Page 96 of Recipe for Temptation

But most of all, she’d enjoyed watching him win over her dad. By the time dessert arrived, he’d had her father eating out of the palm of his hand, and that meant more to her than she could have ever imagined.

When Michael’s great-grandmother returned from her trip to Ghana, he invited Reese to accompany him to visit her in Savannah. He wanted to introduce her to the beloved family matriarch, and that made her feel honored beyond words.

Marcus and Samara’s twins were staying with their grandparents that weekend, and Manning and Taylor’s sons were on their way to Legoland with Uncle Theo and Aunt Winnie. Eager to take advantage of a childfree weekend, both couples decided to tag along with Michael and Reese.

As luck would have it, Lexi had a speaking engagement in Savannah that same weekend, and Quentin had already cleared his schedule to accompany her. So the original party of two became a spirited party of eight.

When they arrived at Mama Wolf’s sprawling Queen Anne, she was waiting for them on the huge wraparound porch. A spry little woman with a cap of snowy white hair, she squealed ecstatically and threw out her arms. Though she was elderly, she seemed fully capable of sprinting down the porch steps, and probably would have if her great-grandsons hadn’t told her to stay right where she was.

There were hugs and kisses all around, everyone laughing and talking at once. Mama Wolf radiated so much love and warmth that her hug made Reese feel like she’d been wrapped up in a sunbeam.

She smiled glowingly. “I’m so happy to meet you, Reese. Welcome to my home.”

“Thank you so much, Mama Wolf. Is it okay if I call you that?”

“Of course, baby.” Her dark eyes twinkled. “You’re practically one of us now.”

Reese’s cheeks warmed. Michael smiled.

Mama Wolf beamed at everyone. “I’m so glad you all are here. Let’s go inside and have some refreshments while we catch up.”

Standing between Michael and Reese, Mama Wolf tucked an arm through each of theirs and started up the porch steps. “Now tell me about the first time you two met….”

While Mama Wolf slept off jet lag on Saturday night, the four couples went on a private charter cruise along the Savannah River.

Sitting at a large square table under the starry sky, they dined on sizzling wagyu steaks and wild salmon while gliding up the Savannah River, past old plantations and ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Candles flickered in small glass bowls, casting a romantic glow on everyone’s faces as soft music played in the background.

Their laughter and conversation filled the air as they shared stories and cracked jokes. Manning and Quentin had a wicked sense of humor that kept everyone in stitches.

As the meal progressed, the mood became mellow, conversations meandering like a lazy river.

“So, Reese, what do you think of Atlanta?” Lexi asked.

“I think it’s lovely. I’m enjoying it very much.” Thanks in large part to the gorgeous man sitting so close to her she could feel the heat of his body seeping into hers.

Samara swirled the wine in her glass. “Do you think you could ever see yourself living here?”

Taylor snickered. “Real subtle, Sam.”

Laughter rumbled around the table.

“It would depend on a lot of factors.” Reese could feel Michael watching her intently, absorbing her response. “I wouldn’t rule it out.”

“Hmm.” Samara sipped her wine, her eyes glittering over the rim at Michael. He chuckled and winked at her.

“I love living in Hotlanta,” Taylor said. “I’m from Colorado, which, of course, is where Manning and I met in high school.” She grinned sideways at him. “He couldn’t wait to get out of there and move back to Atlanta. Poor baby was so miserable.”

Manning chuckled. “Colorado’s beautiful, but it could never be home.”

“Facts,” Quentin agreed. “There’s nowhere else I’d ever want to live.”

Michael and Marcus agreed.

A companionable silence fell over the table as everyone gazed out over the water, enjoying the beauty and serenity of the Lowcountry.

“This has been such an incredible evening,” Lexi said on a contented sigh. “Thanks for letting me and Quentin tag along as a fifth wheel.”

“No thanks necessary,” Samara said warmly. “You know your company is always welcome.”

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