“Put decorative columns on each side of the island.” Luna pointed to the two-by-fours. “Then you can put a cabinet with glass doors if you wanted over the island. Or some cool lighting.” Luna was still holding her tote bag and pulled out her sketch pad.

“Hold on there, missy. Let’s get you settled first. Follow me.” Gaines led her to the other side of the house and into Carter’s room. That, too, was just as she had pictured it. Single bed with pennants and posters; a bookcase with trophies; and an assortment of Power Ranger figures; a small desk and a bean bag chair.

Luna laughed lightly. “No mistaking this for anything other than a teenager’s room.”

“I scoured the room for anything, uh, adolescent.”

Gaines was referring to the possibility of girlie magazines.

“They don’t need magazines for that.” Luna laughed out loud. “Remember when water was free and you had to pay for porn?”

Gaines let out a guffaw. “Now that’s funny.”

“Not that I would know about that.” Luna looked quite sincere.

“I don’t doubt you.” Gaines smiled. “Do you need to hang anything in the closet? That’s one area I didn’t check, but there are hooks on the back of the door. I’ll grab a couple of hangers.”

“Not necessary. I can keep everything in my bag.”

Gaines cleared a small bench. “You can put it here.”

“Thanks. You are a gracious host.” Luna wanted to kiss him right then and there.

“Are you hungry?” Gaines asked. “I have some cheese and fruit if you’d like.”

“That would be great. Thanks! I had a scone on my way.” She looked down and noticed a few crumbs on her jacket. “Leftovers.” She picked off the scraps and handed them to Gaines.

“You are too kind.”

“But seriously, I have something for you.” Luna went back into the dining room and handed him the two boxes from the Flakey Tart.

He took a whiff before he opened them. “You shouldn’t have.”

“I know. But I did.”

“Please sit.” He pulled one of the mismatched chairs out for her while he fixed a plate of brie, Manchego cheese, and grapes. “What would you like to drink?”

“What time is it?” Luna giggled.

“A little before three.”

“OK. I’ll wait until five, then have a glass of wine. If that’s OK with you?” Luna knew one glass would help her relax a little more.

“Speaking of dinner,” Gaines threw in.

“Was I?” Luna gave him her sideways glance.

“No, but I am. Would you like to go out to dinner? There are a number of fine restaurants in town. Or.” He paused. “I have two very nice prime steaks, Idaho potatoes, and salad fixings if you want to hang around here.”

“You know what? I think hanging around here would be swell. We eat out so often that a nice relaxing home-cooked dinner would be super.”