Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels Page A

the house.
    It was as gorgeous as its owner.
    The modern galley kitchen boasted high ceilings, dark wood, and stainless appliances. It was sparse but tastefully decorated with a big oak table at the end, surrounded by floor-length windows. Across an expansive island she could see a leather sectional lined up perfectly with a massive flat-screen television in the living room. It wasn’t a huge house from what she could tell, but the amenities were top-of-the-line and the design was clean and masculine.
    She was speechless as she walked over to the wall of windows, taking in the view. The scene was truly spectacular and the focus piece of the room. Callie could see for miles, looking down at the entire valley where Preston was nestled, the subtle changes of the coming autumn spread out before her like a warm patchwork quilt. “This view is incredible.”
    â€œIsn’t it? Pretty much why I bought this house.” His voice wasn’t nearby and for some reason she’d hoped it would be. Suddenly, with this brilliant picture before her, she wanted to plaster herself to the glass and feel him lean into her; how wonderful would that be?
    Stupid, she mouthed to herself. Her warm breath left a small foggy patch on the window and she quickly rubbed it off with her sleeve, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
    She turned around to find him in the kitchen dishing up food onto a plate. He dropped Misha a piece of something, which Callie found adorable. She walked to the other side of the bar that connected the kitchen and living area and leaned against it. “How long have you lived here?”
    â€œAbout six years. Since right after I got hired at Preston High.”
    She wanted to ask him more about his past but didn’t get the sense that he’d be open to that. He saved an awkward pause by setting down a plate in front of her. “Wow, you know, I never expected dinner. This is very nice.” And oddly romantic.
    â€œNo big deal.”
    â€œWell, you’re wrong. No one ever cooks for me, and this is … fancy.” Sautéed vegetables, chicken, and pasta were tossed with a light cream sauce. A dusting of Parmesan cheese was on top.
    Callie sat down at the counter and he came around to join her with his own plate. “This is not fancy. I enjoy cooking, it’s dinnertime, and like I said … no big deal.”
    â€œA man that likes to cook? I’m sure you’re not hurting for dates,” she joked, even though the thought was a little irritating. And he was wrong; this was so not no big deal . When he was settled she took a bite of her pasta, and her shoulders slumped as she tasted it. It was pure ecstasy. Creamy, a little spicy, and the chicken cooked perfectly. “Holy crap, Bennett, this is so good.”
    She looked over and caught him glancing at her from the corner of his eye. “I’m glad you like it. I don’t usually use cream, but … I just thought you would enjoy it.”
    â€œWell, good call. Everything is better with dairy.” She couldn’t help thinking that was the sweetest thing. He’d used cream just for her.
    They ate for a few minutes in silence until he spoke again. “You want some wine?” He gestured at an open bottle near the stove. “I used a little for the pasta, but you can have some if you want.”
    â€œDo I sense a hidden agenda?” she teased.
    â€œAbsolutely not. I just thought you might be thirsty.” He looked genuinely discomfited by her choice of words.
    â€œCalm down; I was kidding.” She made her way around to the bottle and he told her where she could find a glass.
    When she got a second one out he shook his head. “None for me.”
    â€œYou sure? Pasta and wine are two of my favorite food groups.”
    He gave her a small smile. “I don’t really drink.”
    â€œOh, okay. Well, then I don’t have to either.”
    â€œNo,