Falling for Owen by Jennifer Ryan Page A

those simple words and they melted her heart and endeared him to her even more.
    I’m in so much trouble.
    If she lost her heart to this man, she didn’t know if she’d survive if things didn’t work out, because with Owen it mattered more than it ever had with anyone else.
    “Let’s eat, I’m starving,” he said.
    The implied for you didn’t go unnoticed. She grabbed the bakery box and held it out to him. “Your favorite brownies and a few other treats.”
    “You must be sweet on me if you’re giving away your goods.”
    Not admitting to anything, she smiled sweetly and replied, “Well, they are leftovers. It’s either toss them out or give them to you.”
    “Good choice. No sense wasting something this good.”
    “My thoughts exactly.”
    This time his eyes told her he understood she meant the two of them together, too.

 
    Chapter Twelve
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    O WEN OPENED C LAIRE’S door and helped her down from the truck. She took his hand without reservation, making him happy she accepted him so easily. After the kiss they shared, he didn’t want to let go of her, but pull her closer. Aware of her hesitation to take things too quickly, he held her hand and escorted her into the restaurant without putting his arm around her and pulling her to his side.
    The hostess recognized him immediately, and despite the many people waiting, she showed them right to a table near the window. Complete with candlelight and tall potted plants to shield them from the next table, it was intimate enough to give them privacy, but still not too secluded as to cut them off from the many other guests watching them.
    Owen held Claire’s chair and waited for her to take her seat before he took the one next to her rather than across. He even scooted a bit closer so they could talk, get to know each other better without having to raise their voices over the din of the other guests.
    “Our specials tonight include a delicious salmon ravioli with white sauce, and Portobello mushroom with chicken and rigatoni in a white wine and fresh herb sauce.” The waitress came to stand beside the hostess. “This is Anna, she’ll take care of you this evening. Enjoy your meal.”
    “May I take your drink order? Mr. McBride, your usual?” Anna asked.
    “Yes, please.”
    “And for the lady?”
    “What are you having, Owen?”
    “They have a really great Californian cab I love.”
    “We stock it especially for Mr. McBride,” Anna added.
    “I’ll have what he’s having,” she said, smiling at him.
    “In that case, bring the bottle.”
    “As you wish, Mr. McBride. Would you like an appetizer this evening?”
    He looked to Claire and she smiled prettily at him, melting his insides.
    “I’ll defer to you again,” she said, trusting him with the order, and he hoped a lot more.
    “The antipasto platter and pancetta focaccia twists.”
    “Excellent choices. I’ll leave you to the menu. The specials are listed inside as well. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    Owen spotted Rain and Brody heading in their direction. “Can you kick them out?” He indicated his brother with a nod in their direction.
    Anna smiled and laughed. “Sorry, no. I’ll be back with your order in a few minutes.”
    Owen dropped his napkin on the table and stood to greet his brother and Rain. She came around the table and hugged him close.
    “Hello, beautiful.”
    “Hi. Fancy meeting you here.” Rain cast a glance Brody’s way and Owen caught the guilty look.
    “What? I’m hungry, and we’re celebrating,” Brody defended showing up at the same restaurant, like Owen hadn’t mentioned it when they talked earlier.
    “Celebrating what?” Owen asked.
    “Can I tell him now? It’s been three months.”
    “You’re pregnant,” Owen guessed, crushing Rain to his chest. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you. Both of you. I know how much you want this.”
    “We’re very happy. But we’re being rude. Introduce me to your friend,” Rain