Brenna and Uncle Hunter,” she replied, her eyes catching mine. “He’s very excited.”
“Glad to hear it.” I smiled, relaxing slightly. “I might not be able to compete with an ex-Special Forces soldier, but I’m not too bad at reservations.”
“Are you bribing me with dinner, Ashworth?” she teased, leaning back in her seat.
“Maybe. You’re worth it.”
We fell into a more comfortable silence, the kind that doesn’t need to be filled because it isn’t awkward—it’s just nice. My SUV’s sleek interior was a contrast to her lived-in porch. It was all polished and organized, much like my life until recently.
She broke the silence as we drove over the causeway, nodding to a billboard for Calypso Key Resort featuring Orchid Restaurant and its executive chef, Stella Markham. The restaurant was famous as one of the best fine dining places in the Lower Keys. “Trying to impress me with the competition?”
I couldn’t hide my grin. “Uh-oh. Does it ruin the surprise?”
“On the contrary, I’m intrigued.” She looked back at me, eyes sparkling. “Especially since I have a cookbook authored by Stella in the cottage.”
I shrugged like it was no big deal. Like I wasn’t trying hard on every conceivable level. “I thought a change of scenery might be nice. Somewhere we can be just us. Not General Manager Coleridge and the Architect.”
“That sounds perfect,” she said softly.
It was like she was letting her guard down in stages. As we parked at Calypso Key Resort, the last bit slipped away. We ambled down a softly lit path to a pale pink, one-story building overlooking the western edge of the small island. The place was stunning, low-lit and elegant, the hum of conversation subdued but vibrant. We were shown to a secluded, prime table on the patio overlooking the water, lit by soft candlelight and surrounded by potted orchids. The scent of the sea mingled with something floral and sophisticated.
“This is incredible.” Harper glanced around. “Thank you.”
We relaxed in our seats, and the feeling was everything I’d hoped for. More. Orchid was a crown jewel kind of restaurant, and it showed. The attentive service and pristine setting were flawless. But it was the contrast to our normal days that made this so special. No interruptions. No expectations. Just the two of us, away from everything and everyone we knew.
A server in black slacks and a neat white shirt and apron appeared, and I ordered wine, hoping I didn’t screw it up. As he disappeared, I realized I was leaning across the table, hanging on Harper’s every word as she described the menu with an unexpected passion.
I was seeing Harper without the constant demands of life pulling at her from every angle, and she was mesmerizing. Her laugh was full and relaxed as she told me about Finn’s latest escapade.
They offered a selection of catch of the day specials and we each ordered one. Her animated expression as she shared an anecdote about a younger Braden chasing Eli around with a blowtorch and a bottle of gin during Driftwood Dragon Weekend made me want to prolong the night indefinitely.
“I don’t remember seeing you this laid back,” she mentioned after brushing a lock of hair from her face. “Is this a new thing?”
I took a sip of the heady red wine, pleased with my choice. “I don’t know. I’m pretty sure Eli would say I’m wound tighter than a steel cable.”
