Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,44
did you mean?”
“Does she love something you hate, like ballet or the opera, that you’d be willing to take her to, just to make her happy?”
“Oh, I get it. She loves art museums and galleries. I’m not a fan of that stuff. She likes the beach too, but so do I. I guess what you’re saying is, I should take her to a museum? What if she doesn’t want to go with me?”
“Try this—get her a membership to the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s not cheap, but it doesn’t cost nearly as much as a car. In a note, let her know you’re willing to go with her because experiences shared are so much better.”
“But what if she’s still angry and doesn’t want my company?”
“Even if she doesn’t ask you to come with her right away, she’ll think about you every time she uses her membership.”
“And eventually she’ll realize how much her happiness means to me.”
“Exactly.”
Nick finished his breakfast and couldn’t wait to get back to the city. He was a man on a mission. Operation Scrape the Egg Off His Face.
***
Brandee had promised Anthony she’d say nothing about the brownies to Angie or anyone, and she had intended to honor that promise. Even though she always kept her word, now in the next morning’s light she wondered if she’d be able to keep her mouth shut. Her roommate was sipping coffee right across from her at their dinette table.
Brownies? Seriously? The one thing she had to do first was double-check that the incident had really happened. She still wasn’t one hundred percent sure she hadn’t dreamed the whole thing. That meant talking to either Anthony or Sadie. Keeping in mind Ruxandra’s reaction to her, she figured Sadie would be safer.
“You’re quiet this morning,” Angie remarked over her coffee mug.
“Huh? Oh, I’m just tired.”
“You got in late.”
Brandee put down her coffee mug. “You heard me come in? Are you still losing sleep over the whole ghost thing?”
“Yeah. I wasn’t completely comfortable being here all alone. After you got home, I was fine and went right to sleep. Stupid, I know.”
“No, it’s not stupid. It’s perfectly understandable.”
“So what kept you downstairs so long?”
“Uh…” Crap, now what do I say? I was meeting the things that go bump in the night?
Angie held up one hand. “Never mind. If it’s personal, I understand. I thought I saw Nick heading toward the bar just before I went upstairs.”
Whew. I can blame it on Nick even though he never showed up. She wondered why he hadn’t. Was he watching to be sure she got home all right? That seemed like something he would do, and she still wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Having a big, strong ex-cop looking out for her was a bit of a turn-on, to be honest, but she didn’t like anyone spying on her. The Balogs were creepy enough. She didn’t need her boyfriend…was he still her boyfriend?
Angie waved a hand in front of her face. “Earth to Brandee.”
Brandee snapped to attention. “What? Did you say something?”
“No. Your eyes were just doing that glaze-over thing again.”
A knock at the door was a welcome interruption. Brandee jumped up. “I’ll get it.”
She tied her robe a little tighter before checking the peephole. Brandee didn’t recognize the guy on the other side, so she left the chain in place and opened the door a crack. “Can I help you?”
“Courier. I have a special delivery for Brandee Hanson.” The guy waved a manila envelope.
“Do I have to sign for it?”
“No. I’m just paid to hand-deliver it.”
“Okay. Job done.” She reached for the envelope, and the guy handed it to her through the gap. “Thanks.”
“What is it?” Angie asked.
“I don’t know.” Brandee tore open the outer envelope from the courier service to reveal another envelope inside. A white one with just her name on it. “I don’t recognize the handwriting.”
“Well, open the flippin’ thing. Who knows, maybe it’s a big fat check from Publishers Clearing House.”
“Funny.” Brandee picked up her butter knife and used it to tear open the flap. Inside was a brochure from the Museum of Fine Arts and a letter. “Huh?”
“What is it?” Angie asked.
“It’s a brochure for the MFA.” She unfolded the letter and read out loud.
Dear Brandee,
I hope you’re okay. I’m really sorry about invading your privacy, and I’d like to make it up to you. This is a one-year membership to a place I know you’ll like. I only want your happiness and always will, no matter how