Page 14 of Time to Stirrup Love (Harmony Glen #10)

“Well, they can’t leave town for long. Also part of their curse. They died here and they’re cursed to be here. He was probably drained from being outside of town too long.”

“It was definitely odd,” she remarked. “Sven and Magnus are so different.”

“Just because they’re twins doesn’t mean they’re the same, but you’re right, Sven is more rational than his brother, that’s for sure.”

“Well, enough about Magnus and Sven. You said we’re having pasta for dinner so I’m curious what we’re having.”

“Lasagna.” Finn stood up and went to his small convection oven. He put on oven mitts and opened the door.

The garlic, tomatoey and cheese scent wafted over to her, making her stomach growl.

“That smells great.”

He brought it over to the table and set it down on a hot plate. “I have salad too.”

He went to his fridge and pulled out a fresh garden salad and served up dinner. It all looked so good.

“Did Pearl help cook?”

“No, I did it all, but she gave me the idea.” Finn finished serving dinner and then sat down across from her. “I’d love to know what you think?”

“Well, it looks just as good as it smells. I can’t remember the last time I had someone make me a home-cooked meal. I mean, I cook, but not usually this intricate.”

“Lasagna is intricate?” he questioned.

“It is when you’re used to just microwaving your meals or eating a salad out of a bag with some protein because you’re working all the time.”

“Truth be told, I usually have dinner at my mom’s. I am very spoiled by her.”

They shared a smile across the table and she took a bite of the lasagna.

It was divine. Sometimes lasagna could have that hard, dried-out pasta noodle, but there was none of that in this bite, and he gave her a corner piece.

The meat to cheese ratio was great and it stayed together in its beautiful layer.

“Well?” he asked.

“It’s fantastic.” She took a sip of the boxed wine. “I can’t thank you enough for dinner.”

“Well, you did help me out by taking on Phineas.”

Her heart sank a bit. “This is just a thank you dinner?”

“No,” he said quickly, his gaze intense across the table, making her body thrum with need. “I mean, yes thank you for what you did for Phineas, but I wanted to ask you out on a date because you’re not looking at me like some kind of novelty to bed.”

“Oh, those are the types of women you’re referring to.” And then she recalled Pearl saying he was a bit of a ho.

“It’s why I have a hard time trusting people. It was fine when I was younger, but chasing after that…” He trailed off, a sad expression in his voice, and she couldn’t help but reach out and take his hand in hers.

His hand was so soft and strong. Just touching him made her feel more connected to him. It was more than just lusting after him, there was something else there she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Even though he’d been a major grump when they first met, she really was drawn to him. And the more she got to know him, the more she wanted to be around him. The more she wanted to stay.

“I’m glad this is more than a thank you dinner,” she whispered huskily.

His eyes darkened in the dim light, twinkling, and he covered her hand with his free one, just holding her gaze, making her melt.

She wanted to kiss him.

Truth be told, she wanted more than just a kiss.

“Finn!” Hetty burst into the houseboat, frantic.

Finn let go of her hand and stood up. “Mom?”

“I’m so sorry for barging in.” Hetty’s voice was shaking. “It’s a full moon and Pearl got out of the house. I thought I’d locked the back door. I’m so sorry for interrupting your date.”

Finn got up and pulled his mother in his arms. “It’s okay, Mom. I’ll find her.”

Margaid stood up. “I’ll help too.”

Finn mouthed a thank you.

“Thank you both,” Hetty said and then brushed the tears away. “If she runs beyond the town limits, then…who knows what can happen to her. Unicorn horns and blood are…I don’t even want to think of it.”

“Try not to worry, Mom. She won’t have gotten far.” Finn walked her out and Margaid followed.

“I’m going to stay here in case she comes home,” Hetty said. “You’re right. She couldn’t have gone far and she wouldn’t go out on the lake at night.”

“If she did, she’s a glashtyn. She can swim,” Finn reassured. “And she’s taken many swimming lessons from Thaddeaus. She’ll be fine.”

“What about the forest?” Margaid asked.

“I can call Thorin to ask if he’s seen her,” Finn stated. “He’s a lumberjack and always out there in the woods. We’ll find her, Mom.”

Hetty nodded and headed back into her apartment at the back of Monster Catch Bait and Tackle. Finn marched off to his truck and Margaid kept up with him, climbing into the front seat.

She could tell he was worried and she didn’t blame him.

“It’ll be okay. We’ll find her,” Margaid reassured as they drove away from the marina. “Do you need to call your lumberjack friend?”

“No. I know where she went.”

“You’re sure you know where to find her?”

“I always do,” he said tightly, and then he gave her a half-hearted smile. “I would just hate for her to be caught by someone outside of Harmony Glen, someone who would or could hurt her.”

“That won’t happen.”

“How can you be so optimistic?”

She shrugged. “Worrying and fearing the worst won’t help this situation. So we’re going to focus on finding her and bring her home instead.”

Finn smiled at her and nodded.

She was worried about this idea that Pearl could be hunted for her blood or her horn, but then again not everyone out there was as accepting of monsters, which was a sad thing indeed.