I pulled open the passenger door and helped her in. “I know you don’t need it, but I want to give it to you.” I paused, taking in the worry in her features. “Unless you’re scared about this guy still being on the loose.” For the past few days, our friends had stuck close. The only times we were alone were at my house and on the way to and from work.

Bell gave a quick shake of her head. “No, it’s not that.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips to mine. “Thank you for wanting to spoil me a little.”

The tension between my shoulder blades eased a bit. “I’m just getting started.”

Bell groaned and pushed me away. “Come on. Feed me.”

I chuckled and rounded the hood. The drive into town was uneventful, but Bell was antsy, twisting the little strap on her clutch, straightening invisible wrinkles in her dress. Something was up with her.

I pulled into a parking spot outside one of the two fancier restaurants in town. The Cove was an old Victorian home on the water that had been transformed into a B&B and restaurant. Reservations were hard to come by, but promising tip to the maître d earlier that day had secured me a table.

I opened Bell’s door and offered her my hand. “My lady.”

She shook her head, smirking. “I’d say ‘thank you, kind sir,’ but you’re no gentleman.”

I gasped in mock affront. “How could you say such a thing?”

Bell laughed just as I’d hoped, and I guided her through the parking lot and up the stairs. “I haven’t been here in years. And their crab bisque is my favorite.”

I traced small circles on her lower back. “Let’s get you fed, then.” She shivered, and I grinned.

The maître d led us to a table by a window with a view of the harbor, lit by lights along the docks and the boats bobbing in the water. It was perfect. I helped Bell into her seat, pressing a kiss to the top of her head and soaking in her scent, the jasmine just a touch heavier tonight. I couldn’t help myself, I dropped a kiss to her bare shoulder. “Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

Pink tinged Bell’s cheeks. “Thank you for inviting me.”

We ordered drinks and debated over the best dishes. I insisted on ordering way too much food so Bell didn’t have to choose. We laughed and talked about nothing too serious. The whiskey and Bell’s company warmed me from the inside out. “So, tell me about the furniture.”

Bell grinned and ducked her head. It was rare that she became bashful, and it only intrigued me more. “I love bringing forgotten pieces back to life. Giving them a second chance.”