Meanwhile, Leo had a large amount of pasta twirled around his folk when he halted. “Is something wrong?”

She set down her fork. “Just…thank you for making dinner. I appreciate it.” How to tell him that in all the time she was with Sam, he’d never done this? Oh, order takeout, sure, but…no. Nothing like preparing a meal when she was too tired to even think about making one herself.

He paused with his fork almost to his mouth. “Seems like you might need someone to cook for you a little more often.”

She tried to keep the conversation light. “As the oldest, I’ve whipped up a lot of quick meals for my sisters. Totally not the same.”

“Sam didn’t cook?”

That startled her. His bringing up Sam. “Not at all.”

“When two people are busy in a relationship, it’s nice for both to toe the line.” He swirled his wine. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to judge.”

“Actually, you judged correctly. And you’re right. My next fiancé is definitely going to cook like this.”

“Good one.” He took a sip of wine. “There’s nothing like a good meal at the end of a long day—that’s what my dad always says.” He dove into the pasta. “My mom used to make this dish a lot. It’s just butter and garlic pasta with fresh veggies. Good in a pinch, filling, delicious.”

“There’s more in here than butter and garlic. Mussels, for one. And some green stuff. Basil, maybe?”

“It’s a secret.” He grinned widely. The sight of which made her stomach flip—not good when confronted by a full meal. “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

“Then I’ll stop asking questions.” She smiled over her wineglass.

“Just…enjoy it.” He stopped forking it in to examine her plate. “And please tell me you’re going to eat more than four noodles.”

“You probably never met a carb you didn’t like. I never met a carb that didn’t stick to my hips.”

“You have amazing hips,” he said. She stopped chewing and looked up. “I mean,” he said, clearing his throat, “I mean…”

She held up a hand. “You don’t have to be nice. I guess I got the curves in the family.”

That made him set down his fork. “I’m not being nice. You couldn’t possibly not know you’re stunning, Tessa.”

This was getting really…awkward. He was just trying to get along. Or whatever. She shook her head. “Thanks, but time to change the subject.”

“Ha. Well, let me tell you about the food. Gia and I used to eat in the restaurant every night after school. We’d literally finish our homework and sit down at a table in the back, and our dad would say, ‘What do you want me to make you to eat?’”