Page 49 of Blame It On Midnight

A smile played on her mouth, and he fought the urge to kiss it away. “So no noodles or pho?”

“Out here, a man needs more than noodles in his gut.”

“Pizza?” she asked with a chuckle.

“That I don’t mind, along with the occasional chicken wing.” He grinned. “I’m pretty much a meat and potato kind of guy but I eat my vegetables because Rosie would hand me my ass if I didn’t.” He laughed. “Plus, I can’t make my daughter eat right if I’m not willing to put in the work.”

“I bet I could get you to like curry.”

“You could try.”

“Maybe I will.”

He liked the way she smiled.

“I’m guessing country is your favorite kind of music.”

He shook his head. “That would be wrong.”

“Really?” She sat upright. Tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Which made him think how much he wanted to kiss her in that same spot.

“Really.”

“Are you going to spill?”

“I like gospel and bluegrass.” What cowboy didn’t?

“Those are kind of like country, aren’t they?”

“They share some of the same foundations, string instruments and all. But truthfully, I’m partial to nineties rock. Bands like Pearl Jam or Soundgarden. Chris Cornell has the best pipes as far as I’m concerned.” He grinned. “Other than my brother, Cal, that is.”

“Did you wear the plaid and ripped jeans?”

“Plaid is a staple around here, and well, my jeans were always chewed up.” He nodded. “What about you? What do you like to listen to?”

“Everything.”

“You’ve got to have one favorite artist.” He was curious to know more about her.

“I like the Beatles. Jim Morrison and The Doors. Elvis.”

“Really.”

“Yes, really.” She took a sip of wine, that delectable mouth curved the way he liked. “What?”

“You’re an old soul.” Benton got to his feet and went to check on the potatoes. He turned them over and then tossed on the steaks. “I figured you’d be into rap or something like it.”

“I like Eminem.” She was behind him. He could smell her. “But then doesn’t everyone?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Who?” The look on her face was comical, and before she could say a word, he chuckled. “I know who Eminem is and I can appreciate his music, but that’s a different animal altogether.”

“It is.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and peeked over his shoulder. “Looks great.”

“You want to grab the salad out of the fridge? We can eat out here.”

“Sure can,” Collins replied lightly. Her hand lingered on his back a few seconds later, and then she disappeared inside. He felt the imprint like it had been seared into his flesh. His body was tight, his thoughts X-rated, and though he knew he needed fuel for all the things he was going to do to her tonight, he wished he could skip the actual eating part and get to the good stuff.

A few minutes later, the table was set, the food dropped in the middle of it, and Benton sat down. Nora kept up the kind of chatter most adults found hard to penetrate. Her words were as fast as her thoughts, and those seemed a bit on the chaotic side.

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