“What a great idea. I’m pretty sure Riley here will help you with the permits, considering he’s on the board. Now, let me take you to your table. Follow me.”
She turned on her heel, grabbed two menus, and headed toward the back of the restaurant. Riley greeted locals as they passed and there were more than a couple of interested glances Sassie’s way. “Here you are. Take a look at what’s on offer tonight, and I’ll bring you some cold water while you decide what you want to drink. Back in a jiffy.”
Thanks for nothing, Liza. If that little snippet blew his chances tonight, he’d be pissed. Of course, he should’ve told Sassie he was the guy she had to impress, but coming out and saying it before they got to bed almost smacked of sleeping with the boss. He wanted to bed her because she wanted him, not what he could provide.
Way to go, Riley.
* * *
“She seems very nice and friendly.” Sassie sat as Riley moved the chair in for her before sitting opposite. She took a long look at him, waiting for him to speak.
“Liza’s a hard worker. She and Roger are such nice people, always willing to help out someone in need. Just a shame we can’t do the same for them.” Riley looked over at his cousin’s wife and frowned.
Sassie wanted to raise her hand and wipe away the lines that appeared on his forehead. “Why?”
“Liza suffered a couple of miscarriages recently. They’d make great parents, but now it’s looking as though that will never happen.” Liza appeared at their table with the cold water and glasses, and he stopped talking.
“So, what can I get you two to drink?” She poured water for them, placed the bottle in the middle of the table, and pulled out her pen and notebook.
“I could go for a beer, please.” Riley raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to order.
“Me too, thanks.” Sassie grabbed her glass and downed half the chilled water, her throat parched.
“I’ll leave you alone to look at the menu. Give me a shout when you’re ready to order.”
Sassie held her menu against her chest. “So, you didn’t tell me you were on the council when you told me my house was only good for demolition. Does that mean I have to make you happy to get my permit?” An uncomfortable couple of seconds passed before he spoke.
“Only in as far as you meet the local requirements. I don’t trade sexual favors for licenses, and that’s the reason I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to get the wrong idea.” He leaned forward, his chin resting on his hands. “When you go to bed with me, Sassie, it will because you want me, not because of what I can do for you.”
“Fine, so long as we understand each other. I’m used to getting what I want for all the right reasons.” She lowered her menu. Thank God they had that topic out of the way. She wanted him all right, and she wasn’t really willing to wait until she was ready to apply for her permit. Her itch would turn into a bad case of hives by then.
“I can give you advice for free though, so when it comes time to file your application, you’ll have everything in order and get through the process quicker. Something I can and do for anyone who asks.” He picked up his beer and took a sip, leaning back in his chair. “Let me know when you want to discuss the requirements and we can go through the place.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the offer. Now, what’s good to eat here?” She glanced at the menu in her hand and wished dinner was already over. Ever since he’d walked into her kitchen, her senses had been on overload. The smell of his aftershave, the intenseness of his gaze made her acutely aware of the maleness he exuded. Her palms were sweating and her skirt was tight on her thighs.
“Everything’s great here. Roger’s a brilliant cook. I’m a steak man myself, being raised on a ranch, but I can guarantee everything on the menu is first class.”
“Hmmm, I think I’m kind of leaning toward the pork belly.” She lifted a finger and tapped at her teeth as she read the menu description, her taste buds waking up. “Yes. It’s what I’ll be having for sure.”
He held up his hand, waiting for Liza to look their way. “Let’s order then.”
Once Liza had taken their order and left them alone, he reached over the table for her hand. “Tell me, why Cooper’s Crossing? Why not somewhere else or even stay in LA?”
She gave him a smile. “I suppose I may as well tell you the honest truth, R.P. Cooper, because you’ll no doubt find out anyway. I got duped by a man, me being Irish and all. Fancy that, eh?” She laughed, and diners paused in their meals to look in her direction.
Being loud had never bothered her before. Maybe she needed to lower her voice. “I needed a change and just so happened to be walking past a Realtor office and spied the house in the window. I’ll not be lying to you, it was love at first sight.” She paused, watching his reaction, knowing he suspected she was crazy for taking on the refurbishment of the old house. He couldn’t contain the smirk that played over his lips. “Where you see a demolition job, I see hope and possibilities, a new life. It was perfect for me, you understand. Me mam died when I was young, and I had to bring up my brothers while Da worked, so it’s not as though I haven’t had any experience in the kitchen or running a home.”
She took a sip of her beer, caught a drop of condensation with her finger, and brought it to her tongue. When she looked up,
