Perfect for You

different?"
    "I don't usually have guys cook for me." She wrinkled her nose. "I'm lying. That's not it at all."
    "What is it then?" he asked, pausing to study her.
    "I don't usually like a guy as much as I like you."
    "That's honest."
    "I probably shouldn't be so honest."
    "Why do you say this?" he asked, pulling out a couple things from the fridge.
    She shrugged. "Honesty seems to scare most men off."
    "I'm not most men."
    "No, you aren't. I like that about you." She settled into her seat. "So how was your day, dear? Good day at work?"
    He shot her an amused look as he began his magic on the stove. "It was too busy, but my kitchen help all showed up, so, yes, it was a good day."
    He looked occupied, so she watched him cook as she nursed her drink. He looked so focused, it was mesmerizing. What would it be like to be the focus of that much intensity?
    She was going to find out tonight.
    She shivered, and then she sighed. "You really love to cook if you elect to do it after a long day."
    "I love to cook." He nodded and adjusted a burner. "But tonight I cook only for you."
    "Because you want me to stay?"
    "No, because I want you to be happy." He frowned at her. "You don't have to stay, you know. I would love it if you did, but it's your decision. And you should know, we won't have sex tonight."
    "We won't?"
    "No. Tonight we'll get to know each other. We'll drink wine and talk. I want to learn you, and then I'll hold you while you sleep. But no sex."
    "What if I want it?"
    "No." He shook his head firmly.
    "Why not?"
    "Because this isn't to be rushed."
    Her heart swelled. One day she'd look back and remember this moment, with her sitting on his counter and him standing over a sizzling pan. And she'd remember how this was the moment she was absolutely sure she was in love with him.
    It was exciting.
    And scary.
    She felt vulnerable. She'd never let herself fall for anyone before. But Max was different. More than the sexual attraction, which was definitely there, Max wanted to uncover her. No one had ever cared about her like that.
    She'd never wanted anyone to uncover her before. But she was willing to let him strip her layers all the way down to her gooey center.
    She trusted him.
    But he didn't need to know she loved him—not yet. There was such a thing as too much honesty.So she focused on the moment. The aroma of whatever he was making filled the room, savory and mouth-watering. "It smells delicious."
    "It's simple but you'll like this very much." He nodded confidently and tossed a dash of something into the sizzling pan. He got two plates down from the cupboard and served the food. "Come."
    Grabbing the glasses and the wine bottle, she followed him to the dining room. Instead of turning on the chandelier overhead he lit several candles around the room, enveloping them in a warm glow. He nodded to a chair. "Sit. Eat."
    She sat and dug in, happy when he scooted his seat closer to hers. The first bite didn't register but she gasped with the second. When she finished chewing, she said, "This steak is amazing."
    Max nodded, drinking slowly as he watched her, a smile on his lips.
    Anna tried not to eat like a pig but she couldn't help it. The steak melted in her mouth, and the sauce tasted rich, and the vegetables were buttery but crisp. She practically inhaled her food and then eyed his.
    He pushed his plate over without a word.
    "Are you sure?" she asked, already cutting into the meat.
    "This is better for me, watching you enjoy it so much."
    "It's frickin' delicious." On impulse, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him close for a smacking kiss. "Thank you."
    He brushed her face with the back on his hand. "So tell me about your day, Anna."
    She stilled, remembering. She picked up her glass and gulped a mouthful of wine.
    The corner of his mouth kicked up. "That bad?"
    "No, that good." Taking a deep breath, she spilled it. "I found out I was accepted into law school today."
    His smile grew slowly, wide and proud. "Congratulations."
    She nodded glumly. "Thanks."
    Confusion overrode his delight. "You don't want to go to law school?"
    "I do. I do a lot." She drooped in her seat. "My sister isn't going to like it."
    "You haven't told her."
    "No. She hates lawyers." She shuddered, pushing the plate away. "I'm hoping she'll hook up with Greg, who's a lawyer, by the way, and that'll soften her up."
    Max studied her. "You love your sister."
    "So much."
    "Then tell her. You wouldn't love someone who wasn't worthy of it. She'll