Page 214 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

She touches my face.

"I wasn't coming to ask you to give up New York," I say. "I'd already decided I'd travel. We'd figure it out."

Her eyes fill again.

"We were both trying to figure out how not to ask the other person for too much."

"Looks like it."

"And wasting time."

"I'm done with that."

"Good." She kisses me. "So am I."

Eventually, Maddy glances toward the table.

"Our dinner is getting cold."

I look at the plates.

"Again."

She laughs and takes my hand. We go back to the table. We make it through another few bites before she puts down her fork.

"There's something else I've been thinking about."

I stop.

"There's more?"

"Yes."

"Maddy."

She smiles. I put a hand over my chest.

"I don't think my heart can take much more tonight."

"No, really. This is good. Hear me out."

I look at her. She's practically glowing with whatever she's been holding back. I'm completely done for. I rest my fingers against my mouth.

"Okay."

She brightens.

"What if we opened a restaurant?"

I lower my hand.

"A restaurant."

"Here."

"In Oakridge?"

"Yes."