Just then the doorbell rang. Ivan winked. “Dinner’s ready.”
Tiffany couldn’t contain her laughter. “Well, in that case, let’s eat.”
When he returned, he carried several large bags. He set them on the counter and then retrieved dinnerware, place settings and glasses.
“Would you like to eat inside, or on the patio?”
“It doesn’t look like we’re getting rain after all, so I vote for outside.”
He headed for the door. “Whatever my lady wants, she gets.”
They both made two trips carrying what was needed for their meal. Tiffany arranged the table while Ivan brought out the wine bottle he’d chilled, and glasses. Tiffany arranged the food on their plates, and Ivan lit candles and turned on the stereo system. Soft music drifted through the outdoor speakers. By the time it was done, the sunlight was waning.
They both sat down and admired their handiwork.
“I think we work well together,” she said proudly.
“The last time we were together was proof of that.”
She blushed, remembering their interrupted lovemaking session. “I thought it was, too.”
They made a toast and began eating.
“This is delicious,” she said after taking a bite of food. “Where did you get it?”
“My parents are friends with a local chef. I asked him to provide something spectacular.”
Tiffany stared down at her roasted rack of lamb with a red-wine reduction sauce, asparagus and herb-roasted baby potatoes. “I’d say he knocked it out of the park.”
While they were eating, Cole stuck his head out the patio door.
“A driver from Nigel’s just dropped off your dessert. I’m gone. Good seeing you, Tiffany. Don’t be a stranger.”
“Thanks, Cole.” She turned to Ivan. “I don’t plan to be.”
Chapter 13
“Do you always do things on such a grand scale?”
Ivan grinned. “Only when I’m…motivated.” He took her hand and spun her around so that her back was toward him. “What about you? This dress is making a heck of a statement, too.”
Tiffany turned back around. “I was…motivated.”
After dinner they cleaned up and put the leftovers away. They camped out on the couch and watched a movie. Halfway through, Ivan said, “Would you like your dessert now?”
“Definitely.”
She sat up, but he stopped her.
“I’ll get it, you relax.”
“If I relax any more, I’ll be asleep. You sit, and I’ll go. That’s an order,” she added for good measure.
He looked surprised. “Yes, ma’am.”
Tiffany returned with a tray holding two small plates and two glasses of milk. She set it on the table and handed him a plate and fork.
“I see you found everything okay.”