A Case for Romance. Melanie Schuster

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СКАЧАТЬ she asked, after he exchanged polite greetings with everyone.

      “He’s headed to the car, I think. He said he was starving.” Cameron grinned.

      “Well, why don’t you all come on over to the house? We’ve got tons of leftovers, so we thought we’d just have a second-day party,” Billie said.

      “Thanks, but I told the boys I’d take them to Dave & Buster’s,” Ayanna said.

      “One of my favorite restaurants,” Johnny said. “Mind if I tag along?”

      “No, that would be great,” Cameron assured him. “I wanted to ask you some more questions about your foundation, if that’s okay, Mr. Phillips.”

      Ayanna looked down at the peep toes of her Payless wedge-heeled beige sandals. Why did her children have to have such good manners? She looked up to see Johnny pointing at his father.

      “That’s Mr. Phillips over there. Just call me John,” he said. “Why don’t we go in my car?”

      Ayanna finally found her voice and said something about changing clothes. That’s how they wound up in a mini-caravan, with Johnny following her to the small brick home she shared with the boys. Cameron and Alec rode with Johnny, and she led the way, giving herself a pep talk as she drove.

      “Quit being a drama queen. It’s just an afternoon with the boys and Johnny. It’s not like it’s a date. He has no idea that you have a dirty little mind, and there’s no reason for him to find out. Just chill, and try to act like a grown woman instead of a schoolgirl,” she mumbled.

      She pulled into the driveway and was already at the back door when Johnny and the boys arrived. Alec and Cameron bounded out of the SUV with Johnny following at a more sedate pace.

      “Mom, we got an idea on the way over here. Guess what John’s favorite meal is?” Cameron asked.

      “I couldn’t possibly. What is it?” she asked faintly.

      “Lasagna! We told him what a good cook you are and how good your lasagna is, and I know there’s some in the freezer, so why don’t we all have dinner here?”

      Alec joined in the plea, double-teaming her. “Yeah, Ma, that would be fun. Can we stay here, please?”

      Ayanna looked at their pleading faces helplessly. They were so hard to resist when they asked for something—and they asked for so little. She bought some time by opening the back door and entering the kitchen. She put her purse and keys on the table and turned to face the three of them. “But this was supposed to be a treat for you guys,” she said. “I’m sure Johnny would rather go to the restaurant than eat here. Besides, I don’t have any Italian bread and, umm…” She vainly tried to think of other reasons why this was a bad idea.

      “I can’t think of anything I’d like more than eating here with you and the guys. And if you need anything from the store, we’d be happy to go get it for you. We’ll clean up afterward, too. And,” Johnny added persuasively, “I’ll take you all out to Dave & Buster’s later in the week or on the weekend or whenever you like. How’s that for a deal?”

      Ayanna looked at the three pairs of eyes that were all beseeching her to agree, and she caved. “Fine. I’ll get the lasagna out while you guys change clothes, and then you can go pick up a few things for me. And that kitchen had better be spotless,” she said playfully.

      “Cool!” Alec and Cameron slapped each other five while Johnny gave her a satisfied smile. She wondered what she had just gotten herself into.

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