Page 23 of Milkshakes and Mistletoe

“Oh, okay. Thanks.”

“I kept a table for you in my section.” He gestured for her to follow him.

When he stopped, he held a chair out for her, and she sat. “Thanks.”

His smile turned her insides to mush. She finally believed that he was the man she’d wanted him to be that night at LAX. “I’ve wanted to apologize to you this whole time. But this is the first chance I’ve had to get you alone.”

She smiled. “You don’t need to apologize. It was my fault. I was pushing for something that you didn’t want.”

He sat down opposite her. “That’s the trouble, Hannah. I did want. But I didn’t think I should want.”

She dared to smile at him. Maybe Molly was right, and he was interested.

“I didn’t think I should ask you out because I have Ava.”

“I understand.” She did, too. Disappointed as she was, she even admired him for it.

He chuckled. “Please don’t agree with me too quickly. I didn’t think I should ask you out – I didn’t think I should be dating anyone because of Ava. But she thinks I should.”

“Be dating?” Hannah wasn’t sure she was following.

“Not in general. Just you.”

She couldn’t hide her smile at that. “Really?”

He nodded happily. “You heard her at the shelter on Sunday. She embarrassed us both when she said I should ask you out. But afterwards I was curious what she was thinking – especially after I saw the way the two of you hugged on each other. So, I asked her if she’d really like it if I asked you out and she said that she’dloveit.”

“Aww. She’s lovely.”

“She is. She’s a great kid.” He raised his eyebrows. “So, what do you say? Do you want to give me a chance – for Ava’s sake?”

She had to laugh. “I think we could possibly go out sometime – for Ava’s sake.”

When she met his gaze, the twinkle was back in his eyes. “Great. I have no idea yet when I’ll be able to work it, but as soon as I can, I’ll call you. Okay?”

She nodded happily. “I look forward to it.”

As if she’d been waiting for her cue, Molly appeared at the table and Grady got to his feet.

“Did you two straighten things out?” she asked.

Hannah met Grady’s gaze, and he smiled and nodded. “We did.”

“Good, because I want to ask you if Ava can come and stay over at our place on Saturday night.”

Grady’s smile faded, and Hannah had the feeling that Molly was setting them up. She hated that idea and scowled at Molly. “If you’re still trying to play matchmaker, please don’t. If we go out, Ava can come, too.”

Grady and Molly both stared at her in surprise. Then Grady gave her a warm smile and Molly burst out laughing. “Okay. That’s me told. But honestly, I was planning to ask if she could come on Saturday anyway. I told her earlier in the week that I’d ask.” She looked at Grady. “You know how much she loves Luca, and it does her good to spend some time with Marcos and me.”

“Okay. Thanks, Molly.” He smiled at them. “What can I get you both to drink?”

Hannah watched him walk away to get their drinks.

“He’s a great guy, you know,” said Molly.

She nodded. “He certainly seems it. Are you going to tell me what you’re scheming?”

Molly laughed. “You got me. I thought that if he’s going to be one of your calendar guys, then it might be nice if he was free for the evening afterwards.”

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