Shaking her head, she passed through her living room to look through the peephole. She stilled. Against her better judgment, she patted her hair into place before opening the old wooden door. “Rory, what are you doing here?”
“That’s a nice welcome.” He held up two large bags of food. “I went to Nordeliano’s. Your favorite was actually the special tonight. Must be fate.”
“Oh, man.” She could never turn down spaghetti Bolognese. It was her absolute favorite, and of course, he knew that. Part of her still wanted to just kick him in the knee, but the part of her that had shoveled two driveways was really hungry. “All right, you can come in,” she said once the delicious aroma filtered toward her.
“I figured.” He kicked off his boots right inside the door near the alcove and then strode across her cozy wooden floor to drop the bags on her reclaimed timber, country-style, and very charming table. She’d found it at an estate sale in Spokane about five years ago and loved it. The chairs were a matching wood with light yellow cushions she’d sewn herself.
“It was nice of you to grab dinner,” she told him. “But I haven’t changed my mind.”
“I’m well aware. You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.” He walked unerringly to the cupboards and took out two plates.
She moved to a drawer to remove utensils and napkins. “Considering I know half your family, I don’t believe that’s true.”
“I brought wine,” Rory said, pulling out a very nice 2019 Leonetti Reserve.
Her mouth watered. Without responding, she fetched the two wine glasses Millie had hand painted with little shovels and given to Serenity for Christmas a couple of years ago.
Rory sat, his hair wild and dark and curling beneath his ears. Like usual, he wore jeans and a dark T-shirt stretched tightly across his muscular chest. His eyes were piercing and blue, and he waited until she sat down before opening the wine.
“Sorry I didn’t get here in time to shovel your walk,” he apologized. “I take it you also did Millie’s?”
Serenity dished up two plates. “I did. I was worried Brandon would do it before I could, so I got there before he did.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s champing at the bit to get out of the house. It’s too bad school is out for a while. I think he’s going a little stir-crazy.” She chewed her lip. “You know what? I may ask him if he wants to work at the hardware store. Maybe he can sit behind the counter and help Verna check people out. Perhaps she’s ready to do inventory since it’s the end of the year.”
“That’s nice of you,” Rory said. “I can see if my cousin Anna needs help at her law firm. Maybe he could answer phones.”
The fragrance of the wine wafted toward Serenity. “We just have to find something for him to do that doesn’t involve too much movement.”
“It’s sweet of you to worry about him.” Rory’s tone was low and deep, sliding across her skin.
She shivered. It was difficult to be so close to him and not jump on his lap. Man, she missed kissing him. He always took over in a very good way, and he liked to take his time. The guy could kiss.
“Have you decided about the Elks Lodge ball?” he asked.
She shrugged. “It’s not a good idea, Rory.”
“Sure, it is.”
She wanted to go to the Elks event. She really did. It would be a nice way to ring in the new year, and the whole town usually turned out. “Maybe I’ll just meet you there.”
“No, I think we should go together.”
She flashed back to last year when they’d attended, and she’d already been impossibly in love with him. They’d danced well past midnight, and that New Year’s Eve kiss still filled her dreams. “I don’t think so.”
“Come on, Serenity.” He took a bite of the food and then poured the rich wine into the glasses, letting it breathe for the perfect length of time.
“How much danger are you in?” she asked suddenly.
He placed the bottle back on the table with natural grace. “I’m not in any danger, and I’m making a move soon.”
“A move?” She took a sip of the Leonetti. It was spectacular, like usual. The red wine had silky and well-integrated tannins with a lingering finish. It was truly one of the best wines she’d ever tasted. She shook her head. “Rory, I don’t want you to quit your job because of me.”
“I’m not quitting my job because of you. I’m ready. Well, I’m almost ready.”
She sampled the spaghetti and almost moaned at the delicious taste. “What do you mean?”
“I have one more matter to take care of, and then I’m out.” His eyes went carefully blank.
She narrowed hers. “Please expound on that matter.”
“It’s something administrative,” he said smoothly.
“You’re lying to me.” She reared back. “I can tell. I can finally tell when you’re lying.”
He chuckled. “No, it is administrative.”
“Is it dangerous?” she asked.
He poured them both more wine. “Not really.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” she wondered aloud, taking a bite of her food. She would never believe him again. That was the problem.
“I didn’t lie to you,” he reminded her.
So not true. “You did lie to me. You definitely lied to me,” she argued. A knock sounded on the door, and she stiffened. “What is this, Grand Central Station today?”
He chuckled. “Two people does not make Grand Central Station.”
“It is way out here,” she muttered.
“I’ll get it.” He smoothly stood and walked toward the door, opening it. “Hello.”
“Hey there,” Millie said cheerfully as she swept past him, snow covering her curly hair. “I brought dresses for you for the New Year’s Eve ball. I knew you wouldn’t have anything.”
Serenity stood and gulped. “Oh, my.” Her eyes widened at a stunning pink dress awash in sequins, sparkles, and crystals. “Oh, Millie.” She reached down and touched the shiny material.
Rory cocked his head to the side. “Serenity?”
“This is lovely,” she breathed, taking the garment and holding it up to her body. The dress was too big, but she pretended for a moment anyway. She gently moved the material to see the fabric glisten and shimmer as the light danced upon it. The silhouette was formfitting with tiny straps that narrowed to a waist also adorned with crystals. The skirt would fall just above her knees.
Millie held out a lightweight yellow organza dress and a simple blue sheath with thicker straps. “I brought these for you, as well.”
“Oh, yes.” Serenity reached for the blue one. “This one is much more sensible.”
Millie cackled. “Who wants to be sensible? Come on, Serenity.”
Rory just studied her, not speaking.
Heat crawled up her neck to flush her face.
“I didn’t know you liked sparkles,” Rory murmured.
Millie slapped him on the arm. “Every woman likes sparkles.”
“Not Serenity.” His dark brows drew down.