“Any appetizers, sir?” the server asked.

“Are the mussels fresh tonight?”

“As always, Dr. Bruce.”

“That’ll be fine.”

With a nod, Charles collected the menus and left.

Richard extracted his phone from an inside jacket pocket.

Watching his thumbs fly across the screen, she gaped, utterly struck dumb. He did just order for her. Moreover, he ordered mussels. Apparently, he was too preoccupied to clock her flaming face and wide-open mouth. So, she buttered a roll and took a hearty bite.

Instantly, Charles reappeared with wine and poured Richard a taste.

Swirling the ruby liquid, he sniffed the bouquet and sipped. “Very nice.”

On cue, Charles filled both goblets and disappeared.

Richard raised his glass. “To celebrity auctions and Midsummer Balls…” He met her gaze, and his words dissipated. “What’s wrong? Is it the phone? I’m sorry, but I’m still dealing with that patient. Here, look, I’m done.” He slid the device into his jacket.

She twisted the napkin in her lap. “You ordered for me.”

“You said you liked steak.”

“Yes, but I didn’t say I wanted to eat steak. Will you cut my vegetables, too?”

“If you’d like.” He laughed. “God, you’re gorgeous when you’re mad. I’d have ordered a whole cow if I knew it would have this effect.”

She yanked the napkin tighter. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.” Eyes darkening, he took her hand under the table and uncoiled the napkin from around her pinky finger.

At his touch, she tensed.

Trumpets took over the melody of “All of Me,” and the lights dipped low.

She exhaled long and slow. Did she really want to make a fuss? Maybe…the scallop risotto looked delicious.

Finger by finger, he unwrapped the napkin until, with a final tug, it fell into her lap. Lifting her hand atop the table, he enclosed it in his. “Please don’t be angry. I thought you agreed to let me take care of you.”

An abundant mass of fresh flowers cascaded from the mantle, trailing down the side of the fireplace in delicate tendrils. She breathed in the scents of freesia and fresh bread. Without a doubt, this date was the most romantic of her life. She couldn’t even remember the last time a guy arranged such a special event. Maybe ordering her meal took chivalry a step too far. But Judy’s was clearly his place—he was on a first-name basis with the server, for Heaven’s sake. Why ruin the evening over steak?

Shifting in her seat, she crossed and uncrossed her legs. “I’m sorry. You just surprised me, I guess.” She let her head dip to one shoulder. “Honestly, I don’t even know how to eat mussels.” A smile crept into his eyes, but he had the courtesy not to laugh.

“If you like, I’ll call back Charles—”

“No, no.”