We could start out kissing. I really liked that kiss we shared, Rafe. Maybe we could see where it goes from there?”
He wound his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. “Yeah, I definitely want to do that. But first, how about I feed you dinner?”
What she really wanted to do was kiss him. But, admittedly, she was hungry. “Sure.”
Apparently, while she’d been asleep, he’d grilled chicken, sliced it up and added it to a tremendous salad that had eggs, croutons, cranberries, oranges and walnuts. He’d also made an incredible raspberry vinaigrette.
Carmen carried their iced teas to the table and then helped Rafe with their bowls and utensils while he brought the salad over. They sat at the table, and Carmen took a bite. Flavor exploded on her tongue. After she swallowed, she noticed Rafe had been watching her. “It’s delicious.”
“I’m not the best cook, and I know this isn’t fancy.”
“Seriously, Rafe. This is delicious. And it’s hot as hell outside. I love salads in the summer.”
He seemed to relax. “I’m glad you like it.”
She loved that he’d been nervous about her reaction. “You don’t need to worry. You cook just fine.”
“It’s not rocket science to make a salad.”
“And you’d be surprised how many guys won’t even do that much.”
He chewed and swallowed, then took a sip of his tea. “You talking about your ex?”
“Among other guys I’ve been with.”
“So no guy has cooked for you before?”
She shook her head. “I guess I’ve picked all the wrong men.”
“I guess so. Not that I’m all that, but I can at least put a burger on the grill or make sure you have a decent meal when you come home from work at night.”
Who was this guy? He couldn’t be human. She might actually still be asleep, and this was all a dream. “You’d cook—for me.”
“Hell yes, I would. Why should a woman do all the cooking? That seems antiquated and sexist and totally misogynist. Besides, men cook these days.”
She arched a brow. “They do, huh?”
“Yeah. My mom taught all of us to cook. She said she wasn’t raising useless sons, and there was no way we were to expect a woman to do housework or cooking. I can also clean a bathroom and mop floors and dust. Which we all have to do at the fire station anyway. Plus all the firefighters cook, too, so being taught those skills by my mom came in handy when we all decided to become firefighters.”
She laughed. “I’m sure they did. Remind me to thank your mom.”
“I will.”
They finished dinner and did the dishes. By then it was close to ten.
“I have to go help Grandpa get in bed. Mind if I run home for a few, then come back?”
“I don’t mind at all. Do you need me to come help you?”
“Thanks, but I’ve got this. It won’t take me long to get him tucked in. He just needs a little help maneuvering into bed. I’ll be back in about fifteen minutes.”
“Not a problem. I’ll be here.”
“Okay.”
She left and dashed across the lawn, using her key to get into the house. Grandpa was already asleep in front of the TV. She gently woke him, then helped him get ready for bed.
She helped position him in bed so he could see his TV. He was doing much better about moving around in the bed. Pretty soon he wouldn’t need her help at all.
“How’s it going so far?” he asked.
“How’s what going?”
“The date, Carmen.”
“Oh.” She sat on the side of his bed. “It’s going well. We’re talking. He made dinner. He’s nice.”
Her grandfather raised a brow. “You gonna spend the night?”
“Of course not. What if you need me?”
He looked over on the nightstand. “I have a phone. And you’re right next door. You have to stop worrying so much about me. You’re entitled to have a life.”
She started to object, but then he glared at her with his disapproving Grandpa glare. He rarely gave it to her, but when he did, she knew better than to argue.
“Fine. I know you can take care of yourself. But that doesn’t mean I’ll worry less.” She kissed the top of his head. “If you need me, you have to promise to call.”
“I promise. Now you have to promise to go and think about yourself for a while. Have some fun.”
She smiled at him. “I promise. Te amo, Abuelo.”
“Yo también te quiero, bebita.”
She left the house and hurried back to Rafe’s. He had left the door unlocked, so she