“I disagree.” Everything she’d read contradicted Sam. The kernels were reported to be a good source of fiber, and since she ate her main meal at noon, it made sense to have something light in the evenings.

“Don’t you know you’re not supposed to argue with a doctor?” Actually, Sam wasn’t as concerned about the nutritional value of popcorn as he was that her choice for her evening meal gave him an excellent excuse to invite her out.

“Sam, it isn’t any big deal…”

“Come on, I’ll take you to dinner.”

Marjorie hedged. “But you just said today’s been the most exhausting day of your life. What you need is to put up your feet and enjoy a good home-cooked meal.” Oh heavens, why had she suggested that? Sam would assume she planned to do the cooking, and then there would be real trouble. She might be able to bluff her way through some things, but a complete meal was out of the question.

The idea of Marjorie preparing a meal for him appealed to Sam, but he studied her carefully. Maybe he’d misunderstood her earlier. “You told me you don’t cook.”

At that moment she would gladly have surrendered three commissions to Al Swanson in exchange for the ability to whip together a three-egg, cheese, and mushroom omelet, but she knew better than to offer. Still, the temptation was so strong. She opened her mouth and closed it again. “I make excellent microwave popcorn,” she offered weakly, and gestured toward the open bag sitting on the counter behind her.

“Then popcorn it is,” Sam said, lowering himself back onto the couch. While he waited, he glanced back at the television and recognized an old-fashioned romance from the late fifties. He wouldn’t have thought Marjorie would appreciate anything so sentimental. But then, she’d surprised him before.

“Here’s your coffee and dinner. It’s the specialty of the house.” She brought in a steaming cup and handed it to him, along with a breadbasket filled with hot popcorn. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“I owe you a dinner, you know.”

“As I recall, it’s a lunch, and if you’re counting that, you might as well add a movie and popcorn to the list.” He didn’t owe her anything. Not really. She was the one in debt to him. Sam had given her so much more than she could ever hope to repay.