know your mom and dad don’t know about us. But we could keep a low profile. We don’t have to see or speak to anyone else.”
“I do have the evening off. Ivan asked me to work the breakfast and lunch shift tomorrow.” She sipped her wine. It was good wine, chilled to just the right temperature and full of flavor.
“Is that a date?” Caleb asked.
“Yes. I think it is.” She couldn’t hide her smile. “The wildwood always inspires me.”
“Ah, but you have a mate now. I’ll be your new inspiration.” He struck a pose, sticking his chin in the air and showing off his profile.
“You might be right. But I can’t decide what you would taste like if you were a food.” She licked her lips, certain he would taste just right.
“I am sweet, but also spicy. And I would leave an everlasting taste on your tongue.” He grinned. “The kind of taste you would never forget.”
“I like the sound of that.” She snapped her fingers. “Which gives me an idea.”
“I’ve helped?” He came closer, looking relieved.
“You have. And you’re right, we should go to the wildwood. Tomorrow. If Ivan can wait to try my cooking.”
“I’m sure he will, because it’ll be worth the wait.” He drank the rest of his wine and inclined his head toward the door. “Come on, let’s go grab something from town. My treat.” He put his hand in his pocket. “I also have this for you.”
“You bought me wine and a gift? You are the perfect man.” She finished her wine and put the cup in the sink.
“Perfect for you.” He cocked his head to one side and a sexy smile spread over his face. “And perfectly cheesy.”
“I like cheesy.” Elise couldn’t see what he held in his hand as she moved closer to him.
“Hold out your hand.” He clutched the gift in his fist and waited for Elise to hold out her palm before he opened his hand.
“It’s a wishing stone?” She stared at the smooth golden stone in her hand. It was still warm from where he’d held it and she closed her hand around the stone, absorbing his warmth.
“It is. I was early. Too eager to see you tonight. Since you were cooking, I didn’t want to impose. So I stopped by the beach to clear my head. And there it was, just lying on the sand as if it was waiting for me to pick it up.”
“And you weren’t tempted to make the wish yourself?” She could only imagine how he wished their relationship was different, how he wished she was the perfect woman for him. He would prefer a woman who was ready to settle down and have children with him right away instead of a woman who wanted to chase her career.
“If you make a wish and it comes true then that’s good enough for me.” He closed his hand around hers. “I just want you to be happy, Elise.”
“I am happy. Despite this.” She cast her hand toward the pile of cookbooks on the counter. “I’m just anxious to get it right.”
“Well, it couldn’t hurt to make a wish. Although, I know you’re going to impress Ivan anyway.” Caleb stepped backward. “Shall we go?”
“Yes.” She glanced toward the window. “Are you okay if we make a wish and then come back here with the food? Karros hasn’t eaten yet either.”
“No problem.” He nodded toward her brother. “I like Karros. I think we’re on the same wavelength where your happiness is concerned, we both want the best for you.”
“He likes you, too.” She grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. “I think he was worried when we first met. It didn’t help that you are the brother of the man who stole away the love of his life. But he appreciates what you’ve done for us.”
“I want him to be part of my family, too. He’s given up so much for everyone else’s happiness.” Caleb strode toward the door. “He’s a shifter at heart.”
“You should tell him that, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.” She chuckled as he looked at her over his shoulder. “I’m kidding, I’d keep that to yourself. Karros would love to be a member of your family, but I don’t think he’s ready to let go of who he really is.”
“Do you think he’ll go back to his old life, or will he stay here?” Caleb asked as they stepped outside.
“It’s too early for him to make that decision. But he’s set on