Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“Here, try this,” Magnus said, placing the dish in front of her.
“Oh! I thought…”
“I’ll always take care of you first, Little girl. Eat. Traveling always makes me hungry. You have to be starving.”
“I am. Thanks.” Juniper picked up a fork and tried a bite. “Wow. This is delicious.”
“I know. The chef here is great. He’s not too heavy-handed with spices but adds just enough to enhance the food without overpowering it,” he said as he grabbed the other plate and helped himself.
“Are you a foodie?” she teased.
“I appreciate the best in everything.”
Juniper didn’t know how to take that, so she had another bite to give her an excuse not to talk for a few minutes. Finally, she swallowed and whispered, “You called me Little girl again.”
“I know. My brain has already claimed you, I’m afraid,” Magnus admitted before taking another bite as if that weren’t a ground-shaking statement to make.
“What?” she asked.
“I’ve been looking for my Little girl for a long time. I’ve watched others find theirs, and they reported the same thing I feel now. An undeniable sense of rightness.”
Rocking back in her chair, Juniper stared at him. His gaze held hers steadily without any hesitation or sign of deception. “You mean that, don’t you?”
“I do. What do you think of the cheese rolls?” Magnus asked. “They seem so simple, but the taste is unique.”
She blinked at his smooth change of subject. “I remember these from when I was here as a child. They’re delicious. My friend Sammi’s mother made these for us as a treat,” Juniper shared, lifting a piece of the toasted bread rolled with a cheese mixture inside.
“You must have the last one then,” Magnus said, placing it on her plate.
The server returned with a fresh glass of wine for Juniper and water for both of them. When he left, Juniper asked, “Do you not drink?”
“Alcohol?” Magnus asked.
When she nodded to indicate that was what she meant, he answered, “Rarely. I like to be in control.”
“That does not surprise me.” The words popped out of her mouth before she could stop them.
He laughed, and she loved seeing him relax enough to have fun. Juniper had the impression that very few people saw this side of Magnus. Taking another sip of her wine, she studied him surreptitiously as she looked past him toward the water. His torso was honed steel, and his jawline was chiseled and strong. He was hard to her soft.
Searching for something innocent to talk to him about, she seized on the department printed on his shirt and asked, “You do something with computers here?”
“Yes. I keep all the systems operating here at Danger Bluff.”
“That sounds complicated—and kind of boring,” she teased.
“I’d love it if that would be the case.”
“Oh, I bet an old resort like this does pose some tech problems. All these people wanting the highest speed connections,” Juniper guessed.
“That can be a challenge.”
She had a feeling that was the least of the things he dealt with. I wonder what happens behind the scenes.
“Your entrees,” the waiter announced, setting their plates in front of them and clearing away the empty appetizer dishes.
“This smells amazing,” Juniper complimented, leaning forward to sniff.
Magnus lifted his fork to invite her to take a first bite. Laughing, Juniper grabbed hers and tasted one of the side dishes. Groaning in delight, she tackled her rock lobster, sure it would be delicious. “This is amazing. Thank you for helping me order.”
“It’s my pleasure to spend time with you,” he said with a smile.
“Do you ever not wear your hat?” tumbled from her lips.
“I do not wear it to shower or sleep.”
“Will you take it off for me sometime?” Juniper sensed that he would resist removing it in the bustling restaurant, but maybe if they were alone…?
“Yes.”
“Really?” she squeaked, feeling herself grin delightedly at him.
“Really, Little girl. Eat your lobster,” he said, and she saw the corners of his lips tweak upward.
Juniper savored the delicate flavor of the lobster. It was so good. Thank goodness she hadn’t missed this.
“You didn’t try the rock lobster as a child?” he asked.
“I guess I ate kid things,” she said with a shrug. “I’m so glad I came back to try this.” With you.
“I’m glad you came back as well.”
Chapter Three
They ate in companionable silence for a while, enjoying the ambiance of the water and the happy mumble of voices around them. Then, casual conversation between the two of them kept things from feeling awkward. Juniper waved off the offer of another glass of wine. She wanted to remember her time with Magnus. This felt special.
“Oh, I can pay for my meal,” she protested when the check came, and he subtly took care of it.
“That’s not going to happen, Little girl. I didn’t ask if you’d like dessert.”
“Oh, no. I can’t eat another bite. Everything was so good, I’ll have to save room next time to try one,” Juniper commented.