Page 40 of Best Kept Secret

“What about you? What did you do today?”

“Nothing that burned as many calories as you did, that’s for sure!”

He chuckled again, enjoying her sense of humor and how easily she made him laugh.

“On second thought, I vacuumed the apartment, so that counts for something, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“But then I lazed around on the couch with a book and a glass of lemonade.”

“Nothing wrong with relaxing.”

“What do you do to relax? And don’t tell me working out is relaxing, or I might have to punch you.”

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to laugh.”

She straightened up in her seat and adopted a serious expression, although her eyes danced with amusement. “I promise.”

“Okay. I like to do crossword puzzles.”

The corners of her lips twitched, but to her credit, she contained her laughter.

“According to Jared, only geriatrics like crossword puzzles, but I beg to differ. It’s good for the brain, and it relaxes me.”

Her tongue flicked out and licked her lips, and a giggle escaped. Clamping her hand over her mouth, she said, “Sorry. I promised not to laugh.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to it. But someday, when I’m ninety years old and my brain is still sharp, you’ll know why.”

The restaurant was close by, and soon he pulled into the parking lot. This time, she opened her door and stepped out before he had a chance to assist. Once she’d rounded the front of the car, he held out his hand, and smiling wide, she took it.

He enjoyed the feel of her soft palm against his as they entered the restaurant.

Pausing at the hostess station, he gave his name, and the hostess said, “Right this way.”

They followed her to the back of the restaurant, where she opened a door to the outdoor patio. “Your waitress will be right with you,” she said once they were seated.

When he’d made the reservation, he’d requested a table outside, guessing Kelsey would like it. Based on her expression, he’d been right.

Glancing around at the twinkling lights that hung from the awning above their heads, she said, “This is great.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I’ve been here before, but I’ve never sat outside.”

“You mean I’m your first,” he teased, his eyes twinkling like the lights.

“Ha! I wish!” Then her eyes widened with horror. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“I can,” he said and winked at her.

A waitress approached their table and said, “Hi, I’m Amber. Can I take your drink orders?”

He looked at Kelsey and motioned for her to go first.

“I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri, please.”

“Sir?”