One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,32
“It’s a surprise.”
“Something smells good. I hope that’s for us.”
She only smiled mysteriously in response. “Okay, I want you to close your eyes.”
At that, his eyes widened. “Huh?”
Laughter bubbled in her throat. “Don’t worry. I won’t kiss you or anything like that,” she teased.
The corners of his mouth turned down. “Too bad.”
Desire simmered warm ribbons in her stomach as she looked at his lips. Had Rosalyn not been standing right behind them, Luna would have been tempted to kiss him right this minute. She winked. “Maybe later.”
He chuckled. “If I’m lucky, right?”
“That’s right.” The banter passing back and forth between them was electric. “Close your eyes.”
He did as she directed. She stepped behind him and placed both hands on his arms as she navigated him toward the double French doors that led out to the patio. “Careful,” she warned when they got to the threshold. “No peeking.”
“Don’t worry,” he responded glibly. “You’ll make an honest man out of me yet.”
She sniggered. “If it’s the last thing I do.”
Luna let go of Hudson’s arms and stepped up beside him. “You can look now.”
Hudson opened his eyes. “Wow. This is great.” He slipped an arm around Luna’s shoulders, pulling her close. “You’ve been busy.”
“I had a little help,” Luna said, giving Rosalyn a grateful smile. They’d strung a couple strands of large clear-bulb lights over the pergola to add to the ambiance. The outdoor table was adorned with a white linen tablecloth. Thanks to Rosalyn and her knowledge of etiquette, the table was set to perfection with tall ivory candles on either side of a centerpiece of freshly cut miniature orange sprigs from the nearby tree. Soft classical music was being piped over the outdoor speakers. A golden hue had settled over the evening sky, making the rippling water in the pool a turquoise blue. Sunset wasn’t for another hour, but the sky was already a velvety baby blue, brushed with hints of orange. The backdrop of the rolling vineyard added the finishing touch, making Luna feel like she was in her very own fairytale.
“Have a seat,” Rosalyn encouraged. That’s all the prompting Hudson needed to go to the table and scoot back Luna’s chair as he helped her get seated.
“Thank you,” she said.
He sat down across from her. He reached across the table, taking her hands. “I can’t believe you did all this for me,” he said with such genuine anticipation that it caused a mile long grin to stretch over her lips.
“Better wait until you taste it before getting too excited,” she joked.
He released her hands as he sat back in his seat. “Where are Todd and Beverly this evening?”
“They’re having dinner at the country club with the Tucketts.”
He nodded. “How are plans for the harvest party?”
“You know Mom. She’s got a big shindig planned with all the trappings.”
He tipped his head, a quizzical expression coming over his features. “Shindig? I’ve never heard you use that word before.”
Heat seeped into Luna’s cheeks as she laughed. “I haven’t?” she asked lightly. Oops. She needed to be more careful. Luna had always prided herself on being good with accents, but every once in a while, a bit of her Southern slipped out.
Rosalyn came out carrying Italian salads, a basket of homemade rolls, creamy butter, and frosty glasses of lemonade.
“This looks amazing. Thank you,” Hudson said to Rosalyn.
It was cute how Rosalyn blushed. “You’re welcome, but it wasn’t just me. Ava helped.”
Hudson dug into the yeasty rolls, slathering on a pat of butter. He took a large bite. “This is incredible.”
“Thank you,” Luna said. She’d made the rolls using Grandma Peach’s recipe. Even Rosalyn had been impressed. It was a quick-bread recipe that could be made in under two hours. Hudson polished off the first roll and reached for another. It was gratifying how much he was enjoying the food.
“Did you make the rolls?”
“Sure did,” she chimed as she placed her napkin in her lap and reached for a fork.
He gave her an appraising look. “I had no idea you could cook like this. I keep learning more and more things about you.”
“It keeps things interesting.” She took a bite of salad, appreciating the tanginess of the dressing. The lettuce was crisp, the tomatoes juicy and ripe. She loved the complex tartness of the kalamata olives.
“Yes, it does,” he said with gusto. “So, how are things going with the harvest?”
“Really well, from what I can tell. Dad has been super busy.”
“We’ve been busy too. Everything’s shifting into high gear.”
Luna nodded. “Hey, I meant