Page 93 of For One Night

“Yeah, sure. Thank you.” I step to the side as he picks it up and carries it to the bar.

“What is it?” He leans over the pot, allowing the scent to wash over him.

“Chicken tortilla soup. My mom makes it.”

He reaches me his bowl. “Is that homemade guacamole?”

“It is.” His enthusiasm tickles me. “There’s sour cream if you want some.”

He dips his spoon and droops it on the soup. I hold breath, waiting for his judgment. His eyes of their own volition as he savors the dish. He peeks up at me with a grin.

“My compliments to the chef.”

I squeal. “Really? I’m so glad you like it.”

“Were you worried?”

“I wasn’t sure. People have different tastes and now that I know your background, I was afraid you wouldn’t like Mexican.” I smile coyishly.

He nods as he swallows another spoonful. “This is amazing.”

“I’m gathering that since you can’t stop eating long enough to talk.”

“I’m sorry. I haven’t eaten since yesterday.” He wipes his mouth and stands. “Drink?”

I check out the counter. “I forgot the drinks, I’m sorry. Let me…”

“I’m here, Lola, I can get them.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t believe I didn’t get them.” I clutch my hands as they tremble.

He holds the door open. “Beer, water, or the hard stuff…” My head snaps up. “Juice from when my nieces spent the night.”

“That is a tough choice, but I’m thinking I’ll start with a beer and work my way up.”

He winks at me. “Never a bad thing to pace yourself.”

“Thank you.” I take the beer from his hand.

“It was just a beer, Lola.” He studies me like he already knows everything about me. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by my next words.

“Carter,”—I side eye him—“my ex, he never did things like this. Not that it’s why we divorced; that was something completely different.” Well, now I’m mortified.

“I love to cook, I actually make a pretty great Scottish Stew.” He bumps my shoulder as he sits.

“You, cook?” I gasp, making him laugh, only I’m not kidding.

“I do.” He gives me a lopsided grin. “Haven’t you ever seen it?”

I shake my head. “Just my dad, Carter never cooked.”

“I appreciate you coming over.”

“What happened, Lennox?”

He grimaces. “Have you ever felt as though all the mistakes you’ve made in life will haunt you forever?”

“Every day.”