Page 14 of French Martini

His brow creases. “How did you know my favorite flower?”

“You did a huge spread of them for a summer brunch in a French magazine.”

Lowen tilts his head like a confused puppy. “And how did you know that?”

“It’s called the internet, love.” I step forward. “Does love work or do you have a better endearment in mind?”

He finally laughs softly, taking the bouquet. “Committing to your role, huh?”

“We need a convincing backstory, right?” Taking a chance, I slide my arm around him and pull him close, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You want me to act like you hung the moon?”

“You don’t have to when we’re alone.”

“I think it would be harder switching off and on, you know?”

He nods, dragging his free hand down my chest. “Cashmere?”

“I clean up okay.”

His cheeks flush but he just smiles. “I should put these in water.”

“Lead the way.”

I release him, smiling as he sways slightly, then follow him to the kitchen, admiring my work as we walk through the massive hallway. In the kitchen, I lean on the island, watching Lowen move elegantly through the grand space as he finds the vase he wants and fills it with water.

He glances at me several times from under his thick lashes, and for once, it seems like my kitten is tongue-tied.

“How was your day after I saw you?”

Lowen clears his throat. “Fine. The usual stuff. It was slow today, but we figure it’ll pick up again. Hope so, because we justhired three more servers so we could start taking some time off when it’s slower.”

“That’s important.”

“Yes.” He fusses over the flowers in the vase for a few seconds, then clasps his hands together on the island. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Whatever you’re having.”

He nods. “Sitting room then?”

“Sure.” As he passes me, I grab his wrist, turning him to face me. “You didn’t answer me earlier.”

“About what?”

“What you want me to call you. Love? Gorgeous? Kitten?”

His breath catches softly before he schools his expression. “Kitten? Where did that come from?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. You remind me of a kitten sometimes. A spicy one. Soft and adorable, but you have claws and will defend your boundaries.”

A satisfied smirk tugs at his lips. “Call me whatever you like.”

Spreading my legs apart slightly, I pull him just a little closer. “And what are you gonna call me?”

“I’ll come up with something.”

I nod, desperately wanting to close the distance between us and taste his lips again, but I sense he’s not ready for that.

“Let’s get that drink.”

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