Page 49 of A Royal Promise
He took the seat across from her with a raised eyebrow. “You spoke with Elaine?”
“I did. She was very kind and helpful, but I had planned on making the meal with her guidance. Looking back, I probably should’ve scheduled this in advance, but you know I’m not aplanner. So, Elaine was busy; however, she did have enough time to give me a recipe card and explain the steps.” Bri motioned to the food before them. “She said it was one of your favorite meals to make.”
He stared down at the bowl in front of him, his eyes wide. It looked nothing like anything he’d made with Elaine over the years. All he could see was rice with dark chunks of meat topped off with brown blobs. It didn’t look appetizing, to say the least, but she’d made lunch for him, and he really appreciated the gesture.
“I had lots of favorites. Which one did you make?” he asked, trying to be kind with his words but also trying to figure out what he was about to eat.
“Carne asada bowls.”
“Ahhh.” He moved the fork around in his bowl. “So it appears we have some cilantro lime rice, beef, and pico de gallo. What did you top it off with?”
“Guacamole.” Her shoulders fell as she slumped in her seat. “I made it first, and it turned brown faster than I expected. You’re allowed to say it looks like dog poop.”
Drew bit back a laugh. “Guac can turn brown quickly—it’s not your fault. I’m sure you did a great job.” He took a big bite to emphasize his words. As soon as the overly spicy flavors filled his mouth, Drew regretted his decision.
“How is it?” Bri bit her bottom lip as she looked at him.
He could see the hope in her eyes, and he couldn’t be the one to deflate it. “It’s great,” he lied. Drew took a long drink of water, knowing it wouldn’t do a thing to touch his burning mouth. He’d need some milk for that, but he didn’t want to embarrass Bri by getting a glass. “I see you’ve upped the spice level.”
Her brow furrowed. “It shouldn’t be super spicy. I followed the recipe she gave me. There was only about a tablespoon of each of the spices.”
“Was it a big T or a little T on the recipe?”
“Does that matter?”
He laughed. “There’s a pretty big difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon.”
“How big of a difference?”
“Like three-teaspoons-make-a-tablespoon kind of difference.”
“So I tripled the spices in the recipe?” She grimaced, pushing her bowl back. “I messed it all up. We can have the kitchen make something else or order a pizza—”
“I don’t want anything else.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “This is perfect because it’s a thoughtful gift from you.”
“You don’t have to be kind for my sake.”
“It’s just extra flavor.” Drew shrugged, taking another bite.
Bri peered into her bowl, tentatively putting a forkful in her mouth. “Yeah.” She coughed. “There’s no way we’re eating that. I’ll have them send over a pizza.” She got up from the table, grabbing her bowl and then his before carrying them over to the sink.
“I don’t mind eating it, Bri Bear.”
“Yeah, and I don’t want you dying today from my terrible food.” She rinsed the bowls out in her sink before placing them in the dishwasher. “I think I’ll let you stick with the cooking from now on.”
“It was a lovely gesture.” He walked up behind her as she washed her hands, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a peck on the cheek. The gesture was as natural as breathing to him, so Drew didn’t even realize what he’d done until he felt her body stiffen. He immediately stepped away, dropping his hands to his sides and flexing them. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” she said, but her voice sounded wobbly. “I just didn’t realize you were behind me.”
He went to the living room and sat on the couch. Bri cleared her throat as she joined him.
“On a completely unrelated note, do you know if Elaine is single? She appears to be around Bastian’s age, and I think it’s about time he found love.”
Drew shot her an amused smile. “Does hewantto find love?”
“He’s never mentioned it…but we don’t usually talk about that kind of thing.” Bri waved it off. “Just tell me if she’s single.”
“The last I heard she was.” He ran his hands along his pants legs, trying to rid his body of the anxiety that had spiked when Bri had stiffened at his touch.
