Midlife Love Story

“Yes.”

I said yes because I missed him, because I wanted more time with him. I said yes because could things, really and truly, get any worse?

Chapter 22

Chase

“You look beautiful.”

My breath caught in my chest at the sight of her as she opened the door in a gorgeous, wine colored dress that deepened the brown in her eyes and hair. She was a dream come true, and I was thrilled she’d finally given in and said yes.

“Thank you Chase. You look good too.” Her gaze slid up and down my frame before they flared with heat. She blinked, and that heat was gone. “Let me just grab my purse.” She shut the door, disappeared and reappeared within a minute. “Okay. Where are we going?” Carlotta locked the door and strode beside me, giving off no vibes that this was an actual date.

“That is a surprise.” I’d spent the past twenty-four hours searching for the perfect place in Carson Creek to make our debut—sort of—as a couple. “How was your day?”

She shrugged, but maintained a serene smile as we stopped at the passenger side of my car. “Good. Busy as usual, but I made a lot of progress on several different projects. How was yours?”

“Busy and boring,” I told her with a laugh. “But the excitement of my job is in the details.” I smiled from the driver’s side and she returned the smile, though it wasn’t her usual megawatt smile, the one that made me feel like the best man on Earth. Like the man who’d earned that smile from her.

“As long as it makes you happy,” she said, her tone upbeat, but it still felt off, as if she were here but not really.

The drive to the restaurant was friendly enough, filled with small talk which got the evening off to a pretty good start, at least I thought so. I opened Carlotta’s door and helped her from the passenger seat, smiling as she shivered when my hand on her lower back sent my thumb in contact with her bare skin.

I felt her smile before I saw it when we came to a stop outside Franco’s Trattoria. It was a small Italian restaurant with daily specials and fresh pasta. “Franco’s? This isn’t exactly a lowkey venue Chase.”

I stood a little taller and my gaze met hers. “I know. I wanted you to know that I’m serious about this.”

Satisfied with my answer, her smile softened and her shoulders relaxed. “All right then, let’s do this shall we?”

I kept my hand at her lower back and guided her inside. “Mayor Carson, it’s nice to see you out tonight. Your table is right this way.” The young hostess wore a bright smile as she took in the woman beside me. “Carlotta, that is an incredible dress.”

“Thank you.” She flashed a bright beauty queen smile. “I should have had you do my hair though, that is a work of art.”

The hostess blushed and then turned to lead us to our table. Franco’s wasn’t full, and I allowed myself to relax. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. “Your server will be here soon. Our specials are right in front. Enjoy your meal.”

When we were alone, Carlotta smiled. “They’ve made some changes since I was last here.” She looked around the dimly lit dining room, examining all the changes. “I’m glad they changed out the white tablecloths, it’s so old school.”

“You’ve been here a lot?”

She nodded. “Here and there. It’s a good place for a date, and they have the best pappardelle I’ve ever had.” She leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. “Don’t tell Nina.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” I deadpanned.

Carlotta laughed and turned her focus to the menu, giving me time to just observe her. She was a woman who did everything full-on, whether it was planning an event or simply offering up a compliment. Her super power was making everyone feel better, as if they had her full attention at any given moment. Her brown eyes lit up as she browsed the menu and licked her lips. “Everything sounds so delicious, or maybe I’m just outrageously hungry,” she laughed again and shook her head. “What looks good to you?”

“You,” I said simply, and watched as heat flared in her eyes turning them to molten lava.

“Good answer, but I’m not on the menu right now.”

“But later?” I asked hopefully.

“Maybe,” she said coyly just as our server arrived, a twentysomething kid named Dave who was helping Trey with his social media business.

“Hey lovebirds, what can I get you to drink this evening?” The kid didn’t notice my wince and kept on with his spiel on wine and cocktail specials. “There’s a nice rose Moscato that goes perfectly with spicy sausage sauce, and surprisingly, it goes well with the house vodka sauce too.”

“Really? Wine and vodka?” Carlotta gave the boy her full attention. “You’ve piqued my curiosity Dave.”

He smiled back. “I’m happy to bring a sample glass if you’re not sure?”