Ignite (Cloverleigh Farms #6)(71)

“Ellie, you should be happy he’s so good. He’s coming to work for Abelard.”

“Well, I’m not. He bugs me.”

“Don’t you think it’s time to move on from high school grudges?” I picked up my chilled glass and took a sip of the sweet, tangy liqueur.

“I would if he didn’t still act like he was in high school and all girls should fall at his feet and everything he does is so clever and cute!”

“Evening, ladies. Talking about me?” Gianni appeared at our table in his white chef coat, looking pleased with himself.

“Thank you so much for everything tonight, Gianni.” I smiled at him while Ellie scowled into her Limoncello. “It was delicious.”

He bowed slightly. “My pleasure. I’m glad you liked it.”

“We loved it.”

Gianni looked at a seething, silent Ellie and grinned at me. “I don’t think your friend here agrees.”

“She does. She just can’t find the words to say how good it was.”

He laughed. “Well, I should get back to the kitchen, but I wanted to thank you for coming in and let you know everything is on the house tonight.”

“No way,” snapped Ellie. “We’re paying for it. Bring us the bill.”

“There’s no bill to bring you.” Gianni shrugged. “Just tip your server.”

“That’s really generous of you,” I told him. “Please come over to Cloverleigh Farms soon so I can return the favor.”

“I’d love to,” he said warmly. “I know the chef there, and I think she’s great. Really smart and creative.”

I smiled. “You’re always welcome.”

He looked at Ellie, and pointed at me. “See, that’s how you treat people, Héloise,” he said, giving her name the correct French pronunciation. “I’m beginning to think it’s good that you work down in a cellar and not front of house.”

“Bye, Gianni,” I said, wishing he’d just leave before Ellie lost her cool completely.

“Ciao, ladies. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” With one last boyish grin, he went back to the kitchen.

“Okay, he’s gone,” I said, watching him disappear into the kitchen. “You can stop turning purple.”

“I can’t help it,” she blustered. “He infuriates me.”

I sighed and picked up my drink. “Come on, let’s finish up and tip our waiter. I don’t want to be out too late.”

“Why’s that?” One of her brows peaked.

“No reason.” I tried to sound breezy as I looked left again. The anniversary party was long gone, but they’d forgotten the balloons. “Fifty years. That’s a long time to be married.”

“It is,” Ellie agreed.

“I wonder what the secret is,” I said. “Like why does it seem to work for some people and not others?”

“Maybe some people just aren’t cut out for that kind of long-term commitment,” Ellie mused. “You have to have a lot of patience. And be really forgiving. And be accepting of the other person’s flaws or even just the things about them that make you crazy. Because there will be plenty of those.”

I smiled. “Are you thinking about your mom and dad?”

“Yes,” she admitted with a laugh. “I love my mom, but she’s just wired so tight, sometimes I’m amazed she hasn’t snapped yet. Or that my dad hasn’t snapped. They’re so different.”

“Yeah, but I feel like your parents have a pretty good time together.” I grinned as I took a sip of my drink. “I mean, judging from the box under—”

“Stop,” Ellie pleaded, her eyes desperate. “I beg you not to finish that sentence.”

I laughed and set my glass down. “Okay. But all I’m saying is, that kind of chemistry matters.”

“Is that why you’re rushing home tonight?” Her eyes danced with light. “To study chemistry?”

“There are worse ways to spend an evening,” I said.

She touched her glass to mine. “I’ll drink to that.”





Dex’s house was dark when I pulled into my garage around nine, so I figured he must have gone to bed already. Even so, I decided to send him a quick text. Hey you. I’m home, but no worries if you’re already asleep.

Setting my phone aside, I gave Piglet some food and attention, but she seemed more interested in her dinner than me. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and was unscrewing the cap when my phone buzzed on the counter.

In bed but not asleep.

I smiled and replied. What are you wearing?

Not much.

Leaning back against the island, I wondered if I should invite him over. What would it take to get you naked?

Also not much.

I laughed to myself. Do it.

Alone?

If you like. Or you could come over and get naked with me.

I swear he knocked less than a minute later. I pulled open the door, backed up, and gasped in mock horror. “It’s the ogre next door! What shall I do?”

He slammed the door behind him. “Run.”

Shrieking wildly, I took off for the stairs, where he caught me around the waist, threw me over his shoulder and took the steps up two at a time. Continuing to howl, I kicked my feet and thumped my hands on his back. Up in my room, he threw me down on the bed and tore my clothes from my body while I did my pretend best to fight back. After ditching his jeans and T-shirt, he crawled over me, both our chests heaving. “Remind me to tell you how to escape a house. You don’t fucking run up the stairs.”