Page 27 of Her Silver Fox Mountain Men

I give her a wry smile as we reach Candy’s terrace. “I’m guessing the same applies to you.”

“Of course.”

That’s probably why Elise is being so considerate and understanding, choosing to shrug off the whole Shauna incident. She figures we all have skeletons in our closets. It makes me wonder what kind of skeletons she’s hiding in hers, but I choose to remain grateful that our dinner date is still going to happen.

“Shall we go in?” I ask, motioning for her to go up the terrace steps first.

“Yes, sir.”

Once I start pouring the wine to accompany our appetizers, the mood begins to shift. The tension dissipates, leaving room for smiles and laughter, smooth conversation, and an easy camaraderie that brings us closer to each other.

“I’ve never had eggplant like this before,” Elise remarks as she takes another bite from a crispy bruschetta.

“It’s popular in the Balkans,” I say. “Candy puts it on their menu every fall, and she makes sure to keep enough baked eggplants in the freezer to last her through the winter. It’s a family tradition.”

“Well, it’s delicious,” she says, savoring another bite.

Elise seems content so I decide to test the waters. “So, why’d you leave Chicago?” I shoot straight for the three-pointer.

Elise stills for a moment before finishing her bruschetta and washing it down with a long sip of fruity, white wine. I patiently wait, admiring her self-composure.

“It’s a long story,” she says. “And not a pleasant one either.”

“I’d still like to know, but only if you’re willing to share,” I reply.

“I’d rather discuss that whole thing with Shauna. I’m curious. What was that about?”

Why did I think I’d get off easy with that one?

I chuckle and grab another bite from my plate. It’s Elise’s turn to watch me squirm in my seat while I try to find the right words. “Shauna and I were involved. It was a complicated and messy affair,” I say. “I’m not proud of how we ended things, but it was necessary.”

“That was such a politician’s answer,” Elise replies then laughs.

“I’m trying to explain it in a way that doesn’t scare you and make you want to run.”

She frowns slightly. “What could possibly be scary enough to make me want to run?”

“An unconventional love life.”

“You mean the whole thing about the three of you? I’m guessing she got intimate with Roman and James, too.”

“Yes.” I hold my breath for a hot second.

Elise shrugs softly. “Who am I to judge?”

“Consider me surprised.”

“Why?”

“I figured you’d have a stronger opinion about it.”

She allows herself a subtle but knowing smile. “You seem to forget that I’m from the big city. What might be considered taboo in these parts, I’ve more than likely stumbled across in Chicago. Not necessarily in my own personal experience, but I like to think of myself as being more open-minded.”

“You are,” I reply, then add more wine to her glass.

“Besides, I’ve often believed that wounded people tend to hurt others, so they won’t feel alone. I’m guessing it’s what Shauna tried to do earlier.”

“I promise you, Elise, we were honorable in our behavior.”

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