Page 73 of Love's Home Run

Ross ordered a bottle of sparkling rosé wine and then chatted with Melissa about the choices on the menu. She quickly decided on a lemony Zucchini Ribbon Salad and Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp. Ross went with shrimp gazpacho and a steak served in theFajita style.

The restaurant wasn’t as fancy as Fins,but it was tastefully decorated, with excellent food and service. Melissa thought the addition of more seafood would fit in well. Or maybe they were thinking of two locations, with the one in town being more like Fins. Either way, Melissa thought it might work. The place was busy with happy, satisfied customers and a small line waiting outside.

“What do you think?” asked Ross. “Do you think it will work in town?”

“Yes. My parents are lucky to have found someone like the owner of this restaurant as a potential buyer.”

She looked up as a middle-aged man in a white chef’s coat approached the table. “Hi, Melissa Hendrickson. Someone told me you were eating here.”

Melissa smiled and introduced the chef to Ross. “I couldn’t wait to come after talking to my parents about your interest in buying them out.”

“And?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.

“I like the idea a lot. You’d offer seafood choices?”

“Yes. People in the area have always loved Fins and the fresh seafood there. We’d want to build on that.”

Melissa smiled with satisfaction. “I hope it works out.”

“Thanks. I appreciate hearing that from you. And remember, we’d love to have you work for us. “Once cooking is in your blood, it’s always there. A job is yours whenever you want it.”

“Thanks,” she said, even though she knew she wouldn’t want to work in a replica of her family’s business.

Their meal came, and Melissa enjoyed each bite she sampled.

As they ate, Ross said to her, “What will happen if your idea about gourmet meals doesn’t happen?”

“I may do some catering work,” Melissa said. “Something on my own but not full-time. I’d like to do some traveling.”

“Maybe we can travel together,” said Ross, waiting for her response.

“That would be fabulous.” She knew he wanted to be with herand enjoyed her company, but he never talked about a real future with her. It bothered her. She was certain she loved him. And she enjoyed their lovemaking. But she didn’t want to be left with nothing if it didn’t work out.

After dinner, Ross said, “Want to watch a baseball game with me? The Yankees are playing, and I want to keep an eye on them.”

“Sure. You can teach me more about the game. I know most of the rules, but watching with a pro is always helpful.”

He laughed. “Iwasa pro.”

He paid the bill, and they left the restaurant.

“Uh, oh, it looks like it’s going to rain any minute,” said Melissa. “The weatherman said it would happen later.”

Ross grabbed her hand. “Let’s make a run for it. That lightning looks fierce. You go ahead. I’ll follow as fast as I can.”

As thunder boomed overhead, they dashedfor the car.

Ross closed the passenger door after her and hustled around the car to the other side.

The rain hit the car's surface in a steady, pounding stream.

Ross slid behind the wheel laughing. “God! I’m soaked.”

“We’d better get you home. We don’t want you to be sick for this weekend.”

He leaned over and kissed her. “I’m fine. It’ll take more than this to bring me down.”

But as they approached their neighborhood, he drove right into his garage and got out. “Help yourself to whatever you want to drink, and I’ll meet you in the media room. I’m going to get out of these clothes.” He gave her a sexy grin. “Or better yet, come with me.”

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