She wasn’t even sure what she was eating, but every bite was better than the last. On the deck of this ship, across the table from a gorgeous man with a stunning smile, as the banks of the Mississippi slid by, Imogen couldn’t remember a more wonderful lunch.
Nic was intelligent, charming, kind, handsome, humble, knowledgeable about a randomly wide array of subjects, and made her feel like her heart was going to burst from her chest because she couldn’t stop beaming.
Imogen knew she was in trouble. Or at least in danger of falling hard and fast for this beautiful, fascinating, and wildly intriguing man.
He told stories that made her laugh, listened to her intently, and encouraged her to expand her palate and try every delight Havit brought to the table, who was clearly thrilled to have such willing and appreciative guests on board.
“Want to be the hero? Leo mentioned having a taste for duck à l’orange when we were in his office,” Nic said to Havit as he brought them another course.
Again, Imogen had no idea what was on the platter, but she thought it was topped with thinly sliced radishes.
Havit laughed with a jovial shake of his head. “Of course. Of course. At least two days per week, he has a taste for duck à l’orange. You would think I never make it for him.”
“It must be amazing,” Imogen remarked. “Because everything you make is.”
“Mmm …” Havit held out a flat hand with his palm facing downward and waggled it back and forth. “It is above average. I am still perfecting. My mother … God rest her soul … her duck would make you cry tears of joy. Perfection. After a few more times, I will make it for you. I have something else in mind for Nic for dinner.”
“You will never hear me argue with you, Havit. You set it in front of me, and I’ll eat it.”
Havit placed a hand on his shoulder. “Which is why you always get my best,mon ami. Now, back to the kitchen. I have a dessert you must try.”
Imogen wondered briefly if she could manage it and decided she wasn’t a quitter.
As Havit walked off, she lifted her water glass toward Nic. “To the best non-kidnapping kidnapping ever.”
He grinned and lifted his glass to tap hers on the rim. “Cheers.”
They each took a sip.
“I told you Havit was amazing.”
Imogen leaned back in her chair. “I’ve never had better food.”
“And I’ve never met a chef who appreciates an open-minded diner more. If he wasn’t Leo’s cousin, I would’ve lured him away long ago.”
“I wondered, with the accent.”
He paused to take a longer drink and then lowered his glass to the table. “Well, I know this wasn’t what we had planned for today, but I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
She nodded. “Incredible food, beautiful scenery, wonderful company. What’s not to enjoy?”
His tattooed hand covered hers on the table. “I like you, Imogen. A lot. Most women … they would’ve freaked the fuck out with everything life has thrown at you lately. But you … you’re just rolling with it. Thriving even.”
Her heart swelled three sizes bigger. “I doubt they would’ve freaked out about the date with you … well, maybe. You are definitely one of a kind.”
He chuckled as his fingers tightened on her hand. “So are you. I don’t want this to end when you go back to Grand Island. Let’s take our time and see what this could be.”
She lifted her gaze to his hazel eyes. “I’d like that.”
“And while we’re on the subject … just you and me, okay? No one else. Not while we’re doing this together.”
Imogen felt like rainbows should be shooting from her chest right about now. “That’s not a problem for me. As we discussed … I’m not the type.”
“I guess I more wanted you to know that I’m not looking anywhere else. If I’m with you, I’mwith you.”
“I like that.”
“Good. ’Cause I like where this feels like we’re heading.”