Page 18 of Evidence of Secrets

Hank nodded. He couldn’t talk.

“You didn’t tell me where we were going, so I went with dressy casual.” Laura rubbed her hands over the pants. “Dressy casual isn’t a thing, but it works.”

“Yes, indeed.” Hank looked her down and up. “You look beautiful.”

“Come in for a minute. I need to grab my purse, and we can be on our way.”

Hank stepped in and took in the small apartment. It wasn’t what he imagined Laura living in, although he wasn’t sure what he imagined. The room was clean, but she had little furniture. Hank couldn’t get over how small the apartment was. The apartments he rented were twice this size. He spotted the bookcase filled with books and pictures and went over to look. Most of her friends Hank recognized. Laura was standing by an older woman he assumed was her mother. The resemblance was uncanny.

“Okay. I’m ready.” Laura gave him a big smile, and they walked out. She closed the door and checked the lock.

“The building doesn’t have any security, does it?” asked Hank.

“No. But it’s a fairly safe neighborhood.” Laura hesitated. “I know it should but everyone in the building looks out for one another, plus the landlord lives here.”

Hank felt bad that he asked. But being in the protection business made him aware of how quickly things can go south. Laura had her restaurant covered with cameras, so she knew about security. Why didn’t she have cameras in her apartment? He shook his head—none of his business.

He opened the car door for her and helped her with the seat belt. Then he walked around and got in the driver’s side. After he turned on the car, Laura glanced over and asked where they were going.

“I thought you’d enjoy the Four Winds. I’ve never been there but heard the food is delicious.”

“Oh. My. I’ve always wanted to go to Four Winds. This is so exciting.”

“I’m glad.” Hank felt good about making the reservations and happy that Laura had wanted to go there. “I arranged for you to talk to the chef and tour the kitchen.”

Laura’s mouth hung open. “Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. Chef Louis is…” She opened her arms. “He’s just so creative. I can’t believe this.”

* * *

The darkness envelopedBlack Pointe while Laura and Hank were dining. Another slow rotation and the twinkling lampposts and headlights from cars changed the scenery. Laura had dined in many cities, but this revolving restaurant was the most interesting. Not as interesting as the muscular, handsome man sitting across from her, though.

Whatever preconceived thoughts Laura had about Hank were dispelled after they sat down. She was surprised that Hank was well-read, well-traveled, a great conversationalist, and very intuitive. It might have had something to do with the romantic atmosphere. Or the flickering candles. Or the fantastic food. Laura didn’t know, but she was sure she was attracted to Hank.

The only negative was she’d heard he was a ladies’ man, a lover of one-night stands, a love ’em and leave ’em guy. Not that she was looking for a significant other right now, but if she were, the hunk sitting across from her would be in first place.

He also didn’t talk much about himself. Laura learned Hank grew up in the Midwest. His mother died when he was young. He went to college and graduated with a degree in criminal behavior, then joined the army, where he met Danny Knight. After getting out, he started working for KnightGuard Security.

“So.” Hank reached over, took her hand, and rubbed her palm with his fingers. “How about dessert?”

Oh yes, please. What did you have in mind? My place or yours?

Laura shook her head. What was wrong with her tonight? She’d never had a one-night stand. Relationships were important to her. Sure, she and Jake got together every once in a while. They were just friends, and it worked for them right now. Jake wasn’t in her future. Did she want someone in her future? The bistro took up most of her time. There weren’t many hours left for a relationship. Someday, though, Laura wanted the white picket fence and the two-point-five kids, the husband who thought she was the sun, moon, and stars and always had her back.

“It’s only dessert. You’re thinking too hard.” Hank’s eyes crinkled around the edges.

Laura’s face flushed. Had he guessed what she was thinking? When Hank winked, Laura sighed. Yes, he did.

“I haven’t looked at the menu yet, but a cup of coffee would be nice.” Laura sat back in her chair and glanced around the restaurant. There were quite a few people still dining but more empty tables. Had she and Hank sat there that long?

The meal had been perfect. They’d shared the almond-encrusted goat cheese salad with cocktails. Hank’s strip steak with whiskey sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans looked yummy. She had the swordfish with tarragon butter, lemon risotto, and sugar snap peas.

Laura picked up the dessert menu.

“Hello.”

Laura looked up to see Chef Louis standing at their table and smiling. Her jaw must have dropped, because Hank leaned over and gently closed her mouth.

“Hi.” Did her voice squeak? This was silly. She’d met famous chefs before.

---