Page 14 of A Gift for the Hopeful Cowboy

The hostess glanced back before returning her attention to Pippa. “It’s a guy. He’s got flowers.”

Pippa’s heart exploded. There was only one guy who would be bringing her flowers, and it was the one she hadn’t been able to evict from her mind. She tore the hand towel from her shoulder to wipe her hands before tucking it into the apron strap at her waist. She didn’t bother fighting the smile that touched her lips as she moved around the cooking stations to get to the door.

“Thank you for letting me know. Where is he?”

“At the bar.”

Pippa moved past her and hurried out into the restaurant but had to catch herself from rushing too much. The last thing she wanted was for Rob to see her overly excited to see him.

As expected, Rob was the one the hostess had announced. He stood by the podium near the entrance, and in his arms was the most beautiful poinsettia she had ever seen. The crimson coloring was more vibrant than the ornaments they put on the town Christmas tree and the leaves were the rich color of grass in a meadow that had recently gotten rain.

He turned and his eyes met hers. In that moment, Pippa knew she’d made a severe mistake. Her heart thundered and her palms went clammy. The way her stomach danced would have put a tangoing couple to shame. She didn’t know if she could walk on her own two legs.

All the emotions and feelings from last week’s kiss came surging back and she didn’t know what to do with them. Rob smiled and held up the plant as he headed toward her.

“Is that for me?” she asked.

Rob placed it in her hands. “Obviously.”

She hid her grin behind it. “I can’t remember the last time someone got me flowers. Are you trying to butter me up or something?”

Rob shoved his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to stop by and try some of your famous food.” He freed one hand and motioned to his slacks and button-down. “I’m dressed for the occasion. Maybe I could eat at the bar while you work.”

“You sure clean up nice.” She eyed him appreciatively. “But I have a better idea.” His brows furrowed and she reached out to grab his hand. “Follow me.”

Rob shuffled behind her as she tugged him toward the back of the restaurant where the kitchen was located. She tossed a look over her shoulder and laughed at his bewildered expression.

“Don’t worry. This is totally going to be worth it.” Pippa pulled him through the doorway and placed the plant on a counter nearby. “Follow me.” She wove through the kitchen toward the back where her office was located. A small bistro-style iron table with two chairs sat right outside her office door. “Take a seat here.”

Rob stared down at the table, then lifted his gaze to meet hers again. “I’m confused.”

“Just do it,” she said.

He chuckled. “Okay, but just so you know, this is weird.”

In the kitchen, her chefs and servers all gave Rob strange looks. The whole place smelled like the specials on their menu, and instrumental Christmas music played just loud enough to make the room feel more welcoming.

Pippa hurried off and returned with a glass of water on a tray. She took a seat across from Rob. “So, I’m super busy today, but I wanted to tell you before I head back that I’ve put in a special order just for you.”

He lifted his brows. “Pippa, you don’t have to do that?—”

“You fed me last week. It’s my turn.” She winked at him. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

Rob being in her kitchen only added to her distraction. She could feel his gaze on her. From his vantage point, he had a good view of the kitchen in almost its entirety.

Pippa did her best to complete the tasks she’d assigned to herself before she worked on the food she’d planned for the two of them. It took about thirty minutes to get most of it done, and one of her chefs finished up the last of it.

She placed the plates on the table with a flourish, not bothered by the fact she knew she looked proud.

Rob’s amazement was all she could have asked for. He stared at the vine-ripened tomato and basil bruschetta she’d paired with an assortment of cheeses. His gaze drifted to the bacon-wrapped filet mignon, and he pointed to the sauce with question in his eyes.

“That’s a red wine reduction with rosemary and garlic.”

He blinked. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of something like that.” He was okay with his little white lie since he wasn't ready to out himself as a Food Network watcher even if he only rarely watched.

“It tastes better than it looks.”

“I find that hard to believe because it looks pretty darn good.” Rob shifted in his seat and pointed to the roasted gold and sweet potatoes. “I think you’re going to spoil me with those. They’re not quite like the fries we had last time.”

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