Page 24 of Tickled Pink

“I know.”

I grunt, somewhere between amusement and confusion. “Max, what—”

The front door swings open, and Thad stands there. A breath catches in my throat as I look him up and down. I haven’t seen him dressed in a suit and tie since his airline pilot days — and even then he appeared wrinkled and worn out after a long day up in the sky.

Tonight, he’s perfectly pressed and clean-shaven with slicked back hair and that old, red checkerboard tie fitted around his neck.

“Good evening!” he greets. “Table for two? Right this way.”

He spins on his heels and marches through the foyer.

My lips twitch as I look at Max. “Uh…”

Max bends and unhooks Stinky’s leash, letting her bolt through the house to follow Thad before hooking his arm around mine and tugging me over the threshold.

“Come on,” he says.

I follow him. What girl wouldn’t?

I let all of my thoughts of doubt fade away and they disappear completely the moment the front door latches closed behind us.

We enter the dining room, and my smile grows. The room is illuminated with little more than candles and strings of white Christmas lights. Just as Thad said, a table for only two is set up in the center with folded napkins and a small flower resting in a vase. My nose picks up the scent before I even get close. Jasmine.

Just like our first date.

Max sidles behind me and grips the collar on my coat. “Have a seat,” he says as he pulls it down my arms.

I lick my lips and nod, unable to fully vocalize anything just yet. As he deposits my coat in the closet by the door, I lower down into my chair, fold my hands into my lap, and I wait for him to come back.

Before he can, the door to the kitchen opens and Thad glides through it carrying a small tray in one hand with two small cups and a green bottle balanced on top.

He pauses beside me, and I snort.

“Saké for the lady?” he asks with a wink.

“Yes, please,” I say.

He rests two cups on the table as Max returns and takes the seat across from me.

Thad gives him a polite grin. “Your food will be out shortly, sir,” he says.

Max flicks open his napkin and settles it onto his lap. “Thank you very much,” he replies. “Excellent service, as always.”

Thad places a hand on his chest and swoons. “You know, I’m so happy someone said it. The amount of work I put into keeping this place running smoothly, I could talk your ear off for days. In fact—”

“Thad,” Max says, playfully glaring.

“Some other time then,” Thad says, stepping back. He bows to the table and flashes me a wink. “Milady,” he adds before shuffling back into the kitchen.

I look across the table at Max. He fills our cups and sets the bottle down, his eyes happily admiring me the entire time.

I chuckle softly and raise my cup. “Well, I’m not sure what this is, but I like it.”

Max laughs as we each take a sip. Saké fires down my throat and a wave of happiness rushes into my brain. It relaxes me completely and I sit back in my chair.

“You’re beautiful, Phoebe,” Max says.

I lock eyes with him and smile. “Trust me, Max, if you’re trying to seduce me, don’t bother. You’ve already got me.”

---