“Good guess. This is the busiest season and June is second.”
“That’s what I figured. The last time I saw you I made my case. I’m here on a different errand. This time I want to drop family matters. I’m doing what I would have done if we’d met under different circumstances. Namely, I’d like to take you to dinner—strictly a man and a beautiful woman he would like to know better. Just an evening out with nothing else going on for a few hours.”
She laughed. “You’re doing this to soften me up for another argument about Michael.”
Amusement lit his dark eyes and heightened his already overwhelming appeal. “Maybe, but that isn’t my intention for this one night. You’re an attractive woman,” he said quietly, causing her more palpitations. “You’re single. I want to take you out. Are you free tonight?”
She wanted to answer yes, accept his invitation and have an exciting night with a handsome man who lit fires in her. At the same time, common sense screamed to avoid any close contact with him. He wanted her most precious possession—Michael.
Nick Rafford was accustomed to winning big battles, acquiring what he wanted when pitted against more formidable opponents than a single woman guardian. She had no illusions about his invitation, but that didn’t take away the temptation to accept.
“I can see the wheels turning. Stop worrying about my motives.” He leaned forward and picked up her hand, placing his thumb on her wrist. “Your pulse is racing, as is mine.” His strong fingers were warm, a steady, light pressure that made her heart beat faster. His brooding dark eyes held a promise of sensuality. “Say yes, Grace,” he coaxed in a husky voice. “I’ll take you home tonight any time you want. Let’s have a few hours together. The night promises fireworks. How about I pick you up around seven?”
“Yes,” she whispered, “if my aunt is free to keep Michael. I’ll contact her,” she said, retrieving her phone from a pocket. When Grace broke the connection, she nodded. “I’m free. I expect you to keep your promise of taking me home if I ask.”
“I swear. I’ve never gone against a woman’s wishes concerning a relationship.”
“You can’t describe dinner together as a ‘relationship.’ I’m barely acquainted with you,” she said, aware now his thumb traced lightly back and forth on her wrist and her palm, faint strokes that wreaked more havoc.
“I gave you a truthful reply to your statement. Hopefully, a reassuring one.”
“This is one of the nights this month that I have open. There aren’t too many of them.” When she withdrew her wrist and stood, he came to his feet. “Speaking of business, I should get back to work,” she said.
Once again she thought she detected amusement in his torrid gaze. He stood close enough for her to notice his inviting aftershave. Without thinking, she looked at his mouth. Would they kiss tonight? She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks at the prospect of Nick’s kiss. It had been a long time since she had gone out with anyone.
“Selfishly, I’m glad there’s no man in your life right now.”
“There isn’t and hasn’t been for a while. For the past seven months, I’ve been too busy with Michael. Before that, for years my time has gone to learning the catering business and then starting up my own.”
“Sounds as if you’re overdue for a night on the town. Let’s make it a bigger deal and start at six. Will that be too soon?”
Her mind raced, because six would mean closing early. Yet how long had it been since she had gone out for the evening other than to cater? A few hours with a handsome, sexy man. No diapers, no responsibilities, no rushing to keep a party running smoothly. Anticipation bubbled in her.
“Six will be fine.”
“See you then,” he said, and left.
As she went back to the task at hand, her mind kept returning to Nick. Was she making a huge mistake by getting better acquainted with him?
She went to find Jada. “Since we don’t have anything booked tonight, I accepted Nick’s dinner offer.”
Jada squealed with delight and wrung her hands in glee. “Sweet! You’re going out with Nick Rafford! He is the handsomest man I’ve ever seen! How awesome!” Her ponytail bounced as she danced.
“Jada, he’s Michael’s uncle. He probably has ulterior motives.”
Jada waved her hands in the air. “Of course he doesn’t. And if he does, you’ll be able to cope. Go seduce him and marry him.”
Grace had to laugh. “I barely know him. Besides, the man has publicly been quoted as a confirmed bachelor and his father had multiple marriages. Also—marry Michael’s uncle?”
“A legal guardian is not a blood relative. You certainly aren’t a blood relation even though you’re the only mother Michael knows.”
“I’m having dinner for the first—and maybe last—time with Nick. What I came to tell you is that he wants to go early, so about two let’s close up and get out of here. Everything is set for tomorrow night, isn’t it?”
“Yes, and if he asks you out again, I can handle the Whitman party just fine. We have our help ready and I can take care of the Lansing party.”
“I’m certain you can, but I’ll be around. He hasn’t asked me out tomorrow night.”
“He will,” Jada said with a grin. “I'm just sure he will.”
