Page 56 of Saved by Him

One look at those big brown eyes and there was no doubt in my mind where Jenna was going. With a squeal of delight, Danielle pulled Jenna toward the stairs, leaving me with Michael and Scott.

“I’m happy to help with dinner,” I said before the silence could get awkward.

“I’ve got everything under control, but you’re welcome to come into the kitchen and keep me company,” Michael said.

Scott and I both followed Michael into the kitchen where the most amazing smells were coming from the stove. The taller man took the lid off a large metal pot and stirred the contents.

“Scott may be the superhero paramedic, but he’s useless in the kitchen,” Michael said. “Everyone always seems surprised that the mechanic is the cook, but what can I say? My mom taught me well.”

“I checked out the website for Burkart Investigations,” Scott said as he pulled out a chair for me. “I’m sorry about your partner.”

I’d completely forgotten that Maggie had updated the website after Adare’s death. “Thank you.”

“I hope you don’t mind me asking this but was Ms. Burkart your business partner only or…” Michael sounded as concerned as he was curious.

“Mentor and boss,” I said with a tight smile. “And a friend, but nothing romantic.” I nudged the conversation away from painful thoughts of my friend. “It was my boyfriend who introduced me to Jenna, actually.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sure the loss of your friend isn’t something you want to talk about,” Michael said. “Sometimes my curiosity gets away from me.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “It makes sense that you want to know about me. I showed up in your life out of nowhere. You wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to hurt your family.”

“We just want to do what’s best for Danielle,” Scott said.

“That’s what Jenna wants too,” I assured them.

“Then today, we’ll make a toast to a new member of the family,” Michael declared. “Two new members. Scott, get out the wine. You know which bottle.”

Scott grinned with the slightest hint of an eye roll. “I know which bottle because he always has one pre-selected anytime we have guests ‘just in case’ we need to make a toast.”

I laughed as he moved to a wine cabinet. Some alcohol and relaxing conversation were exactly what I needed.

---