Page 23 of Savoring Christmas
The question seemed to surprise him, as he hesitated before answering. “Everyone in my family gives me a bad time about my ineptitude in the kitchen. So I guess they thought it would be funny.”
“That’s the only reason?”
She looked ahead, not making eye contact for fear she’d give herself away. What she really wanted to know was if it had anything to do with her. She’d gotten the feeling over the last few days that Logan might be interested in her, even though the concept felt foreign and difficult to even contemplate. She’d been single all of her adult life. It wasn’t that she’d shunnedromance, it was simply that her career was the only partner she’d truly welcomed into her life.
“What other reason could there be?” Logan asked. “Other than they love to torture me. But the joke’s on them. I’m enjoying myself immensely.”
“I’m glad.” She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. What had she expected though? He was just going to confess an interest in her?
They reached her car, light from the streetlamp painting pale arcs across the hood. Cannoli sniffed at a patch of snow near the curb, her tiny paw prints dotting the sidewalk.
Logan touched the sleeve of her coat as she unlocked her car. “Did I say something wrong?” Logan asked.
Her throat felt unexpectedly tight. “No, not at all. Why?”
“You got quiet on me.”
“Oh, well, I’m tired, that’s all.” In fact, she was not tired. At all. She felt more alive and awake than she had in years.
“I’ll let you get home then.” He stepped back slightly so she could open her door.
Her feet seemed to be glued to the cement. In the distance she heard the hoot of an owl. Cannoli sat patiently by her feet, leash loose in Mia’s hand. She gripped the top of her car door with one hand, watching him. She didn’t want to leave him to go home to her empty, cold house. She stalled for another moment. “The class seems to be more than just learning to cook. Do you know what I mean?”
Logan nodded. “Absolutely. We have two lonesome folks adjusting to life after losing a spouse. Reese clearly is dealing with some really hard stuff. Abby wants to be a better cook for her family. Kris is doing it for love.”
“And what about you?” Mia asked softly. “You didn’t have to honor your bet, did you?”
“Well, first of all, yes. If I hadn’t, my brothers would have never let it go. Plus, one must always honor commitments and promises.” He tilted his head, looking at her in a way that made her stomach flutter. “Anyway, it was a good excuse to get to know you better.”
“It was?” Why did her voice sound suddenly squeaky?
“I’ve wanted to for a while now.”
“To spend time with me?” Still squeaky.
“That’s right.” He smiled and ran a hand through his hair. “I should probably stop talking before I embarrass myself.”
“No, keep talking.” She returned his smile. “I want to get to know you better too.”
Relief flooded his handsome features. “Would you want to do something with me sometime? I could take you out for dinner. I mean, if that was something you’d enjoy.”
“Like a date?”
“A date, yes.”
“I’d like that,” Mia said. “The restaurant’s open the next few nights, but maybe Monday?”
“Great. I’ll text you. We can decide where to go.”
She nodded and pushed the door open a little wider to slide into the seat. Cannoli hopped lightly into the passenger side, curling in her little blanket and waiting patiently. Logan placed a hand on the door.
“There was another reason my brothers kind of bullied me into your class,” Logan said.
“Yeah?” She held her breath.
“I’ve kind of had a crush on you. From afar, obviously.”
Her knees felt a little wobbly. “I hoped that might be true.”
