Page 130 of Sin City Lights

He chuckled.“What’s not to like, indeed.”

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“Larssen. Party of six.”

Two young women stood behind the hostess stand, both furtively checking out Adam instead of checking their computer screen. Another thing Eve was becoming accustomed to.

It was unavoidable. In the past, it had annoyed her, but nowadays, she found it amusing, especially since he was oblivious. She couldn’t help feeling a little smug. After all, it was she who got to take him home.

The taller of the two, a redhead, finally found the reservation.“Yes, Larssen. Right this way.” She picked up two menus, her gaze lingering a bit too long on Adam’s face before she turned.

She led them to an airy patio, enclosed in glass, with stainless steel tables and multiple baskets of ferns hanging from the ceiling.

At the far end, Jannie stood, smiling and waving. Beside her, an older man and woman, who Eve immediately recognized were Adam’sparents.

The woman jumped up, sprinting to them.“Oh, my goodness!” She beamed at Adam but immediately turned to look down at Eve, reaching out and taking both her hands.

“You must be Eve. Jannie was just telling me all about you. I’m Frida, otherwise known as Adam’s mother.”

Eve felt the warmth radiating from this woman.“Happy to meet you.” She meant it. After all, this was the woman she could thank for bringing Adam into the world and raising him so well.

Mrs. Larssen held her gaze, beaming, for a moment longer before turning to her son.

Identical blue eyes met, and, for a split second, Adam looked just like a mischievous little boy.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Adam! Look at you, so tall and handsome. Give your mom a hug.”

Eve watched the two, fascinated. She’d never seen that expression on Adam’s face before.

He hugged her, and she stepped back with a huge smile.“It’s so good to see you.”

Behind her, Mr. Larssen approached, looking like Adam twenty years from now. His eyes were lighter, but the resemblance was striking.

“I’m Olaf. The dad.” He smiled, nodding politely.“Nice to meet you, young lady.”

He turned to Adam.“Son.” They did the half-hug-slap thing men did.

Mr. Larssen winked.“She’s even prettier than you told me.”

For some reason, Eve felt her cheeks grow warm.

Adam placed an arm around her shoulders, then glanced over her head.“Cat dragged in something.”

Mrs. Larssen looked to see Ian walk in.“Adam!” she scolded.“They’ll never stop, I’m afraid,” she said to Eve.

She went to greet her younger son with just as much enthusiasm, Mr. Larssen right behind her.

Placing his hand at Eve’s lower back, Adam guided her to the table. On it, Eve spotted familiar-looking utensils.

Adam raised one eyebrow.“Brought your own again, Freak?”

Jannie shrugged.“I know mine are clean.”

“It’s comforting to know some things never change.”

“I would say something back, but Eve is here.” Jannie watched Adam pull out a chair one spot away from where she was sitting.“No, you take that one. Eve sits next to me.” She patted the seat beside her.

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