Page 170 of The 21-Day Boyfriend
“Does that mean he’s been two-timing us?”
“It would be like him.” Eric looks at me in a way he’s never looked at me before. His eyes have changed shape; they seem kinder, calmer, more intimate. They seem as if they were moulded for me. “He told me he planned it from the start.”
“Planned what?”
“Us ending up together.”
“I knew it!”
Eric wraps his arms around me and sighs. “He says we’re made for each other.”
“Does he? What else does he say?”
“He says you’re a good guy.” I smile, and Eric kisses my nose. “And he’s right. I’m lucky that you’ve given me another chance.”
“I’m the lucky one. I’ve finally found someone who will cook for me.”
Eric lets me go slowly. “It’s just dinner.”
“It smells amazing.”
“Do you want to have dinner with me, Sean Quinn?”
“Of course I do.”
He holds his hand out to me and I take it; he leads me towards the kitchen and pulls out my stool. I blush as I sit down, touched by his gentlemanly gesture.
“Wine?”
“Yes, please.” I lift my glass, and he fills it, pouring one for himself, too.
“What have you made?”
He takes a sip, then wanders over to the stove, where dinner was worming up. “Tomato and basil, and pesto bruschetta.” He places two plates on the counter.
“Did you go shopping again?”
“Your fridge is sad.”
“It’s definitely not sad when you’re here.” I sigh. “I was sad before you, too. Really sad.”
“Jake described you as a wreck, if that makes you feel any better.”
“It definitely doesn’t make me feel better knowing I made you feel bad.”
“It’s my fault.”
He brings a saucepan over to the table and places it down between us. “Mushroom risotto.”
“Wow.”
Eric sits beside me and takes my hand. “I’ve planted some herbs on your windowsill. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Plants, in my house?”
He laughs, then brings my hand to his mouth to kiss it.
“I intend to cook for you a lot.”
