Page 23 of Mason Wilder
Lucas repeated the sentence, this time in Spanish.
“Since when do you speak Spanish?” Sindy asked, her face filled with animation.
“I’m bilingual. Like Tessa.”
She blinked a few times. “You’re shitting me?”
Mason let out a hearty laugh at Sindy’s choice of words, and he finally made eye contact with Tessa. It was a carefree and unencumbered gaze shared between two friends that spread warmth through Tessa’s chest, and the appearance of Mason’s dimples made her smile spread up to her eyes.
“I need one of those fritters,” Mason said, still looking at Tessa. Then he made grabby hands at Lucas to pass the plate. “I love these things!” He stuffed one into his mouth and chomped on it while he rolled his eyes to indicate how delicious they were.
A feeling of intense satisfaction and reward filled Tessa. She loved that Mason was enjoying the little appetizer. She knew that those small bites, filled with seasoned pumpkin and goat cheese mousse, were a favorite of his. She hadn’t made them in a long time so decided to put them on the menu tonight, for his benefit.
“Do you speak Spanish, too?” Sindy asked Mason.
“Um. A little.”
“Say something.”
“Gracias.” Mason flashed a sheepish smile at his rudimentary Spanish, evoking a small rumble of laughter from everyone.
The timer went off, indicating the steaks were done, and Tessa pulled them from the oven. She inhaled the savory coating. They were perfect.
“I’m helping you,” Sindy said, now standing next to the oven.
Tessa conceded and let Sindy put the sofrito rice and black beans on the table. But she was bringing the potato dish. After all, Mason was a steak-and-potatoes kinda guy. “Papas asadas!” she announced, carrying the platter into the dining room.
Sindy peered into the plate as Tessa set it on the table. “They look like potatoes to me.”
“Papas asadas?” Mason’s smile almost blinded Tessa. “You gotta try these, Sindy.” Mason placed a scoop in her dish, then two big spoonfuls in his own plate. He speared three slices of potatoes on his fork and quickly ate them. “Mmm. So good.”
Tessa beamed at Mason, her chest filling with pride. “Thank you.” She loved the way he enjoyed her food, and she was reminded of the adage about the way to a man’s heart. She felt the weight of Sindy’s stare, and shifted her eyes to her best friend.
Sindy glanced at Mason, then back at Tessa, a questioning crease in her brow.
Embarrassed that Sindy caught her gawking at Mason, Tessa retreated to the kitchen and plated the steaks. She turned and Sindy was standing in front of her again.”
“You’re acting strange.” Sindy took the two plates from Tessa’s hands and returned to the table. Tessa followed with the other two steaks and set them on the table. As she took off her apron she heard Lucas’ voice.
“Dude, why are you staring at my sister?”
Tessa stopped folding her apron and slowly turned toward Mason. He was flustered and trying to avert his gaze, but his eyes kept darting back to her, and he couldn’t hide his grin if his life depended on it.
“She looks really nice,” Mason answered Lucas. “Those are some hot shoes you’re wearing, Tess.”
Tessa’s heart ran rampant. He noticed.
Sindy leaned over the side of her chair to get a better look. “Wow. They’re really sexy.”
“Thanks. I went shopping.” Tessa slid into her seat when she saw Lucas eyeing her suspiciously, and she hoped she wasn’t going overboard. “Eat before your food gets cold,” she said, trying to distract attention. “The steak is covered in a glaze of brown butter with rosemary and garlic.”
Mason swept his fork through the dressing and tasted it, raising his brows with approval. He sliced into the steak, which was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife, swished a piece in the liquid and ate it. His eyes brightened as he chewed and remained locked on hers. “You outdid yourself tonight, Tess,” he said, slicing another piece of the steak.
“I love to cook. And I love that you’re enjoying it.” She sat with her chin on her fist and gazed at him. She imagined it was only the two of them sharing a meal complete with candles on the table, and she sighed.
“You all right?” Sindy asked. “Why aren’t you eating?”
Tessa picked up her fork and tried to act as if she wasn’t obsessing over a man that she secretly loved. “I just like watching everyone enjoy the meal.”
