In the car, Seth glanced over at her contented expression. “Is that all it takes to make you happy? A great meal?”
She turned to him. “It’s not the only thing, but it certainly is an excellent start. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“It was my pleasure. It’s one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.” He winked at her. “The company was pretty good, too.”
And better than either of those things, in some ways, was the reassurance that Abby didn’t require candlelight, champagne and filets mignons to be happy. Perhaps they were more alike than Seth had realized. Another crack appeared in his defenses.
* * *
Back on Seaview Key, Abby invited Seth to stay for iced tea. When they were settled on the porch, a deep sense of contentment stole over her. There was only one thing nagging at her about an otherwise perfect day.
“Seth?”
“Yes?” he murmured, his eyes half-closed as he rocked slowly beside her.
“Why did you seem so surprised by the restaurant I chose? I know it was kind of out-of-the-way, but it was more than that, wasn’t it?”
He nodded. “I was expecting you to choose something fancy,” he admitted.
“And expensive?” she asked, beginning to see the problem.
“Okay, yes,” he admitted. “You owned an expensive restaurant. You’re obviously used to gourmet food.”
“I’m used to good food,” she corrected. “And I don’t think I’ve had anything much better than what we had today. Fancy has its place, but so does excellent regional or ethnic cooking.” She studied him for a long time, then asked, “We’ve touched on this before, but I have to ask again. Should I be worried that there seems to be some reverse snobbery going on here?”
To her regret, he sighed, all but confirming her impression.
“I’m working on it,” he admitted. “I haven’t run across many women like you.”
“Good thing or bad?” she asked.
“I’m actually beginning to see it in a much more positive light,” he admitted.
“I’m not going to apologize for having money or for the life I’ve led,” she told him. “I worked hard. I earned whatever success has come my way.”
“I wouldn’t want you to apologize for that. I just have to figure out how a guy like me fits in.”
She smiled at that. “There’s always room for a good guy in my world,” she told him. “In any world. I think you bring a lot to the table.”
“Oh?” he said, as if he was unsure of what those attributes might be.
She studied him intently. “You really don’t know, do you? I don’t think I’ve ever known a man as decent, kind and generous as you or as sexy and funny, who didn’t know his own value. I’ve known a lot of men with less to offer who have hugely overblown egos.” She allowed herself a thorough once-over, then grinned. “I have to admit you’re a lot more attractive.”
She expected the usual cocky, masculine grin in response, but instead he simply seemed to relax. He actually looked as if he’d needed the reassurance.
Amazing, she thought. All that appeal and he was unaware of it. That’s when she realized just how much trouble she was in, because in that moment, it was no longer about an attraction that wouldn’t quit. In that instant, she fell just a little bit in love.
12
Abby looked up to find Hannah standing in the doorway, trying hard to smother a laugh apparently.
“What?” Abby inquired testily.
“I’m amazed any paint is actually on the walls,” Hannah said. “Looks to me as if most of it is on you. You’d make a good partner for the Incredible Hulk now. Isn’t he the giant green guy or is that the Green Hornet? Or maybe I’m thinking of the Jolly Green Giant.”
“Ha-ha,” Abby said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve painted anything. It’s taken a while to get the hang of it.”
“Maybe you should have asked Seth for his help,” Hannah suggested slyly.
“If you’re trying to figure out what’s going on with us, just ask,” Abby grumbled. “He was more than willing to help, but I wanted to do this on my own.”
“Another part of the reinvention of Abby Miller?” Hannah asked.
“Something like that.” She gave Hannah a stern look. “If you promise to stop making fun of me, I’ll invite you in for iced tea. I even have fresh blueberry scones. I’ve been feeling domestic.”
Hannah immediately held up her hands in a gesture of surrender and plastered a serious expression on her face. “Not even a chuckle,” she promised.
“Go on in the kitchen,” Abby suggested. “Let me at least get some of the paint off my hands and face and I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll pour the tea,” Hannah said.
By the time Abby joined her, Hannah had also found the scones and warmed them in the oven. Her mouth was full, her eyes twinkling.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I couldn’t wait.”
Abby laughed. “So, what brings you by this morning. Isn’t this your usual writing time?”
“I sent off the latest manuscript yesterday, so I’m suffering from postpartum letdown today. I decided to see what you were up to and to issue an invitation.”
Abby regarded her with surprise. “I haven’t even reciprocated for the last dinner,” she said.
“Not a problem,” Hannah said. “This is for Thanksgiving. As hard as it is for me to believe since it’s still hot as Hades around here, Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. I’m trying to get all the details under control before I head to New York later this week.”
Abby thought she detected fear behind the casually spoken words. “Your tests?”
Hannah nodded.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Just two nights, but with the weekend in there, it will be a few days after that before I know all the results.”
“How are you doing with that? The waiting, I mean. I already know you’re worried about the tests.”
Hannah’s expression turned wry. “You’d think I’d be used to it, but I’m not.”
“Luke’s going along?”
Hannah nodded. “At first I told him he didn’t have to, but it was pointed
