All the Way (Romancing Manhattan #1)(18)

Oh, perfect. I’m meeting the mom.

Talk about nerve-racking.

I paste my professional smile on my face and hold my hand out to shake hers, but she just pulls me in for a big hug.

“Oh, darling, I’m a hugger,” she says. “You must be London. I’m Margaret Cavanaugh, Finn’s mother.”

“So nice to meet you.”

She pulls back and gives me a long look. “You’re London Watson.”

I glance up at Finn. “Yes, I am.”

“Oh my goodness, I’ve seen so many of your plays on Broadway. Why, I’ve been watching you for years. You’re a talented young woman.”

I feel the glow come over me whenever anyone says they’ve followed my career. “Thank you very much, Mrs. Cavanaugh.”

“Maggie, please,” she says, and offers me another hug. “I read about the tragic loss of your parents. I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.”

“Our car is here,” Gabby says, and throws herself into my arms. I’m getting a lot of hugs today. “Thank you for everything, London. You’re awesome.”

“You’re pretty awesome yourself, kiddo.”

Gabby smiles brightly and then gives Finn a hug before whispering in his ear, making him grin.

“I will,” he says. “You be good for Grandma, you hear me?”

“She’s a perfect angel,” Maggie replies with a sniff. “And to insinuate otherwise is offensive.”

“Right.” Finn rolls his eyes and helps the two women into the car that will take them to the airport. “Have a good flight, and let me know when you get there.”

“Grandma’s taking us first-class,” Gabby says with excitement. “I get anything I want to drink.”

“Don’t drink too much liquor,” I call into the car, making them both laugh. “Have fun!”

And with that, they drive away and Finn and I are left in the house alone.

Finally.

“She’s very nice.” I don’t know what else to say. This is the first time we’ve been alone without Gabby being nearby or needing Finn’s attention and I’m kind of nervous, if the giant butterflies in my stomach are to be believed.

“I like her,” he says with a smile, walking slowly toward me. “I have some things for you.”

“More than one thing?”

“Yes.”

I smile brightly. “I have a love/hate relationship with presents.”

“Do you?”

I nod.

“How so?”

“Well, I’m human, so presents are fun.”

His lips twitch.

“But sometimes gifts come with strings attached.”

His eyes narrow before he takes my hand and leads me into a formal dining room. The table is set with white china and teal linens. Candles are placed around the room and are lit.

“I’ll be right back.”

He disappears for a second and comes back with the flowers from the living room.

“These are for you.”

I sigh and bury my nose in a pink rose, breathing in the scent of them. “Thank you.”

“No strings attached with these, they’re just beautiful and remind me of you. Do you mind if I put them on the table?”

“Of course not.”

He centers them on the beautifully decorated table and then takes my hand and leads me to the kitchen, which smells delicious.

“I’ve already started cooking,” he informs me, and pulls out a stool so I can sit and watch while he continues to work. “I have appetizers done.”

He pulls a plate out of the oven and sets it before me, then pulls his phone out, taps the screen, and soft music magically fills the air.

It’s pretty damn romantic.

“Clam-and-Gouda-stuffed mushrooms. I also have a charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, nuts, and olives.”

“There’s going to be more food after this?” I stare in amazement at the beautiful array of food, and don’t know where to start.

“Of course, but we can take our time.” He winks at me. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes. Have you noticed that all we seem to do when we’re together is eat?”

“Oh, I think that’s about to change,” he says, and pulls some steaks out of the fridge. “How was your voice lesson?”

“It was fun. She has a good voice.” I pop an olive in my mouth, and then take some salami and cheese. “This is delicious.”

“Is it?”

“Come here.”

He does as I ask, circling the island to stand next to me, just the way he did yesterday at my house. I offer him some cheese and salami, and he takes the bite directly from my fingers, letting his tongue rest on the pad of my thumb for a moment.

“Delicious,” he murmurs, then reaches for a mushroom and holds it up to my lips. I watch him as I take a bite, then let my eyes slide closed as the flavors cover my tongue.

“Oh, that’s good.”

He leans in and kisses my bare shoulder.

“You know how those noises affect me.”

“I can’t help it, you keep feeding me wonderful things.”

His fingertips wander up and down my arms, making my nipples pucker in anticipation.