Page 154 of Champagne Nights

“Yeah. My hands are in some raw chicken at the moment.”

“Oh. What are you doing tonight?” he asked.

“I’m cooking dinner for Paisley. Why?”

“Olivia and I are going to that new Mexican restaurant that just opened up downtown, and we wanted you to join us.”

“Sorry, bro. I already have plans. Maybe another time, and the four of us can go.”

“I like the sound of that, Ben. Get back to your chicken and have a great time tonight. I’ll talk to you later.”

After finishing prepping the chicken, I cut up the potatoes and made a salad. I looked at the clock and had just enough time to hop in the shower before Paisley arrived.

“It smells delicious in here.”She smiled.

“Thank you. I hope you like it.”

I looked out the door before I shut it and noticed the large, dark clouds that loomed over the area.

“It looks like some storms are rolling in,” I commented.

“They said on the radio that it’s going to be pretty bad. Here is a lemon tart, compliments of my mom, and I brought some wine.”

I stood there and stared at her as she set the wine on the table. She was so beautiful. All I could think about was kissing her perfectly shaped lips.

“Thank you for the wine. Lemon tart is my favorite. Tell your mom thank you.”

“Do you need any help?” she asked.

“Nope. You go sit down. You’re a guest in my home, and I don’t want you doing a thing.”

She laughed and sat down at the table. Even her laugh was a turn-on. I took the chicken and roasted potatoes out of the oven and set it in the center of the table. After grabbing the salad and dressing from the counter, I took two wine glasses from the cabinet and opened the wine bottle.

“Great choice in wine.” I smiled.

“Thank you. It’s one of my favorites.”

“Here’s to a nice dinner and an amazing friend.” I held up my wine glass.

“Cheers.” She smiled brightly.

She wouldn’t stop telling me how good it was as she ate her chicken and potatoes.

“You’re a fireman, a furniture builder, and a cook. You’re a very talented man, Ben. Oh, and I’m so happy you ran into Keaton at the grocery store.”

I smiled and gave her a wink. “Should I be surprised he mentioned it to you?”

“No. Not at all.” She laughed.

When dinner was over, I asked her if she wanted dessert or if she wanted to wait a while. We both agreed to wait. As Paisley got up and started to clear the table, I placed my hand around her wrist. Her skin was so soft, and she looked at me with her beautiful eyes.

“Sit down. I’ll clean up.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m helping you, and that’s all there is to it. You slaved over a hot stove all day for me, and the least I can do is help you clean up.”

“Fine. But it’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is.” She smiled as she took the plates from the table.

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