Page 94 of Reckless Harmony

“You’ll be safe once the security system is in place,” Stark said. “Did you call them today?”

“Yes. They’re coming on Monday.”

“Not until Monday?” He hated the idea of her being without the security system for that long.

“That was their first availability,” she said. “Anyway, everything’s fine, as you can see, so thanks for checking in, but -”

“These are the guinea pigs, huh?” He turned to Grace. “And she’s convinced you to foster them?”

“Rayna can be very persuasive,” Grace said with a smile. “In all honesty, I’m glad I can do something to help. I’m allergic to cats so I can’t foster them, and Tank in the house is more than enough dog.”

At the sound of his name, Tank woofed softly and joined them, leaning against Grace so she could scratch around his ears.

“Speaking of which, how are you feeling?” Rayna asked Grace. “I put Freddie in the laundry room and did a quick dust and vacuum of the downstairs before you arrived, but I didn’t do a deep clean or anything. Mostly because the cat hair is what helps keep this place standing.”

Grace laughed and stroked Tank’s ears. “So far, I’m feeling fine. I took some allergy meds before we came over, and as long as I’m not actively petting a cat or in the same room with them, I can avoid a hospital visit.”

“You’re sure?” Gideon joined them and slid his arm around Grace’s waist, squeezing her hip gently.

Stark had the sudden inane urge to do the same to Rayna and immediately shoved his hands into his pockets to stop himself.

“Positive,” Grace said. “Unless you’re trying to get out of buying us dinner like you promised? Because I’ve been looking forward to Chinese food all day, and I have the delivery app queued up and ready to go on my phone.”

Gideon chuckled before pressing a kiss against her mouth. “Decide what you want and order the food. I need to do a quick phone check-in with Ian.”

“All right.” Grace watched Gideon leave the room before grabbing her phone and scrolling across the screen. She smiled at Rayna and Stark. “I was thinking we could do some family-style dishes. That should be more than enough for the four of us.”

An awkward silence hit the room, and Grace made a face. “Uh oh, I just put my foot in my mouth, didn’t I?”

“No,” Stark said quickly. “But I should go. I have a… thing.”

He started across the room, moving more slowly than usual, refusing to admit to himself that he wanted Rayna to ask him to stay for dinner. Why would she? They hated each other, and people who hated one another did not go on double dates, even if the date was just ordering in dinner.

“Stark,” Rayna said.

He turned, hoping his desire to stay wasn’t written all over his face like some childish love-struck fool.

Rayna glanced at Grace before she said, “You should cancel your… thing and stay for dinner.”

He couldn’t stop the grin from crossing his face. “Consider it cancelled.”

“There’s an awards ceremony for video games.” Gideon took a drink of beer before arching an eyebrow at Stark. “Seriously?”

Stark laughed, leaning back in the kitchen chair and reaching down to scratch the top of Bea’s head, who was sitting at his feet. “Completely serious.”

“Have you won any?” Grace asked.

“A few,” Stark said.

“More than a few,” Rayna said. “Emma told me your Shadow Game series has won multiple awards.”

“That’s impressive,” Grace said.

“I have an amazing team of developers and designers,” Stark said. “The awards are because of them.”

Rayna took a sip of her beer. She often told Stark he was arrogant, but for someone with his arrogance, he sure was modest about his work accomplishments and quick to praise his team.

“I know Lucas loves his job and has nothing but good things to say about it,” Grace said.

---