“Well, I suppose you’re right,” Johnny said. “We really should eat dinner first before getting to dessert.”

Johnny smiled. A sly, impish, wicked sort of grin spread across his face, while his eyes devoured me from head to toe. I had no doubt what he meant by dessert. I shivered, something I never did, not even when Frost hit me with his freezoray gun. Johnny offered me his arm, and away we went. A limo waiting downstairs took us to Quicke’s, a restaurant famous for its speedy service, reasonable prices, terrific food, and most importantly, generous portions. A blue neon light flashed on and off above the revolving door, announcing the restaurant’s name. Quicke’s was located downtown, a couple of blocks from my store, and it was one of my favorite places to get a fast burger or ten for lunch. I practically kept the place in business with my massive orders. Johnny opened the door for me, and when I stepped 66

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through, he put his hand on the small of my back to guide me inside. Some women would have been insulted by this, but not me. Maybe it’s because I moonlight as a superhero, but I like strong, take-charge men. They’re the only ones who can keep up with me.

Kyle Quicke was working as the host tonight, the latest in a long line of Quickes to run the restaurant. With his chestnut hair, light eyes, and thin physique, Kyle was cute in a harried sort of way. We’d gone to college together, back when we’d both been penniless nobodies. I, of course, had made my fortune in fashion, while Kyle had gotten his business degree and taken over the family restaurant. During his tenure, Quicke’s had increased its already healthy profits so much that the restaurant had opened a number of smaller cafés and eateries throughout Bigtime.

“Hello, Kyle.”

“Fiona Fine. Always a pleasure.”

I threw my long hair over my shoulder. “Of course it is. And you as well. Loved the food you did for the wedding.”

What little of it I’d gotten to eat had been delicious as always.

“Thanks. I aim to please.” Kyle’s eyes flicked over us.

“Table for two?”

“Obviously.”

“This way.”

Kyle grabbed a couple of leather-bound menus and zipped through the crowded restaurant, darting around tables and bustling waiters with a grace I didn’t know he possessed. I followed, and Johnny put his hand on my back again. Another shiver swept through me. A girl could get used to that strong, firm touch. In all sorts of places. The inside of Quicke’s looked like your typical bar and grill, only a bit nicer. Round tables covered with white linen tablecloths took up most of the first floor and part of the second. Roses perched in tall vases on every table, along H o t M a m a

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