Page 48 of The Payback Adventure
She wouldn’t think he was so sweet if she had any clue how attractive he found her.
A car door slammed. Time to pull himself together. Not only for his sake but for the kids’ sake, too.
“You and Theresa have fun tonight,” he said.
Elisabeth picked up her sweater from the back of the couch. “Oh, Theresa couldn’t make it.”
“Then who—”
A knock sounded. Henry opened the front door and wanted to slam it shut.
Gabe Logan stood wearing a wide grin and holding a colorful bouquet. “How’s it going, Henry?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The scents of basil and garlic lingered in the restaurant’s air, where Elisabeth sat across from Gabe at the cozy table for two. Dinner was a set three course menu.
She glanced around at the decor, which she would describe as farmhouse chic with flickering votives and rose buds in eclectic glass jars. Cynthia Sterling would fit right in here. So would Henry. Well, the way he’d been dressed the first time she met him.
Elisabeth, however, felt like an underdressed fraud. This place was too nice, too romantic, and too expensive for a night out with her best friend’s big brother, who was just being nice by filling in for Theresa.
Gabe leaned back in his chair. “What do you think?”
She took a sip of water, hoping to soothe her dry throat. “I thought we’d eat in Berry Patch.”
“Did you really think I’m the kind of guy who would take you out to the place you work?”
Yes, but she wouldn’t admit that, especially since he’d taken so much care tonight. Gabe wore a button-down shirt with a pair of brown pants, not his typical T-shirt and jeans no matter the weather. His hair had been recently trimmed, and his usual five o’clock shadow was nowhere in sight, so he’d shaved before picking her up.
He’d obviously put in some effort for her, which Elisabeth appreciated. “Well, you got pushed into taking me out tonight after your sister had to cancel.”
He shook his head. “Not pushed. I volunteered.”
That…surprised Elisabeth. She leaned forward. “Really?”
“I could be home with my dog or here with you. Easy decision.”
She wasn’t sure if that was a well-practiced line or sincere, but she would go with the latter. “Well, thanks. I don’t get out much, so this is more than I expected.”
“You should expect more, Bess. So much more. Not everyone is like that stupid college boy you brought home.”
She laughed. Henry had called Toby an idiot. Both he and Gabe were right. “I hope no one else I meet is like him.”
“Me too.” Gabe motioned to her glass of red wine and picked up his. “A toast.”
She grabbed the wineglass stem. “To?”
He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling, making him even more attractive. “You.”
The guy was handsome, but then again so was Henry. Nope. She needed to stop thinking about him when she was out with someone else. Even if Gabe wasn’t a real date. “I have to hear this.”
“Oh no. The pressure.” Gabe cleared his throat. “To Bess, the girl who grew up to be an amazing woman, friend, sister, server, berry farmer, and dinner companion.”
The words brought a rush of heat up her neck. “That’s so sweet.”
He winked. “All true.”
“Thank you.”
