Emily brightened. “That’s a thought. A couple of days in Aspen could be pretty romantic, almost like a honeymoon. I like that.” She gave Samantha a hug. “Sometimes you’re not half bad.”
Samantha just arched a brow. “What a glowing review! I think I’ll add that to my resume.”
Emily laughed. “Have Gabi spin it for you,” she suggested. “That’s what she does. Now I’m bailing on you to go home to get pretty. It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to get buffed up and polished for a date.”
“And what do I tell Grandmother if she wants to know where you’ve gone off to right before the lunch crowd gets here?”
“Tell her I have an official date with Boone. She’ll be so thrilled, she’ll probably send over a hairdresser and a manicurist.”
“She probably will,” Samantha said, chuckling. “You may have found the magic formula for getting out of working around here. Gabi and I both need boyfriends.”
“Gabi claims to have one.”
“And we both know she’s deluding herself,” Samantha said. “I just hope she’s not devastated when she figures it out.”
Emily sighed. “Yeah, me, too.”
* * *
Boone couldn’t recall ever seeing Emily as perfectly put together and sexy as she looked when he arrived to pick her up.
He swallowed hard and worked to keep his jaw from dropping.
“You clean up nice,” he said approvingly. He’d gotten used to seeing her in shorts and a tank top that showed off quite a lot of her assets, but that was nothing compared to the designer sundress that made her look utterly feminine and sophisticated.
She wore it with a pair of strappy, high-heeled sandals that he suspected cost more than his weekly take-home pay. He was pretty sure he’d seen something similar in a Sex and the City movie that one of his less-than-stellar dates had dragged him to.
Emily smiled at his reaction, amusement sparkling in her eyes, and suddenly the woman he’d known forever was back.
“I knew those shorts were a mistake,” she said. “If I’d worn this a lot sooner, you and I would have been in bed long before now.”
“I’d like to think my resistance is stronger than that,” he responded, but he wasn’t so sure of it. Right now the idea of wasting time on dinner didn’t hold a lot of appeal.
As if she’d read his thoughts, she tucked an arm through his. “Come on. I’m dying to see your restaurant. Don’t even think about skipping that.”
He glanced sideways at her. “Don’t try to tell me that blowing off dinner didn’t cross your mind.”
“Well, of course it did, but you’re supposed to be made of tougher stuff.”
Boone had a hard time keeping his eyes on the road as he drove to the restaurant, but he did try. His frequent glances in her direction seemed to amuse her.
“There’s something different about you tonight,” he said.
“It’s the dress and shoes,” she said. “You’re used to seeing me looking as if I’ve just come off the beach.”
“That’s the obvious answer, but it’s more than that. I guess in those other clothes you seem like the girl I used to know. Now, you’re this sexy, sophisticated woman. I’m not sure I know this Emily at all.”
She looked dismayed by his words. “I’m just me, Boone. What I’m wearing doesn’t change anything.”
“Doesn’t it? Those shoes probably cost a fortune.”
“So what if they did? I was doing just fine in cheap flip-flops and sneakers.” She studied him with a narrowed gaze. “Please tell me you’re not going to get all bent out of shape over which of us makes more money. You have three successful restaurants. You’re obviously doing okay. I’m not interested in your bank balance, Boone. Why should you care about mine?”
“I don’t,” he said with frustration. “At least I shouldn’t. It just hit me that we’re not exactly in the same league.”
“Oh, please. I buy expensive clothes because my image matters with potential clients, not because I love throwing away a lot of money on a blouse. You dress to meet customer expectations, too.” She frowned at him. “Do you realize this could be the most ridiculous conversation we’ve ever had?”
It was, Boone thought to himself. He forced a smile. “Only one way I can think of to put it behind us.”
“Oh?”
“Get rid of the clothes,” he said with a wink.
Emily chuckled. “Feed me first, then we’ll talk.”
“So, it’s open for negotiation?”
She met his gaze, her expression sobering. “It’s definitely open for negotiation.”
That was the best news Boone had had since he’d picked her up.
* * *
Emily had put off her big announcement as long as she possibly could. They’d toured the restaurant, which was even nicer than she’d imagined. There was no beach kitsch, just a warm, inviting atmosphere that surely made diners comfortable and took full advantage of the water views from almost every window.
The smells emanating from the kitchen had been tantalizing, so she’d been more than ready to let Boone order all the specialties for her to try. The Cajun influence was evident, but not overwhelming. The fish and jambalaya had been seasoned to perfection.
She’d pushed aside an incredible crème brûlée after just a few bites. “No more,” she’d murmured with a groan. “I’m stuffed.”
“Want to take a walk before coffee?” Boone suggested.
She met his gaze. Thisisit, she thought. “Why don’t we have that coffee at your place?”
“Why don’t we?” he agreed softly.
If it had been up to her, they’d have fled from the restaurant, sped across the bridge back to Boone’s and raced across the lawn to the house, but there was no way the owner could make a quick escape. Regular customers wanted to speak to Boone, the chef had a few questions, even Boone’s second in command, Pete Sanchez, seemed to have a few burning issues that had to be resolved. By then even Boone had lost
