Page 54 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“Which was great. I fixed the computer and have a contract to upgrade everything.” He squeezed. “So thank you for that.”

She traced a hand down his cheek. “You’re most welcome.”

The gesture was oddly intimate. And yet felt right. Her berry scent enveloped him when she was this close. Not perfume. Just…shampoo? Body wash? A light scent he only caught when she was in his personal space.

And he liked when she was in his personal space.

Marnie cleared her throat, and about three seconds later, Sarabeth arrived with their food.

With clear ease born of experience, she placed their plates.

Steam rose from his plate, and Sarabeth’s admonishment of, “Careful, it’s hot,” was appreciated but unnecessary.

She pointed to the ketchup. “You need anything else?”

Marnie shook her head, while Loriana said, “Nope, we’re good.”

Sarabeth met Mitch’s eye, silently asking for confirmation.

He nodded in agreement.

“Well, enjoy.” And the woman left.

Marnie took a sip of her milkshake.

And sighed in what Mitch assumed was pure bliss. He’d considered ordering a shake—he’d spotted over twenty flavors—but he’d opted for the soda. Of which he now took a sip.

Loriana blew on her tea. “It’s hot, but the sandwich is hotter.”

“Yes, the food’s always steaming.” Marnie eyed her burger, then picked up a fry and popped it into her mouth. “Hot.”

“Sip your milkshake.” Finally, Loriana withdrew her hand from Mitch’s. “We’ll have to come back so you can try a milkshake.”

“I’d like that.” He almost added he’d have to watch the number of times he came—neither his wallet nor his waistline would appreciate repeat visits—but he held his tongue. Talking about money was tactless, and discussing how much food he could or couldn’t consume wasn’t much better. He was a big guy who ate a decent amount, but the food on his plate was guaranteed to fill his belly.

As the meal progressed, discussion pattered through the moans of delight. Mitch got a lesson about Mission City and heard about many of its inhabitants.

A striking couple sat in a booth nearby.

Loriana leaned in. “That’s Rielle and Gage Clayton. He’s been the high school principal for years. His wife was the guidance counselor there for years before she passed tragically.” She tapped her nose. “We weren’t sure he’d ever find love again. Look at them now.”

The blonde woman with stunning amber eyes gazed lovingly at the man whose back was turned to them. His black hair was liberally streaked with gray.

“And two young ones at home.”

Mitch didn’t miss the wistfulness in Marnie’s tone.

Interesting.

Sarabeth returned as Mitch was placing his knife and fork at five o’clock. “Dessert?”

He held up a hand. “Truly, that was amazing. And I don’t think I can eat another bite.”

She scooped Loriana and Marnie’s plates onto her tray and gratefully accepted Mitch’s when he handed it to her. “Separate or together?”

All three chimed, “Together,” at the same time.

“Well, that was easy. Back in a jiffy.”

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