Page 71 of The Rough Ride

One by one, he unpacked the containers of food. As usual, everything on the menu atLe Petit Bijoulooked excellent, and he’d ordered quite a bit. Goat cheese salad, Lobster Bisque, Boeuf Bourguignon, Duck Confit, a side of buttered noodles and crusty French bread. She’d love it. So would he. His stomach rumbled in agreement.

Liz sauntered down the hallway in his cozy, blue-striped flannel shirt a few minutes later and stopped in her tracks when she reached the open area. “Nick, it’s wow—beautiful. This room really warms up with candles everywhere. And the flower bouquets are stunning.” She bent and inhaled a whiff of fragrant yellow roses and traced her fingers across a white hydrangea. “Thank you. You’re so thoughtful.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He walked over and slipped a hand around the curve of her waist. “Wine first? Or with dinner?”

“With dinner. I don’t want the food to get cold.” Sheinhaled a deep breath. “It smells phenomenal in here, like French food and fresh flowers.”

He strolled to the counter and handed her a plate. “You first.

Liz set a hand on his chest and peered up at him. “Thank you again. You’ve been so sweet and have made me feel so special.”

Nick swept his lips across hers and kissed her. She tasted like his toothpaste and promises waiting to be kept.

She peeked in several of the boxes. “Oh, you got all my favorites. My mouth is watering.” She filled her plate and followed him to the table where he seated her.

He lifted his glass. “A toast, babe.”

She raised her goblet and waited.

“To our future. May we take the time to love each other like we promised we would.”

A smile lit her face. “Nothing would please me more, Sergeant.” She reached over and laced her fingers with his.

A few minutes passed as they ate and admired the sunset. “I asked Ella a question today. She said yes.”

Liz chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “What did you ask her?”

“If it was okay for me to be her daddy, in the everyday sense.”

Her eyes misted, and a smile crossed her lips as she reached for her wine glass. “And how do you know she said yes?”

“She gave me one of those big, slobbery kisses on my chin. A definite yes.”

Liz burst out laughing. “You’re really enjoying her, aren’t you?”

Nick squeezed Liz’s hand. “Yeah, and blowing raspberries on her belly. I could listen to her giggle all day.”

“Well, as Ella’s proxy, I’m thrilled she said yes.” Satisfied, she laid her napkin on the table and sat back. “My goodness, that was delicious.”

“Good.” His heart clenched. HewasElla’s father butbecomingher father was different. Better. Fulfilling. It surprised him how much he looked forwardto seeing her now. Even the diaper changes were a chance to interact with the daughter he’d quickly come to adore.

Liz stood and removed their plates. “Since you took care of the dinner, I’ll do dishes.”

“I’ll put the food away.” Nick gave a conspiratorial grin. “I have a surprise for dessert.”

“Dessert? Okay, give. What is it?” She turned the hot water on and opened the dishwasher.

He hurried to reseal the boxes of food and store them in the fridge. “It’s a surprise. I think you’ll like it.” He leaned against the counter enjoying every sway of her hips as she worked.

“Well, I’ve had an awful lot of them this week, but if you say I’ll like it, I’m game for one more.”

Nick stood behind her and pressed her luscious body against the sink, tracing his fingertips across her shoulders.

She leaned against his chest and smiled. “What is it about me doing the dishes that turns you on? You reach for me almost every time I’m in the kitchen.”

“Hmmm. I like that your hands are occupied, and I get to touch the places I love without interference.” He leaned down and kissed the side of her neck, his hands roaming the round of her derriere. “Like this.”

She spun around and caught his mouth in a deep kiss. “Are you my dessert, Nick Flannery?”

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