Page 10 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

“I–” His stomach rumbled loudly, and she peeked at him through her lashes.

“Ignore it, I want to hear about the last ten days.”

“I have lasagna warming in the oven.”

“We’ll eat later. I’ve missed you. I want to hear every detail of how you spent your time. I know you were planning on some girl time with Rebecca, did you get to do that?” She loved he remembered what she had told him and was genuinely interested in her life.

“We went out to–”

His stomach growled even louder.

“Did I tell you I have vanilla ice cream and homemade brownies for dessert?” He pushed her off his chest, and she went sprawling in a heap of giggles.

“To hell with the lasagna, I’m having dessert first, then dinner, then dessert again.” He gave her butt a swat, and she laughed even harder.

She stayed in bed and enjoyed the view as he pulled on a pair of jeans. God, the man had the best ass in the entire Universe. She was going to have to take a bite when they got back in bed. He looked at her over his shoulder.

“Quit ogling and come into the kitchen with me. I don’t want to eat alone. I’ve missed you too much.”

Her heart melted. She got out of bed and pulled on the shirt he had been wearing. She loved wearing his shirts. She had worn one every night while he was gone. He grabbed her hand, and they walked to the kitchen.

“Milk or ice cream with your brownies?” she asked.

He was right behind her with his chin propped on her shoulder. “What are you having?”

“Milk.”

“Then I’ll have milk to begin with. I’ll have a brownie sundae after dinner.”

“Well, you’ll be eating that by yourself.”

“I bet I can tempt you into taking a bite.” He probably could. He was very good at tempting her into things.

She got the milk, and he got the glasses. When she went to sit down, he coaxed her into sitting on his lap.

“God Sophia, you are the world’s best baker. How is the business going? How’s the diner?”

“Busy,” she said with a deep sigh. “I’m still bummed about Irene quitting. She was doing so well. But this new girl Corrine is getting the hang of things quickly. I already gave her a small raise so she would be incented to stay.”

“Can you afford it?” He broke off a piece of his brownie and offered it to her. She stared into his deep blue eyes, took the milk chocolate treat, and then sucked his fingers into her mouth.

“Sophia,” he breathed.

“Yes. Yes, I can.”

“What?” he asked in a dazed voice.

“Yes, I can afford to give her a raise.” She smiled.

“Good God woman, how can you multi-task like that? You start in with that licking thing, and I can’t keep up with a conversation. So things are going that well with the business?”

“Mason, I had to turn down two stores because I wouldn’t be able to keep up the level of service and quality people have come to expect. They said they would up the amount they’d be willing to pay, and they’ll wait for us. One of the store owners asked to have lunch with me. She is part of a Women in Business Network she’d like me to join.” Sophia still couldn’t believe it. She never would have thought of herself as a businesswoman.

“That’s great, honey.”

The brownies were gone. She got up to get the lasagna out of the oven.

As they ate their meal, Sophia regaled Mason with Frannie’s bridesmaid dress debacle.

“I don’t understand. The dresses aren’t going to match?” he asked as he scooped his third helping of pasta.

“No, they’re all navy colored, but the styles will be different to flatter the figure of the woman or girl wearing it. What will look good on Ashley won’t necessarily look appropriate for Rebecca.”

“Makes sense. So tell me what your dress looks like,” Mason asked innocently.

“Oh, I got a red one. It’s really pretty. It’ll look great for our wedding photos. I especially like the sequins.”

“There was a time, Miss Anderson when you weren’t such a smart ass.” Mason grinned at her.

“It must be the company I keep. If you’re a good boy, after your dessert you’ll get an even better dessert. But if you keep asking sneaky questions I might be too tired.”

“You’ve convinced me, no more sneaky questions. Stay put and I’ll clean up and get the ice cream.” He brushed a kiss on the top of her head as he cleared the table. She saw him wince as he used his right hand but she chose to ignore it. Tonight was a celebration. This was a time for them to enjoy the moment not for her to focus on what might have been.