Page 61 of Miss Fortune

“Hm, Doris is definitely less distracting than you’ve been.”

My laughter burst out. “The last six weeks was you distracted?”

His grin was adorable. “I hid it well.”

“You definitely did. Had I known, I might’ve been tempted to do something really distracting.”

His body instantly tensed, which made me laugh harder.

“Relax, not as though I’ll be surprising you in your office on Monday.” Fortunately, I’d never see the office again. Thanks to the day from hell with Eric, I had no friends to miss there, and I was certainly happy to give up getting out of bed and slogging through traffic come Monday morning.

He sighed. “Sorry. I’m sure desk fantasies are for some, but I wouldn’t be able to put my job and something enjoyable together.”

My eyes went wide at his admission. It was the closest I’d ever gotten to the truth.

He immediately cursed under his breath. “Forget I said anything. You hungry? I thought I’d barbeque steaks if you’re okay with it. Or if you’re watching your red meat, I have chicken instead.”

I took his subject change in stride, loving the fact he was giving me options without assuming my limitations. “Steaks sound great. What can I help with?”

“Nothing. I’m going to fix you a glass of white wine or iced tea, whichever you prefer. Sit down in my favorite chair on the patio and relax while I do the cooking.”

Who said romance was all hearts and flowers? Sometimes it was having someone pamper you. “I’ll take the glass of white wine and have the tea with dinner. Thank you.”

Watching Caleb cook was a treat. He was relaxed, playful, and clearly in his element.

“How do you like your steak?” he asked.

“Is medium well barbeque sacrilege?”

He tossed a grin. “It is, but I won’t tell.”

“Smells good.” He not only had the steaks on the grill, but also some asparagus.

He walked over to one post of the covered patio and flipped a switch, illuminating the backyard in a soft glow from various strings of lights. The palm trees came alive, wrapped in fairy-tale lights.

“Wow, this is magical. Is this your signature date night move?”

He turned, taking my hand and pulling me into his arms. “You’re the first woman I’ve had over to see my patio, and you’re the only one I’ve ever cooked for in this house.”

Damn. He sure could make me feel special. I pulled him down for a kiss, loving the way his hands came down and gripped my ass. “You know I never got a tour of the upstairs.”

“You want one now?” He eyed the grill, appearing worried about the food and evidently not understanding my hint.

I made myself clearer. “One which includes the master bedroom, yes.”

Now he leaned back, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Give me five minutes, and we can go.”

“Or, I could meet you up there.” The thought of stripping in his bedroom and waiting for him sounded promising.

His hesitation was clear, causing me to joke. “Are you afraid I’ll go snooping?”

There was strain in his expression. “No, of course not. I can meet you.”

“It’s okay. I’ll wait for you.” Some people were awkward about their private space and letting people into it. If I was the first woman he’d had over here, perhaps he was still getting comfortable with the situation.

After pulling the steaks off to let them rest and putting the asparagus in a separate bowl, he led me upstairs.

The second floor boasted yet more hardwood flooring with the walls painted gray. There were four rooms to include his office and three bedrooms. Both guest rooms reminded me of hotel rooms, but his master bedroom appeared more lived in. There were a pair of shoes left out, a personal touch.