Chapter 115 (1/2)

”Can we go for a drive?”

Christian and I are back in the R8, and I'm feeling giddily buoyant. Ray's brain is back to normal - all swelling gone. Dr. Sluder has decided to wake him from his coma tomorrow. She says she's pleased with his progress.

”Sure.” Christian grins at me. ”It's your birthday - we can do anything you want.”

Oh! His tone makes me turn and gaze at him. His eyes are dark.

”Anything?”

”Anything.”

How much promise can he load into one word?

”Well, I want to drive.”

”Then drive, baby.” He grins, and I grin back.

My car handles like a dream, and as we hit the I-5, I subtly put my foot down, forcing us both back in our seats.

”Steady, baby,” Christian warns.

As we drive back into Portland an idea occurs to me.

”Have you planned lunch?” I ask Christian tentatively.

”No. You're hungry?” He sounds hopeful.

”Yes.”

”Where do you want to go? It's your day, Ana.”

”I know just the place.”

I pull up near the gallery where Jose exhibited his work and park right outside the Le Picotin restaurant where we went after Jose's show. Christian grins at me.

”For one minute I thought you were going to take me to that dreadful bar you drunk dialed me from.”

”Why would I do that?”

”To check the azaleas are still alive.” He arches a sardonic brow. I blush. ”Don't remind me! Besides . . . you still took me to your hotel room.” I smirk.

”Best decision I ever made,” he says, his eyes soft and warm.

”Yes. It was.” I lean over and kiss him.

”Do you think that supercilious f**ker is still waiting tables?”

Christian asks.

”Supercilious? I thought he was fine.”

”He was trying to impress you.”

”Well, he succeeded.”

Christian's mouth twists in amused disgust.

”Shall we go see?” I offer.