Page 32 of Time to Stirrup Love
His eyes widened. “Well, I had help from Pearl.”
She grinned. “I did wonder.”
“I’m not much of a dater,” he admitted sheepishly. “My younger days, it was mostly just a one-time thing.”
She suddenly hated all those hookups he had before, which was completely irrational. “I was too busy studying. Few men like a woman who is as smart or smarter than them. It’s not a brag, it’s just what I put up with as an academic.”
“And I stand by comments that they’re douches.”
She laughed softly. “You didn’t need Pearl to help you out.”
“Trust me. I did.”
“This isn’t a revenge date?” she asked quietly.
Finn cocked an eyebrow, completely puzzled. “What’s a revenge date?”
“Okay, it’s not just me.”
“I’m not following.”
“When I was driving back to town after I dropped off Phineas, I came across Magnus walking down the side of the road. He looked a bit downtrodden and he said he was on the worst date, it was a revenge date.”
Finn shrugged. “No idea. Magnus and Sven were cursed and they often see bad omens and consult runes as part of their Viking past. Was he okay?”
“Seemed to be once we got back town. Perked right up. And no body parts were left behind.”
“Well, they can’t leave town for long. Also part of their curse. They died here and they’re cursed to be here. He was probably drained from being outside of town too long.”
“It was definitely odd,” she remarked. “Sven and Magnus are so different.”
“Just because they’re twins doesn’t mean they’re the same, but you’re right, Sven is more rational than his brother, that’s for sure.”
“Well, enough about Magnus and Sven. You said we’re having pasta for dinner so I’m curious what we’re having.”
“Lasagna.” Finn stood up and went to his small convection oven. He put on oven mitts and opened the door.
The garlic, tomatoey and cheese scent wafted over to her, making her stomach growl.
“That smells great.”
He brought it over to the table and set it down on a hot plate. “I have salad too.”
He went to his fridge and pulled out a fresh garden salad and served up dinner. It all looked so good.
“Did Pearl help cook?”
“No, I did it all, but she gave me the idea.” Finn finished serving dinner and then sat down across from her. “I’d love to know what you think?”
“Well, it looks just as good as it smells. I can’t remember the last time I had someone make me a home-cooked meal. I mean, I cook, but not usually this intricate.”
“Lasagna is intricate?” he questioned.
“It is when you’re used to just microwaving your meals or eating a salad out of a bag with some protein because you’re working all the time.”
“Truth be told, I usually have dinner at my mom’s. I am very spoiled by her.”
They shared a smile across the table and she took a bite of the lasagna. It was divine. Sometimes lasagna could have that hard, dried-out pasta noodle, but there was none of that in this bite, and he gave her a corner piece. The meat to cheese ratio was great and it stayed together in its beautiful layer.
