Cook's Night Out by Joanne Pence Read Free Book Online Page B

overher. The absurdity of trying to force this big man to do anything he didn’t want to do wasn’t lost on her. So she kissed him.
    His arms circled her, and as their kiss deepened he pulled her hard against him. She slid off the desk, taking the blotter with her and causing papers, pens, and notebooks to tumble to the floor.
    â€œOops,” she said.
    He let her go and gathered up his materials. “I give up. Let’s get out of here.”
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    By the time the movie was over, Paavo had visibly relaxed. To Angie’s pleasure and relief, he’d found the film intriguing and enchanting—her words, not his. Only a few times did he seem to slip into thought.
    She had made reservations at Moose’s on Washington Square, near her church and only a couple of blocks from a small café owned by three friends of hers. She had deliberately chosen not to go to their place. Tonight she wanted to eat a special meal and didn’t want to be interrupted by well-meaning friends while she tried to help Paavo forget, for a while at least, his sticky cases.
    Their appetizer of hickory-smoked salmon with a warm cheese blintz, baby lolla rosa, and red-onion-and-caper relish arrived as they talked about the movie. “Here’s to fairy tales and mythology,” Angie said, raising her glass of sauvignon blanc. “May they always point out the truths of life.”
    Paavo touched his glass to hers, then held her with his gaze. “And may beauty always love her savage beast.”
    â€œShe does and she will,” Angie replied softly.
    Percatelli pasta with fennel and spring onion marmellata was served next.
    â€œYou were right about coming here this evening,Angie,” Paavo said between mouthfuls of food. “It’s a lot better than brooding over a dead numbers runner.”
    â€œNumbers? That’s gambling, right?”
    â€œAn illegal lottery,” he explained.
    â€œWhy would anyone bother? There’s a legitimate state lottery every week.”
    â€œFor one thing, the odds of winning are much better. Fewer players, fewer numbers. You need to guess only a couple of numbers right to win something in most games. Also, whatever you win, you keep. Tax free.”
    She ate some pasta, nicely al dente, as she pondered his explanation. “Tax free? No wonder it’s popular. But what does that have to do with you?”
    â€œMy phone number was found on a piece of paper in the mouth of a dead numbers runner.”
    She was stunned. “You can’t have said what I thought you did.”
    â€œI said it, but I can’t explain it.” His lips tightened. “Calderon and Benson found it. We went to the chief together.”
    â€œSo why did the dead man have your number?”
    â€œThat’s what they asked me.”
    â€œThey can’t possibly think you’re involved with someone like that.” She was scarcely able to believe he’d have been questioned by men he had worked with for so many years.
    He was silent for a moment. “It’s the kind of incident that makes some cops real nervous.”
    â€œThen they’re fools,” she said bluntly.
    It was his turn to look surprised, then he grinned. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
    The main course, grilled five-pepper beef filet and portabello mushrooms, was served next.
    â€œEveryone really enjoyed the chocolates you sent, Angie,” Paavo said, cutting a bite of meat. “All three boxes went fast. Have you found your angelina yet?”
    â€œNot even close,” she said with a sigh.
    â€œNo?” He chewed ecstatically. She enjoyed a man who appreciated good food.
    â€œI’ve been experimenting like mad, but all I’ve ended up with are pounds and pounds of good, but not very special, chocolate candy.”
    â€œI’m sure your friends appreciate it.” He poured more wine.
    â€œTo a point.” She sipped her wine, then ran a finger