Page 64 of Maxwell

“Explain.”

“I have a wealthy father who exposed me to the finer things in life, and a mother who did her best to keep me grounded. She grew up on a farm and to this day has a huge garden and grows her own vegetables. She made sure I learned the basics, like how to make my bed and my own simple breakfast. The first lunch I ever cooked for myself was a hamburger with bacon and cheese,” he said proudly.

“Look at you.”

He chuckled. “Not a big deal to you, but to someone with a chef, et cetera, it was. And my omelets are legendary. If you’re nice to me, I’ll make one for you.”

“I doubt I’ll have room after this meal.”

“You’ll be hungry in the morning,” he said casually.

She lifted her gaze from the menu. He was watching, waiting for her reaction. “You’re being a little presumptuous, aren’t you?”

Instead of answering, he directed his attention to the menu. “We should start with the stuffed mushrooms. They’re excellent and not too filling.”

After the server took their orders, they sat in silence, with Maxwell staring across the table at her.

“You’re staring,” she said.

“Can’t help it. I like your hair, and that dress...” He took a deep breath.

“What?” Jasmine said with a laugh.

“I need to be good. I don’t want you to run out of here screaming.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Okay, then. I think it’s an incredible dress. Tempting. Sexy.”

“It’s not tight.”

“Doesn’t have to be tight to be tempting and sexy.”

“I see.”

He folded his arms on the table and leaned closer.

“So what happened to you and your boy Nicholas?”

“You really want to talk about Nicholas now?”

“For thirty seconds and that’s it. I’m nosy, that’s all.”

She moved her silverware around on the table. “I broke things off with him.”

“Why?”

“I realized we weren’t compatible. He wasn’t the person I thought he was.” She shrugged.

“Darn.”

“You’re so fake.”

He laughed and slowly sobered. “Seriously, though, are you okay?”

His concern surprised and impressed her.

“I’m all right.”