Page 30 of Whatever You Want

His eyes traveled along the length of the cute and flirty romper Kara convinced me to wear. “You look gorgeous.”

For a moment, I couldn’t even form words. I just stared and prayed I didn’t have drool hanging from the corner of my mouth.

“You clean up pretty good yourself.”

My heart fluttered at the way he stared at me. It’s been a long time since a man has looked at me like that.

Logan handed me a big bouquet of pink roses and a bottle of wine. Kara was right, this seemed more like a date than just a simple dinner between friends.

“Thanks.” I closed the door and took the flowers from his hand. “These are beautiful.” I carried them into the kitchen and set them down on the counter, searching for something to set them in. I opened the cabinet, my eyes landing on a crystal vase I received as a wedding gift. I swallowed and grabbed a tall glass out of the top cupboard to place them in that instead.

“I have a bottle of wine already opened. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so there is beer in the fridge too.”

“I’ll have a glass of whatever you have opened.”

I slid the extra wineglass across the counter and poured him a glass of cabernet. He settled into the seat across from me on the kitchen island. He was close enough to where I caught the scent of his cologne. It had hints of sandalwood and cedar. It was woodsy and totally him.

Tearing my eyes away, I picked up my wine and took a huge sip. I silently willed my senses to shut down. My nerves were all over the place, probably because I hadn’t been this attracted to a man since I met my husband.

“This place looks great.” He reached for his wine, swirling it around before bringing it to his mouth. My eyes instantly followed his movements. I took another drink from my glass and reminded myself to slow down. Otherwise, I would be drunk before we even sat down to dinner. I wasn’t kidding when I told Kara I was out of my element.

“Thanks.” I walked over and grabbed the salad off the counter to set it on the table. “I’ve been adding little touches here and there.”

He glanced around. “I may have you come decorate my place.”

I placed my hands on my hips. “I’m not sure you could afford me.”

“What’s your hourly rate?” He grinned. “Are you a pay by the hour type girl?”

“You are being awfully brave for someone who is about to eat the food I just cooked,” I said, moving across the kitchen to grab some utensils out of the drawer.

His eyes filled with amusement. “Seeing that you still need me to hang a few pictures in the family room, I think I’ll take my chances.”

I stepped over to the stove so I could put the meal together. “Why don’t you put those muscles to good use and toss that salad before I decide not to feed you.”

I poured the pan of chicken, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes over the pasta. I set it on the table next to the salad and a fresh loaf of bread.

Logan let out a low whistle. “Wow. This looks and smells amazing.”

All those years I spent helping my mom in the kitchen have paid off. This Mediterranean chicken recipe was one of my favorite dishes and one I cooked well. I gave myself a mental pat on the back.

“Thanks. It was nice to cook an adult meal for a change. If Madison had her way, she would live off of hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.”

He sliced off a piece of chicken and brought it to his mouth. “I’m a bachelor, so I don’t cook much. This is a nice treat.”

“Don’t tell me you live off of takeout and fast food.”

“My cooking skills are limited. I can grill and boil water. That’s about it.”

“Poor Brina.”

“I wouldn’t feel too sorry for my little picky eater, all she does is complain about the way I cut her sandwiches.” He shook his head. “I’ve never understood why kids refused to eat the crust. I think it’s the best part.”

The thought of him taking care of his young daughter had my body filled with warmth.

“What about the nights that you don’t have Brina?”

He rested his elbows on the table and grinned. “You’re cute.”

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