by JoAnn Durgin
“Believe it or not, I worked. My paralegal called and warned me of an e-mail from a client, and I needed to address his questions immediately. It couldn’t wait since it’s a merger that’s closing early next week, so I spent a good portion of the day restructuring the deal.”
“Were you able to allay his concerns?” Allay? She’d never used that word in her life. Maybe Chloe wasn’t the only one learning new words. Still, Josh’s dedication to his job and attention to his client was admirable.
“I hope so. I gave it my best effort.” Josh put down his menu and gave her a smile. He appeared a little tired. The faint lines around his eyes were new but only served to make him more impossibly attractive. “Have you decided what you want to order?”
“No, but I’m famished.” That statement wasn’t the entire truth. In fact, it was as close to an outright lie as she’d told and added yet another confession for tonight’s discussion with the Almighty. She had a suspicion that list would grow quite long before this evening was over. Her stomach had been unsettled most of the day but whether in anticipation or dread, she couldn’t be sure. She doubted she’d taste much of her food so might as well order something inexpensive. “I might be in the mood for lobster or caviar. Or both. Hope your credit card’s loaded.” Oh, my goodness. Where did that come from? She forced a smile. What was with her? If he didn’t find her rude before, that statement should do it. Obviously, any sense of reason she possessed had evaporated.
Josh laughed. “Winnie, you can order ten lobsters if it makes you look at me like that again.”
She’d let that one go. It was going to be an uphill battle to keep this man at bay and not flirt. “Tell me what you like to eat over there in Louisiana,” she said, putting down her menu. “I hear gumbo’s very popular, as are crawfish and other equally disgusting things. It helps to know these things in terms of the catering business. For research purposes.” Now she was rambling.
“We have those things ‘over there,’ yes. I like seafood, boudin, fricassee, jambalaya. They all have their place, but I also have what you’d probably call more normal tastes in my cuisine.” He took a long drink of water.
“Such as?”
“Steak, burgers, chicken. You name it. I don’t have too many weird Cajun cravings, if that’s what you’re afraid of, although I’ve been known to indulge from time to time.”
She shook her head. “I’m not afraid of anything like that.” What I’m afraid of is why you’re looking at me like I’m a dessert on the menu. Something to hold and focus her attention on would be good. The menu was the closest available distraction, so she opened it again and pretended to study it. Josh mirrored her as he did the same. Stealing a glance, her eyes met his, but he tore his gaze away first.
“I never did hear how long you and Lexa have been in the catering business together. How did it first come about?” he asked after they ordered—prime rib for him and lobster for her since he insisted—and waited for their salads.
“Within a few weeks after getting home from the Montana trip, Lexa approached me about forming the partnership. We’d talked about it off and on, and she was heavy into her pie-baking phase at the time. Without knowing it, Marc and Natalie added to the cause by suggesting she start her own pie business, or something along those lines. That started her thinking about it more seriously. I’d been stuck in a dead-end job and jumped at the opportunity. I had to hire some part-timers when Lexa was very pregnant at Christmas, our busiest season, but—” She stopped. “Sorry. You don’t want to hear all that. So, have you tried any of her pie yet?”
Josh shook his head. “No, but I’ve been promised a taste in the next day or two.”
“Well, put sampling it high on your to-do list because you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted it.” His hand rested on the table and she reached out to pat it.
“You’re still doing it, you know.” His fingers wrapped around hers.
“Doing what?” She withdrew her hand and looked at her lap.
“I don’t need a mother. I have one and she does a more than capable job.”
“Well, then, what do you need?” Nothing like being direct. Why am I sitting here flirting? This can’t go anywhere. That thought made her inexplicably sad. No doubt she’d confused him plenty with her roller coaster emotions.
Josh looked at her for a long moment and those green eyes deepened. “You know, I’m sitting here trying to figure out that very thing.”
“Honesty. I like that. Couldn’t ask for anything more.” Winnie looked around the restaurant—anything to avoid those eyes—drumming her fingertips on the white linen tablecloth. “Now, where are those salads?” As if on cue, the waiter approached, placing their salads in front of them.
“May I?” Josh asked, lowering his head.
“Of course.” She bowed as he prayed but didn’t hear much as she studied him beneath half-veiled eyelids. Why couldn’t something be wrong with him? Save for that unsavory part in his past, he seemed nearly perfect. It made her heart ache. How could it all be so simple and yet so complicated at the same time? Has he truly reformed, Lord? From the way he was looking at her a minute ago, she couldn’t know. Problem was, she liked it. Some things never change.
As they ate their salads, at Josh’s prompting, Winnie told him more about the catering business. “It’s going so much better than we could have hoped. One thing’s for sure: the economy may fluctuate, but people always need to eat. Companies and organizations still use catered events to attract new business and entertain clients. With Lexa’s cooking skills and finance degree, and my marketing and organizational skills, we make a good team.”
“Did you go to college?” He took a hearty bite of his salad.
“I wanted to, but I didn’t have the funds. Maybe someday but not anytime in the foreseeable future.” If this was some kind of unconscious test, Josh passed with flying colors. The man didn’t bat an eyelash.
“I’m really happy the catering’s going so well for you and Lexa.”
“Thanks.” She stabbed a small cherry tomato before plopping it whole into her mouth. Next to her, Josh dabbed at his eyes with his napkin.
“Is something wrong?” Winnie asked, bringing her napkin to the corner of her mouth. Oh, no, what now?
“No,” he said, dabbing at his eyes some more.
“Do you have allergies? Is there something in the salad? You can’t take any chances if you’re having a reaction.” She tossed her napkin on the table and rose to her feet. “Let me go get Ladybug and we’ll get you to the nearest ER.”
“Sit, please, Winnie. Trust me, it’s nothing serious. No ER visit is necessary.” The beginnings of a grin creased his lips as he reached for her hand, pulling her back down to her chair.
“Well, then, what is it?” What did I do?
“Your tomato got me, that’s all. I never liked this tie much, anyway.”
With a gasp, Winnie’s gaze followed the stream of tomato juice that landed on his shirt, gorgeous silk tie, and then shot upward from that point. Or maybe the other way around. I never had good aim before and now look at me. She couldn’t have done that if she’d tried.
“Oh, Josh, I’m so sorry!” Jumping to her feet again, she almost knocked over her water glass. She felt the traitorous flush creeping into her cheeks but it was too late for embarrassment. Taking an extra napkin from the table, she dipped it in her water and dabbed with a gentle touch, following the trail of juice on his tie, stopping when he enclosed her fingers in his. He must think I’m a complete idiot or else a walking disaster. Take your pick. It’s not good any way you look at it.
~~**~~
“It’s fine.” Still holding her hand, Josh smiled. “I appreciate your efforts, but it’s nothing the dry cleaners can’t handle. Sit, please. This is the most exhilarating conversation I’ve had in ages, and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say next.” That’s it. Throw her off-kilter. Still, he should cool it. He hadn’t flirted with a woman in so long he thought he�
��d forgotten how. That wasn’t the case with Winnie. She probably thought it was strange how he used every available opportunity to hold her hand.
“Or do next, you mean. I guess you can’t take me anywhere,” she grumbled, dropping back into her chair. “Who knew one tiny cherry tomato could cause such trouble?” The slightest hint of a grin surfaced, and it completely disarmed—and charmed—him.
“You keep life interesting, that’s for sure.” With her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright, she was even more beautiful. I like her flustered.
“It’s my goal in life.”
Tomato incident aside, he thought the dinner was going fairly well, but they hadn’t gotten to the main course yet. He kept the conversation light as their dinners were delivered. When she offered to share her lobster, he put a portion of his prime rib on her plate.
“It’s delicious. Thank you, Josh. This is a rare treat.” Their eyes met as they sampled each other’s entrée. After a long moment, Winnie smiled. “I don’t think you invited me to dinner tonight to actually discuss food, did you?”
He raised his hand. “The floor’s open. I have no hidden agenda.” That wasn’t the exact truth, but he didn’t want to send her running away and out of his life. It was pretty obvious she was skittish, and he needed to proceed with care. “What would you like to talk about?” Taking another bite, he waited. The answer to that one might be pretty interesting. Winnie’s spontaneity, combined with her honesty, would keep him on his toes, but he welcomed it. He hadn’t felt so energized and alive in years.
Her cheeks colored. “I’d like to hear more about what you do in that fancy office of yours at the law firm.”
“How do you know it’s a fancy office?”
“Well, for one thing, any man who wears expensive gold cuff links like you’re wearing tonight has a matching office. If you worked in a bowling alley, for instance, you wouldn’t be sporting those babies.”
The corners of his mouth upturned. “I suppose my office is a little pretentious. Working in mergers and acquisitions sometimes requires a certain wardrobe, especially on the day we close a deal.” Is that what you’re doing with her? Sealing the deal? He needed to say something quick. “I know enough to make the corporate image work to my advantage. It’s just business.” It’s not exactly what I’d hoped to get into after law school, but it’s a good living.
“But, do you like it?”
Not really. “I like it enough.” Say something sensitive before she thinks you’re a total corporate phony. “I like to balance it out by helping with hurricane relief efforts. I’m also involved with a number of corporate and civic organizations in Baton Rouge.” Now you sound like a public service announcement.
“I’ve heard about the hurricane relief work you did after Mitch and Floyd. It must be very gratifying. So, what happens next?”
“Next?”
“I mean, are you going to be another Sam and travel all over the world wherever there’s a natural disaster calling your name?”
Interesting question. “I honestly don’t know. I’m hoping there won’t be many disasters to chase—natural or otherwise.”
“I can’t even imagine what you’ve seen, what you’ve done, what you’ve been able to accomplish.” Her eyes met his. “It’s a wonderful passion to have, helping people who’ve lost so much.”
“Everyone should be passionate about something.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Makes life more rewarding.” When he tried to capture her gaze, she lowered her eyes. “Care to share what you’re passionate about?” He wondered what inner struggle caused that frown to appear on her expressive face. While he wanted to see her smile again, he wanted to hear her answer to his question even more.
Josh busied himself carving his prime rib before savoring another succulent bite. Waiting for her response, he lifted his fork slowly to his mouth. Stop it. You’re making her uncomfortable. Still, he couldn’t help it. Like he told her, he could be uncommonly patient when he wanted to be, much more so now than a few years ago. He had all the time in the world. At least for tonight.
~~**~~
I’m passionate about my daughter, but I don’t know how to handle this, Lord. When do I tell Josh about Chloe? Do I invite him to the apartment and introduce them? I have to prepare her to meet her father but how? Somehow, I have to prepare him, too. Stifling a sob, Winnie buried her face in her napkin. That ought to do it all right. Now he’d definitely think she was a fruitcake and hightail it back to the bayou. Most men couldn’t handle tears, although Josh Grant didn’t fall under the “most men” category. But that’s not why she was crying. No way could she sit and carry on a conversation and pretend this was a casual dinner date. Her nerves twisted inside, the rising dread so real she’d never be able to taste—let alone enjoy—the remainder of the food on her plate. She prayed she’d be able to stomach the food she’d already eaten.
Josh put his hand on her forearm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Forgive me for upsetting you again. I seem to have a talent for that.” He lowered his voice. “Please don’t cry.” It was sweet, really, the way he was sympathetic and attentive to her needs.
“No, I’m sorry, Josh.” It came out barely more than a whisper.
His eyes widened, and Winnie knew. He was remembering the night she’d clung to him and wept in his arms. Even if he was only in it for his own gratification, he couldn’t have forgotten the way he held me as I cried. Her tears hadn’t been because of him in any way.
Raising his hand to get the waiter’s attention, Josh spoke in low tones. Retrieving his wallet, he pulled out a crisp bill and placed it across the man’s palm. “Come on,” he told her, “let’s get out of here and get some fresh air.”
He pulled out her chair and waited. She didn’t shrug him away when he put his arm around her. Embarrassed, she buried her head against his solid shoulder. The waiter scurried back with a bag in less than a minute. The sight of it made her sob even harder. Putting one hand over her mouth, she hurried out of the restaurant with Josh close behind.
She gulped back her sobs and tried in vain to control her breathing. “I don’t even know where or how to begin what to say.”
“Then don’t say anything.” Leading her over to a bench at the side of the restaurant, he pulled her down beside him, gathering her in his arms. He did it so effortlessly, and it seemed so natural. Leaning her back against him, he fit her in the protective curve of his arm. He nestled her close, similar to how she cuddled Chloe when they sat together on the sofa.
Lord, why does it have to feel so right? Winnie gave into her sobs but kept them as quiet as she could as they wracked her shoulders. Not saying anything, Josh kept his arm around her shoulders and leaned his head against hers. Smoothing her hair from her cheeks a few minutes later, she raised her tear-streaked face to his.
With gentle fingers, Josh dried the moisture from her tears. His eyes scanned her features in a leisurely path from her hairline and across her cheeks before traveling down to linger on her lips. One thumb brushed across her lower lip, his fingers skimmed her jaw in a light caress. Even though he must have intended it to be comforting, it was so much more. Everything Josh did was seductive. Dangerous. Cupping her face between his two strong hands, his expression was indecipherable.
When he rested his cheek against hers, Winnie breathed in, absorbing his masculine scent, loving the slight roughness of his beard. The memories it brought threatened to overwhelm her as they crashed like waves in her mind. Lifting her chin, she grazed his cheek with her lips. Maybe she shouldn’t have done it, but she was powerless.
Josh startled at the touch of her lips. The amber flecks danced in his eyes, a reflection of the moonlight and soft illumination from the streetlamp overhead. He leaned forward, his face a mere heartbeat away. His lips hovered above hers, his lids heavy. Most likely, he was trying to decide whether to kiss her or turn away and resist the strong temptation.
Winnie knew what her heart wanted,
but her mind fought it, just as his must. They sat frozen in the same position for what seemed like an eternity, neither one daring to move. Her pulse was out of control and she wondered if his was the same. They were teetering on a precipice. A kiss from this man wasn’t just a kiss. She should tell him about Chloe but right now she wanted something entirely different.
He finally lowered his head and kissed her on the side of her mouth, not fully in the middle. His lips lingered, the warmth of his mouth on hers, and she felt his sigh.
Turning her head, she repositioned her lips to welcome his, this time directly on-target.
Josh whispered against her mouth, “Winnie.” His kiss was achingly sweet, barely-there. Soon enough, it was over. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt a woman’s kiss. And it was yours.”
“I’m glad it was mine.” Feeling bold, she moved her hand near his heart, its strong rhythm her anchor.
He moved his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close again. “Me, too.”
They sat for a long time on the park bench, not speaking, but it wasn’t awkward. He stroked her hair, holding up strands to catch the moon’s rays sifting through them.
I need to get home to Chloe. “What time is it?” Josh dropped his arm as she sat up straighter on the bench, darting a glance at her watch. Almost ten. She ran a hand over her skirt, but it was a lost cause. “I didn’t know it was that late.” She disengaged from his arms and jumped to her feet. “I have to be getting home.”
“Why? Will Ladybug turn into a pumpkin?”
Her tears had long dried and she raised one hand to her face, self-conscious. “I must look like such a mess.”
“You’ve never looked lovelier. Early start tomorrow?” He walked beside her as she headed to the car.
“Something like that.”
“Here, you take the food,” he said, handing her the bag.
