Page 62 of One Touch

Soft music played from hidden speakers as the gentle breeze from the lake lifted the ends of my hair. In the center of the patio was a table with two chairs, set for an evening meal. Off to the side were covered dishes and a bottle of unopened wine.

“Beckett ...” My voice trailed off as I took in the incredibly romantic scene in front of me. “This is ...”

“Too much, I know,” he cut in. “But I figure it beats Chinese takeout again. And I wanted to do something different for you. For us.”

Us.Why does that word feel so heavy?

I swallowed down my nerves and smiled up at him as I moved into the space. The table was simply set with plates, silverware, and glasses. A small arrangement of flowers, ones he must have clipped from the larger bouquet in the foyer, were placed in a squatty white vase in the center.

Beckett reached into his pocket and produced a lighter, illuminating the candles on the table.

I breathed out. “You are full of surprises.”

He leaned down. “It’s just dinner, Kate.”

Tingles raced through me as he pulled out a chair and guided me to sit.Then why does this feel like so much more?

I watched as Beckett, completely in his element, effortlessly arranged our dinners. He took the seat across from me, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Beckett had cooked us a beautiful meal, and the Chicago skyline provided the perfect backdrop to our dinner. Two large propane heaters tucked into the corners of the patio warded off the chill, and the autumn sun splashed gold and raspberry shades across the sky.

Beckett also surprised me with his culinary talents. “I have to admit, I didn’t think you had it in you,” I teased, taking a bite of the perfectly cooked steak.

He raised an eyebrow at me. “You think just because I can swing a hammer, I can’t cook?”

I laughed. “I didn’t say that, but I’ll be honest. I pegged you for the bachelor-food kind of guy.”

“Bachelor food?” He leaned forward. His intense eyes held me like an embrace, dragging me closer and closer.

I shrugged and lowered my lashes. “Yeah, you know ... Spam mac and cheese or tuna from a can.”

Beckett’s face twisted. “That’s disgusting.”

His inner rich boy was showing, and his obvious disgust tickled me into giggles. “Keep in mind, my brothers are my primary points of reference. But I will say, the Spam mac and cheese is surprisingly delightful. Lee makes all kinds of weird shit at the fire station. I consider it one of his hidden talents.”

Subtle amusement danced in his eyes. I loved that Beckett understood the nuances of the Sullivan family so easily. No long explanations, just ... understanding.

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I have many hidden talents.”

My stomach tightened as my mind raced to dark and dirty thoughts about Beckett’s many,manytalents. “Is that so?”

He leaned forward, darkness seeping into his stormy gray eyes as the candlelight flickered between us. “Would you like to see one?”

From under the table, his hand caressed my knee. With our eyes locked, I could only muster a jerky nod.

A sly grin spread across his face as he leaned back in his chair. He cleared his throat and slowly sucked in a breath. “Z-Y-X-W-V-U-T-S-R-Q-P-O-N-M-L-K-J-I-H-G-F-E-D-C-B-A.”

I blinked at him, a bubble of laughter fighting to be free. “Did you ...? Did you just recite the entire alphabet backward?”

He smiled before sipping his wine. “In one breath.”

A laugh burst out of me. “That is the most useless talent on the planet!”

Beckett scoffed and flicked a dismissive wave. “You can’t do it.”

“That may be true.” I was fighting a fit of laughter as I dabbed at my eyes. “This is unbelievable! Beckett Miller ... you’re anerd.”

His deep rumble of laughter joined mine. I had learned his laugh was a rare thing, and its warm, rich timbre washed over me. Pulling a genuine laugh from him was precious.

Special.

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