“Derek! You didn’t have to do that again. But I’m glad you did.”
He led her inside though she knew the way, and walked to the back room. Their booth was there and they sat side by side, his thigh close to hers. Just being near him, inhaling his cologne, taking in his handsome profile, she knew what she wanted.
She desired Derek and a future with him.
The waiter came to take their order. “Same as first time?” he asked.
“Sounds perfect to me.” She was definitely in the mood for their steak au poivre, a baked potato loaded with sour cream, and creamed spinach.
Derek grinned her. “Me too.”
Without looking at the wine menu, he ordered a bottle of Miner Cabernet. The red wine had been delicious with their meal.
“I’m assuming that’s okay? If you still like wine, that is?” he asked with a wink before the waiter took his leave.
Her lips lifted in a knowing grin. She remembered her exact words here too. “I still prefer wine to beer. Though once in a while, sharing a bottle can be fun.”
Derek laughed, obviously pleased.
The waiter tilted his head and excused himself, pulling the door closed behind him, but he returned quickly and poured their wine, pausing for the ritual tasting.
Finally, though, they were alone.
“Well,” she said into the silence.
“Well.” He raised his glass. “To … us.”
Before she tapped her glass to his, she wanted him to know everything. She lowered the glass. “There are things I think you ought to know first.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Let me make this easy on you. Your brother was the one who stole the necklace, not my mother.”
“How do you know that?”
He leaned in close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I had a visitor. Someone else who wanted to make things right.”
Her mouth went dry. “Who?”
“Your father.”
She swallowed wrong and began to cough. She picked up the water and took a few sips, waiting until she could speak again.
“Are you okay?” Derek asked.
She managed a nod. “I don’t understand.”
“Apparently, your mother had a long talk with him following your discussion with her.”
“What did he say?”
“Believe it or not, he told me Spencer stole the necklace.”
“Did he apologize?” she asked hopefully.
Derek let out a laugh. “No, I wouldn’t say that. Not specifically. He did, however, excuse his behavior by saying he really had thought my mother took the jewelry. And then he said he wanted to make things right. With you and with my family.
Cassie’s insides were trembling at the thought of Derek meeting with her father. “How?” she whispered.
“To make up for being a bad father to you, and to make things right by me, he accepted the offer I made on the company all those months ago.”