He patted his ribcage and said, “I need to be careful, or I could get tubby on her tortillas.”
“She seemed to enjoy talking food with you.”
He chuckled. “It’s amazing what you can do with just a few simple ingredients and the necessity of feeding a family. I picked up a few tricks from her that I may try in the future. I want to ask you about something.”
“Anything.”
“I’ve been thinking about returning to Divine permanently. I also wondered if you’ve ever considered expanding your business. I’m not ready to retire yet, and I was just weighing my options.”
“Joseph and Tamara have been talking about returning to Divine, too, after they finish school.” She was gleeful at the thought of them coming back home to settle down, but she wanted them to be sure about the choice. They could do so well in a larger city.
A broad smile spread over his handsome face, and he nodded. “I remember you mentioning that. If they wanted to follow in their mother’s footsteps, would you be open to an expansion, or perhaps a secondary location? Given the way the area is growing, Divine’s economy could handle another food establishment.”
Tingles shivered up her spine as he stroked her temple. “You’d really come back to the area?”
“For you, I would.”
“Wow.” She felt like a ninny when her chin started trembling, and he chuckled as he tightened his arms around her.
“You’re worth it. I’d need some time to prepare for it, and then there’s Hermione to deal with.”
Cassie sniffled and smiled. “Good luck with that.”
His cheeks appeared a little flushed as he looked out across the ballroom and then back at her. “It’d be worth it to have this chance with you.”
She caught a glimpse of Samson, chatting nearby with friends, as Ivan spun her around, and she completed the turn and cuddled as close as she could to Ivan, close enough to feel the hard evidence of his devotion, and shimmied against him teasingly. “I wonder where you’ll live.”
“I don’t care, as long as I can see you on a daily basis.”
“A daily basis? I hope you’re not thinking of shacking up with me.”
“Are you kidding? Your uncles and your father would hire a hit man. Nope. Let’s say I’m a guy who’s got patience, focus, and goals involving a certain brunette.”
“Is she prettier than me?” she asked and then giggled. “Don’t make me get out my ass-kicking boots.”
“She’s my whole world these days, baby. But I’d love to see you in those boots. Want another drink?”
“I’d love one.”
He escorted her to the bar, where Samson and several of their friends were standing, and then she spotted Jessica Bright, down at one end, all on her own. She recognized Jessica’s ill-at-ease, tight posture and knew her friend was moments away from walking out.
“Honey, would you mind if I went over and talked with my friend for a few minutes?” she said, tilting her head in her shy friend’s direction rather than pointing.
“Of course not. Take your time,” he said, parting from her with a sweet kiss.
“Hey, Jess,” she murmured as she slid into the spot beside Jessica and nudged her, smiling at the relief that shone in her friend’s eyes when she turned to her. “How’s baby Bella? Is she here tonight?”
Some of the tension in Jessica’s shoulders seemed to diminish as she said, “She’s at the sitter’s tonight. She’s toddling around the house and jibber-jabbering more and more every day. I swear sometimes I pick her up from daycare and I can tell she grew.”
“Oh, I know the feeling! Both of mine grew so fast it made my head spin.”
The bartender stepped down to their spot and placed a wine spritzer in front of Cassie and murmured, “From the gentlemen over there, ma’am.” He pointed in Samson and Ivan’s direction before moving away to make the next drink. Samson winked at her, and Ivan blew her a kiss.
She glanced at Jessica in time to catch her eyes widen at the sight of Ivan and Samson before she turned to Cassie. “You too? I remember that one guy, the one with the beard, from the funeral for Bunny’s grandmother.”
“They’re very old friends. Actually the one you mentioned and I were high school sweethearts.”
“Looks to me as though his brother is in the picture, too, huh?” Jessica asked, her eyebrows arched with surprise. At Cassie’s nod, Jessica’s jaw dropped. “They’re huge, like freaking giants.” She shuddered, and sympathy filled Cassie’s heart at the reaction.