Page 32 of Love and Other Trials
She rubbed her hands in delight. “Then you’re going to love Kaz’s.”
When they reached the old blue and white shack with the expanded outdoor porch along the water, she felt her shoulders come down from her ears. Here she could relax. Dax hurried around her side of the Bronco to open her door, but she was already opening it.
He gave her a pointed look as she sat back down. “How about letting me be the gentleman and treat you right? I know it didn’t come together like a date, but I’d like to officially change that.”
God, could he be any cuter? “I’m up for that.”
He cleared his throat and held out his hand gallantly. “Elizabeth, would you like to go out with me?”
She fanned herself theatrically before taking his hand. “Why Stephan, are you asking me on a date?”
The waning sun shot rays of gold into his sandy hair, making him a dreamboat in one of those old beach movies she loved to watch on late night. “Yes. Would tonight work? Kaz’s?”
“It’s one of my favorite places.” The strength of his hand had her curling her fingers in his. “Seven?”
He checked his watch. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up.”
Then he shut the door on her with another sexy wink, and she laughed as he disappeared from view only to reopen the door again. Sherlock gave a quiet ruff as he watched them, his head swiveling to take in their theater. Okay, they were being silly, but it was fun. Plus, all her trials seemed far away. Like as far as Bali.
“Here we are.” He gestured grandly to the place as he helped her out of the car before letting Sherlock out. “Would you like to sit outside or inside on this fine night?”
She could already feel the humid air on her skin and smell the ocean. “Outside.”
“Perfect.”
He was the one who looked perfect with the stubble on his jaw and the way his shoulders seemed to go on forever. Then there were those endless eyes taking her in…
“By the way, you look beautiful, Elizabeth.”
His deep voice practically pulsed with intimacy, making her pluck at the fabric of her skirt. While she was more than presentable for a place like Kaz’s, she wished she’d dressed up a little more for their date. “Thank you, Stephan. So do you.”
“My beauty routine is legendary.” Turning, he pointed to his backside. “Like my buns.”
She sputtered out laughter but truthfully wouldn’t mind if he kept modeling that fabulous ass all night long. “I can see why. My goodness, what it does to this little heart of mine.”
He snagged her arm, laughing himself. “Come on. Let’s get a drink and some chow.”
At the door, he did the whole gentleman thing again. Once inside, she took a deep inhale of fried food, onions, and beer—all homey smells.
The waitress with the stringy gray hair slapped the menu she was carrying against the counter when she spotted them. “Why, Ariel Holmes! I heard you were in town for Tiffany’s wedding. How are the Three Bitches treating you?”
She hugged Maybelline hard as Dax choked out a laugh. “It’s the Three Tornadoes, as you well know, and about like always if I’m being truthful. They’re even insisting I wear a wig for the wedding.”
Maybelline touched her hair softly, gray brows slamming together. “Why in God’s name would they do that? You have perfectly beautiful hair.”
“Too short for them.” She pointed to her chin and ears. “These horrible things might also show in the wedding photos.”
“Land sakes.” Maybelline pressed a hand to her forehead before shaking her weary head. “That sounds like Stormy talking. The original bitch. You’re missing your grandma, I expect.”
A blast of emotion rolled through her as Dax took her hand and squeezed it. “Hard not to. She was a great lady.”
“Yeah, she sure was.” Maybelline reached down and gave Sherlock a good rub behind his ears. “We miss seeing her around here too. This your fella?”
Ariel glanced up at Dax and punched his shoulder playfully. “For tonight.”
Dax didn’t miss a beat. Grinning, he said, “Maybe even tomorrow if I’m real good.”
Maybelline’s laughter was like gunfire. “I’ve been married for thirty-two years and I still tell my hubby there’s no guarantee he’s going to get lucky. The key to a happy marriage is keeping them on their toes. Men want to work for it. Hi, I’m Maybelline.”
