She pressed a hand to her lips, but a soft laugh escaped. “You treat me like I’m a capable adult. Nothing wrong with that. Still, it’s nice to feel like a lady once in a while.”
“You’re always a lady. The more time I spend with you, the more amazed I am some guy hasn’t already scooped you up.”
“Probably because I’m too big.”
He gave her a sharp glance. “Damn it, Hannah, don’t put yourself down. You’re gorgeous, and I don’t understand why you don’t know that.”
“I was being literal.” Her quiet voice took on an edge. “I’m five-foot-ten. In heels, I tower over most of the men I’ve dated. Yes, you’re what, four inches taller than me? Still, I doubt you could carry me very far.”
He snorted. “Wanna bet?”
She flashed another smile. “What are we, twelve?”
“Maybe.” He grinned back. “I told Eden earlier that you keep me on my toes.”
“Did she call to wish you a happy birthday?”
“Among other things. I don’t want to discuss my sister tonight. I want to get to know you better in a non-therapy setting.” He slowed then turned into the parking lot of the Moonlight Inn. “But that can wait until we get inside.”
After he handed over the keys to the parking valet, they headed into the restaurant.
“This place is pretty fancy.” Hannah spoke softly as they followed the hostess down the shallow steps to a table for two with an incredible view of Lake Tahoe. “Not to mention huge. There seem to be a lot of empty tables.”
“It’s definitely high-end.” Tripp took the menu from the hostess, smiled his thanks and waited until the woman left to continue. “I wonder if they’ll be able to stay in business if the conference center deal falls through. I heard there’s some trouble with the financing for the hotel complex they planned to build on the adjacent property.”
Hannah leaned back in her chair and opened the menu on the ivory tablecloth. “Interesting.”
“A bunch of people, from the owners to the marketing team to the construction company they already hired, are going to lose a huge chunk of change if the deal collapses at this stage. At least that’s what I heard when I was standing in line at the grocery store. You’ve got to love small-town gossip.”
“Sounds like my stepfather will take it in the shorts if that happens.”
He stared at her over the delicate blue taper, flickering on the table between them. “Your stepfather?”
She nodded. “He’s half-owner of this place.”
“Which husband was he?”
“Number two. My mother married him when I was four and ditched him when I was ten. They’d been talking adoption, and he asked for joint custody of me in the settlement.”
“Did she agree?”
“Nope. Mother was pretty vindictive during each divorce, and she had an excellent attorney. She didn’t give her exes anything more than she had to.”
“Hannah?”
She glanced up from the menu. “Hmm?”
He clenched the artfully folded napkin tight in his fist before spreading it on his lap. “I don’t think I like your mother very much.”
“Most of the time, I don’t either, but I don’t remember missing Luther after he was gone. Honestly, I can’t remember much at all from those years. I liked husband number three well enough. Brad was around through most of middle school and part of high school. He used to take me skiing and mountain biking. We were buddies.”
“I’m glad.” Tripp let out a harsh breath. “I need a drink.”
She reached across the table to lay a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to pity me. I was smart and driven—still am. I channeled any underlying frustrations into my studies and got accepted into one of the top colleges in the country.” She pulled her hand back as their server approached. “I wasn’t scarred for life or anything.”
“Good to know.”
The young man dressed in black slacks and a white shirt stopped beside their table and smiled. “Can I get you folks something to drink this evening?”
Tripp gave a quick nod. “I’ll have a vodka tonic. Make it a double. Hannah?”
“Your house chardonnay, please.”
“Would you like to order appetizers?”
Tripp glanced down at the menu. “We haven’t had a chance to make any decisions yet.”
“No problem. Take your time.” The man glided away.
“That’s probably way more about my past than you wanted to know. It’s your birthday. No more gloomy talk.” Hannah pointed at the menu. “I’m having salmon. What looks good to you?”
She did. Her positive attitude was incredibly refreshing. He should take lessons. “Prime rib. How about the tomatoes with mozzarella to start? I love those things.”
Her eyes brightened. “Me, too.”
Conversation flowed easily between them throughout the meal. They’d moved from a discussion of travel and all the unique corners of the world he’d skied, to some of Hannah’s more colorful clients as they drank coffee and shared a piece of the richest chocolate cake he’d ever eaten.
“Okay, who was the biggest idiot?” He held up the hand clutching his fork. “Don’t say me.”
“A football player for the Raiders. I’m not naming names because the jerk would probably sue me.”
“Hmm, I could try to guess, but I won’t. How about the nicest?”
“That’s easy. I worked with the sweetest little ice skater after she sustained a bad knee injury. The girl was desperate to get back on her training schedule since she hopes for a shot at the next Olympics. She never argued with me once.”
“Unlike me.” Tripp grinned. “Coolest dude. Present company excluded, of course.”
“Has to be Parnell Jones.”
“The Lakers’ superstar?”
“Yep. He gets the most handsome prize, too.”
“Damn. Good thing I took myself out of the contest. Did you know Griff and Ainslee met him while they were on that crazy treasure hunt?”
“Eden mentioned it once. I…” Her gaze slid upward. “Luther. How are you?”
Tripp turned to glance over his shoulder.
A stocky man with a full head of gray hair approached. He stopped beside their table and squeezed Hannah’s shoulder. “I’m fine, just fine. You look spectacular.”
“Thanks. Tripp Wilde, meet my former stepfather, Luther Vandenberg.”
Tripp shook the outstretched hand. “Nice place. This is my first time eating here.”
“I hope you were impressed with the food and service. I comped your drinks, by the way. The least I could do for my Hannah girl.” He flashed a broad smile.
“Generous of you.” Her tone was cool. “The meal was excellent.”
“I’ll be sure to tell my chef. Tripp, I was sorry to hear your ski season was cut short by that avalanche.”
“With Hannah’s help, I’m still hoping to get back out there before the final competitions.” He frowned. “I don’t think we’ve met before, but you look familiar.”
“Probably from the TV ad campaign marketing set up