“You’ve been so much help so far,” he said. “You don’t happen to do a sideline in thrillers, do you?”
“Not only can I not write worth a darn, I’m also too much of a scaredy-cat to watch anything dark or twisty.”
“Surely you’ve seen a thriller before.”
She shook her head. “My cousin Lori loves to say that I’m all butterflies and rainbows. Which is actually right on point when it comes to the kinds of movies I like to watch.”
“What’s one of your favorite movies?” he asked.
She nearly laughed out loud at the movie that immediately popped into her head. One she had a feeling Flynn would never have watched in a million years. “Trolls.”
“Trolls?” He leaned forward as if to interrogate her. “Are you talking about the animated film where they sang all those songs from the eighties?”
“It was very heartfelt.”
He blinked at her as if he couldn’t believe what she’d just said. “Heartfelt.” He seemed to roll the word around inside his mouth.
“I even have the soundtrack on my phone.” Instead of being embarrassed, she was having fun throwing him for a loop. “Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ has never sounded better.”
Finally, he laughed. And if his smile had made a few butterflies go wild in her stomach, his laughter was like having dozens of them shooting around inside of her.
“After all the years I’ve spent in the movie business,” he said, “I should know by now that we’ve all got different tastes.”
“What got you into thrillers? Were they always your favorite?”
“Actually, the original version of The Adventures of Robin Hood is at the top of my list.”
“My dad is a big fan of that Errol Flynn movie too.” She was happy not to sound like a complete greenhorn. “How perfect that you share the same name as the star of your favorite movie.”
Something passed across his face, an expression she couldn’t quite read. It was gone by the time Amy had finished delivering their food.
“What about you?” he asked. “What do you do?”
“I make candy.”
“Like Willy Wonka?”
She laughed. “Kind of. Only, I don’t shrink any kids or blow them up into giant blueberries.”
“That’s a relief.” He took a bite of his Irish stew, and the look on his face said it all. “This meal is one of the best I’ve had anywhere.”
Cassie beamed. “Say that again when Mom comes out of the kitchen, would you?”
As if she’d conjured them up, Beth walked back into the dining room just then, carrying Ruby. The baby was wearing a green and white baby bib embroidered with four-leaf clovers and the words I’m so cute, I must be Irish.
Amy brought over a high chair, and after giving it good wipe down, Beth slid Ruby into it. “Sean will bring over some apple puree for Ruby to try in a moment. She looked very interested in it when he was preparing it.”
“This is delicious, Mrs. Sullivan,” Flynn said, gesturing to his plate. “Truly the best Irish food I’ve eaten.”
“Call me Beth. And thank you.” Cassie’s mom beamed at Flynn. “You and Ruby are welcome to eat here anytime. In fact, if you’re free Friday night, why don’t you come to dinner with Cassie and the rest of the family? My grandson, Kevin, loves playing with other children, and I’m sure Ruby would have a wonderful time with everyone. Plus, I want to make sure I see her again soon.”
Cassie almost groaned at her mom’s hard sell. Especially because she couldn’t help but suspect she had ulterior motives. Beth Sullivan had always been a matchmaker. The fact that it hadn’t worked yet didn’t deter her in the least.
Though Flynn looked surprised by the invitation, when he saw the way Ruby was grinning up at Beth, he readily agreed. “Dinner on Friday night sounds great. Thanks.”
Sean carried over a green plastic bowl shaped like a four-leaf clover that he’d filled with apple puree and set it on Ruby’s tray. Beth pressed a kiss to the baby’s cheek. “Enjoy your meal, my little treasure. I’ll see you on Friday.”
Flynn handed the spoon to Ruby, then gently placed his hand over hers, dipped the spoon into the apple puree, and brought it to her mouth. She sniffed it, then shoved it into her mouth. Most of the sauce landed on her bib, but what did make it onto her tongue obviously pleased her, as she immediately tried to scoop up more.
Cassie grinned. “I think she likes it.”
Flynn was also grinning as he helped the baby with her second bite. Again, most of the applesauce went onto Ruby’s bib—and hands and hair and legs—but she didn’t seem to mind at all. On the contrary, she seemed absolutely delighted.
Fifteen minutes later, Ruby wasn’t the only one covered in applesauce. Both Cassie and Flynn had been splattered with more than their fair share.
Flynn gently wiped Ruby’s face and hands. “You need a bath,” he said in a soft voice to her. Then he looked down at himself and Cassie. “We all do.”
Ruby replied by rubbing her eyes with the backs of her sticky hands. She reached out to Flynn, who lifted her from the high chair and settled her against his chest, making Cassie’s heart melt again. They were the sweetest pair.
“Sorry to eat and nap, but I think I’d better get this one off to bed. I think she’s still making up for last night.” He smiled at Cassie. “Thanks for lunch.”
“It was fun.” Especially once she’d been able to act like a normal human being, rather than a blushing fool. Maybe Flynn’s effect on her was wearing off.
She almost snorted at that thought. It was so ridiculous, considering every one of his smiles lit her up inside like a Fourth of July celebration.
“Are you sure I can’t convince you to keep the bracelet?” he asked.
“Nope, you can’t.”
“Well, then we’ll see you Friday for dinner.”
“My workshop is only a couple of blocks from my parents’ house. If you come by around five thirty, we can walk over together.” She stroked Ruby’s back. “Have a good nap, cutie.”
Flynn and Ruby had only just left the café when Cassie’s mom sidled up to her. “Ruby is lovely. So is Flynn.”
“Thank you for being so wonderful to both of them,” Cassie said, “but don’t even think about matchmaking.”
“Me? Matchmake?” Her mother adopted her most innocent expression. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Seriously. You know how I feel about being set up. It’s always a recipe for disaster. Smith needed a favor for his friend and colleague. Any one of us would have stepped up to help. End of story.”
“So you don’t find Flynn attractive?”
“Mom!”
Beth put an arm around Cassie, not the least bit repentant. “Ruby reminded me of how lovely it is to hold a baby. It’s been a long time since Kevin was that small. You can’t blame me for wishing for more grandchildren, can you?”
Cassie decided it was wisest not to reply. “Thanks for a great lunch. I’ve got to get back to work now. See you Friday.”