Page 70 of Mr. Green

“I love the surprise!” I put my hand on her leg. “Seeing you is always a nice surprise, but maybe you shouldn’t be the one driving. I liked seeing you there for me, though. That was really sweet.”

She gives me the smile that shows her dimple. “How was your flight?”

“It was cool. I fly first class, so it’s always anenjoyable experience.”

“I like flying. It’s really something to be up in the clouds.”

“Yeah, it is. The view can be beautiful, but nothing as gorgeous as you.” I take her hand and kiss the back of it.

“Oh, geez.” She blushes and looks out the window. “That’s the corniest thing I’ve heard in my life.”

“I mean it.” I pause. “I know you’re surprising me, but I have some surprises of my own up my sleeve.”

“What?” She turns her head to me.

“Yeah, I need you to pack once we get to your place.”

“What about Queenie?”

“She’s coming with us. It’s all taken care of.”

“You didn’t ask me.”

“That’s not much of a surprise.”

“Right.” She bobs her head. “Okay, what is it?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

She looks over to me with a sly smile. “You’re cute.”

I grin. This surprise is big. I’m hoping it goes well.

Chapter 45

Lana

He’s surprising me? Me, of all people. I know now toneversay no to one of his surprises. I’m not stupid.

Ryan’s idea of a surprise washimgetting a blow job. He never thought of me. Grant has thought of me more than Ryan ever did in our whole relationship. I can’t believe I’ve been so hung up on him.

I’m a little embarrassed about how bad my driving was. I rarely leave our little town and driving in the city is full of cars and people. Thankfully, Grant took over. It’s more than likely he was scared for his life, but whatever. He was a perfect gentleman about it.

He pulls up to my building and parks. We walk up to my door and Queenie greets us. We walk into the apartment, which is filled with the smell of potatoes, rosemary, and chicken. My mom always cooked, and the smell is taking me back to moments at home. It’s nice to be able to share it with someone.

“I hope you’re hungry!” I state. I made this meal thinking of Grant the entire time. He told me he likes the idea of a homecooked meal filling the home up with smells. It’s the first time I’m excited for someone to taste what I’ve cooked in a while.

“It smells phenomenal in here! Did you cook?” he asks, looking around like a chicken will pop out and hug him.

“Yes, for you. You want to have a plate now?”

“Fuck yeah. You’ll have to pack after we eat.”

I start grinning. He’s excited for something I made him. It’s what I’ve always loved about cooking—the excitement of bringing something good to someone. It’s highlyfulfilling.

I grab one of my colorful plates and scoop up some food onto the dish. It’s a new recipe, and I’ve had it cooking all day, so I know it’s going to be filled with flavor and tenderness. I put potatoes in there as well and we have a small garden salad. I look down at the plate filled with every color of the rainbow. Another thing about cooking I love is finding colors to use to bring the dish to life. I also have little tarts for dessert and I know they’re fucking good. Maybe he’ll fall in love with me after he eats.

I hand the plate over to him, trying to keep my smile at bay. He’s poured us each a glass of red wine and waits until I grab my plate to sit down.