Page 36 of Her Rock Star's Dark Secret

“This plain black t-shirt and jeans.” Alexis sounded so sure. “There’s something so attractive about a guy who keeps it basic. It’s like he’s not trying too hard. You can’t go wrong with it.”

“The black shirt and jeans it is.”

“Trust me on this one.”

“Oh, I do. You know Lauren and what she likes. Plus, you’re a girl.”

Alexis cocked her head to the side, studying Chase. “You’re not used to this, are you?”

“What?”

“This dating thing. You haven’t really dated around, have you?”

“No. Is it that obvious?”

“A little bit. But that’s okay. I don’t think Lauren will mind. In fact, I think she’ll find it refreshing.”

“Because her ex was such a partier?”

“Because her ex was a partier who cheated on her when she was pregnant.”

Chase hadn’t realized that extra information. Anger swirled through him. Brandon was worse than he’d originally thought. He wanted to teach that guy a lesson. No wonder Lauren was so skittish about dating. There was a special part of “the bad place” reserved for this guy in the afterlife. Chase was determined now more than ever to treat Lauren with the utmost respect. She needed to see that good guys really did still exist.

He prepared the salmon and vegetables for their dinner and included enough for Alexis and Penny to eat with them.

A knock sounded on the door just as Chase opened the oven and pulled the food out. It smelled heavenly. He’d sprinkled minced garlic all over the fish and vegetables, and it had roasted up nicely. Chase had taken cooking lessons from the chef of his favorite restaurant in LA about five years ago, and since then, he’d been cooking a lot on his own.

“What is that divine smell?” Lauren asked when he opened the door. She looked stunningly beautiful. Her blonde hair was curled, and she wore a tight, green, sleeveless dress that revealed miles of her toned legs.

His mouth went dry just looking at her. “That’s our dinner.”

“Hi, Chase!” Penny beamed up at him. “I’m here for dinner.”

He crouched down to her level. “Is that so?” He looked into her huge blue eyes, and his heart melted. She was the most beautiful little girl he’d ever seen. He had the strongest urge to protect her.

“Uh-huh! If I eat all my food, do I get dessert?”

Chase glanced over to Alexis. “What do you say?” He hadn’t planned dessert, but he had a feeling Alexis could come up with something from the bakery to add to their dinner.

“Of course.” Alexis glanced over at Lauren. “As long as it’s okay with your mom.”

“It totally is.” Lauren glanced over his shoulder at the food on the table. “Is that salmon?” Her face brightened. “It’s my favorite.”

Chase would have to remember that so he could make it again for her in the future. That thought sent a jolt of hope through him. Was he already planning future meals with her? For the first time, he could see it. It wasn’t solid, but there was a possibility there could be a future with her.

“Hopefully, it will still be your favorite after you’ve eaten it.” Chase hadn’t tried this recipe as many times as some of the others, but he was in the mood for salmon tonight, and historically, the recipe had been a decent one for him.

Lauren laughed and stepped closer to inspect the food with Penny right by her side. “You cooked this?” She looked at him like she was just learning some big secret about him. “I thought when you mentioned dinner, that Alexis was the one cooking.”

“I didn’t do a thing. This dinner was one hundred percent Chase.”

“I’m impressed.” Lauren looked over the food with a greedy expression on her face that made Chase chuckle. “I’m not sure I could cook something like this.”

“I learned from the best.” Chase explained to her how he’d taken lessons from his chef friend.

“Well, maybe you can give me pointers sometime. I burn boiling water. I’ve just about given up on cooking. I tend to stick to salads and sandwiches. Takeout has become my best friend.”

“I’d be happy to give you pointers.”

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