Upstairs Downstairs Baby (Sweet Tea And Scandal 1)

“You like turquoise, right?”

For a span of a few heartbeats, Claire seemed to stop breathing. Had it been too much that he’d not only remembered her favorite color, but also that he’d found her something quirky to match her style?

“I’ve never seen anything like these,” she murmured.

“I got them at that boutique Sawyer’s friend owns. A local artist makes them. Each pair is one of a kind. I thought you’d appreciate that.”

“I do.” A smile accompanied her words, but it lacked something, making Linc frown.

“You’re sure you like them? I have the receipt if you want to return them and choose something else.” Hopefully she wouldn’t. He wanted her to wear something he’d picked out for her.

“I’d never do that,” she rushed to assure him. “They’re beautiful and I’ll treasure them.” As if to indicate the conversation was at an end, she set the top back on the box and put it aside. “Thank you.”

Linc wondered if the earrings were destined for a drawer, never to see the light of day again. His mood dipped. This wasn’t at all the outcome he’d been hoping for. He wanted her to love the earrings and think of him every time she wore them. Each time they tickled her neck, he’d imagine the contact was his lips grazing across her soft, fragrant skin. If he couldn’t touch her, he wanted something from him to caress her.

“You’re not going to wear them?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking the question.

She shook her head. “They’re too fancy for every day.”

“Then you’ll wear them tonight when I take you and Honey out for dinner.”

She looked appalled. “Dinner? Tonight?”

“Part two of your anniversary celebration.”

“But I have so much to do to get ready for tomorrow night’s dinner party.” She gestured to the flowers. “Why don’t I make something and we can eat here.”

“I don’t want you cooking or cleaning up.” He assumed she’d appreciate eating a meal she hadn’t prepared. “Let me give you a break from all that. A thank-you for all you’ve done for me.”

Her mouth opened and closed as if she wanted to continue arguing. At last, she nodded. “May I pick the place?”

“Of course. Where would you like to go?”

“There’s a seafood restaurant by Wappoo Creek I’ve been dying to try.”

“If it’s seafood you want, the yacht club has a fantastic restaurant.”

When her eyes widened in dismay, Linc wondered what was wrong.

“I’d really rather not go there.” Her chin lifted and her body language screamed determination. “And you said I could choose wherever I wanted.” When he nodded, she relaxed. “Besides, I’d rather go somewhere more kid-friendly, since Honey is coming along.”

“There are always families eating at the yacht club. You don’t need to worry about Honey being out of place.”

She shook her head. “How was lunch with your mother?”

Her change of subject reminded him of his mother’s request. He grimaced.

“She wants to throw a party and asked if you could cater it.”

“Of course.” Even as she spoke, her gaze grew unfocused. The wheels were already turning as she sorted through what treats she might prepare. “When is the party?”

“Two weeks.”

Another woman might have protested, but Claire merely nodded. “What’s the occasion?”

“Nothing special.” No need to explain that his mother intended to throw him to the wolves. “She just wants to invite some friends over.”

“Did she mention how many people?”