Free Chasing Glory by DeeAnna Galbraith Page B

sauce, chocolate praline. There’s some in my fridge.”
    She tugged on a curve of hair in front of her ear. He could tell she was weakening. “I didn’t have a chance to grocery shop today, what with my friend installing drywall.”
    “We can pick up some steaks and fresh salad fixings,” he countered. “And ice cream for the sauce, of course.”
    She sighed and grinned, lifting her hands in surrender. “I can’t believe some woman hasn’t snapped you up before this. Okay. Dinner, I help with the dishes, then home.”
    Her acceptance lifted his spirits immeasurably.

Chapter Ten
    She had been kidding about some woman landing Tal Kingston, until Glory saw his apartment. It took up half the top floor of an old, remodeled brick building on the city side of Queen Anne Hill and would have definitely been the clincher in any marital negotiation. Catherine would update him to the “A” list immediately, if she knew.
    Once inside, Tal dropped the groceries in the kitchen, then said “Make yourself comfortable,” as he gathered his packages and walked down a hallway. Glory saw tasteful furniture, and a few antiques in clean lines, but her gaze was drawn to the large windows. The night was partially clear, so the view of the downtown Seattle skyline and Puget Sound was spectacular.
    Tal returned a minute later. “Can I get you some wine?”
    “Yes, please. This is really nice. Are the units owned or rented?”
    He smiled. “The building is owned by a holding company. I bought a few years ago and upgraded the kitchen so I wouldn’t have to go downtown every time inspiration struck.”
    “Smart,” she said, following him into the kitchen as he started unbagging the groceries.
    “Cab okay?”
    Glory nodded. Had she been a woman who loved to cook, she would have been green with jealousy. She liked gadgets and stood admiring tools hanging from an overhead rack, although she didn’t know what most of them were for.
    She sipped the wine slowly, knowing it would go right to her head on an empty stomach. It probably wasn’t the best idea she’d ever had, agreeing to dinner, but it was nice here. And Tal was nice. The wine warmed her as she watched him pound the steak strips, then roll them in a layer of fresh rosemary, chopped almonds, and garlic bread crumbs.
    “Can I help?”
    “Plates and glasses up there, silverware in this drawer,” he pointed with his free hand as he slipped the steaks in the oven. “Anything you don’t want on your salad?”
    “Onions.”
    That must have struck him as funny. Tal turned to laugh as his glasses fogged up from bending over the oven door. “I prefer more subtle flavors. No onions it is.”
    When he served dinner, Glory felt like she was eating a gourmet meal, even though she’d seen the simple preparation with her own eyes. If Tal preferred subtle and simple, why on earth was he pursuing Alyssia Hartford?
    “What do we do next?” Tal asked, down to his last couple bites of steak.
    For one incredibly image-filled, but confusing moment, Glory thought he was talking about him and her. Then she saw the same train of thought cross his face.
    “About Alyssia,” he said.
    “Um, I think we’re making headway. It’s only been four days, including today. Maybe we could brainstorm Monday at lunch in your office. Alyssia rarely comes to the kitchens, right?”
    Tal frowned. “True, but what difference does that make?”
    “I think I landed on her bad list.”
    The frown turned into puzzlement. “I don’t think she has a bad list. I think a series of events; the stress of making sure the evening went well, our showing up unexpected and the Welkers changing the signer on their contract contributed to her disappointment. She had a flash of temper.” His mouth turned down. “I’m sorry you were hurt. It was my fault.”
    Glory stared. Tal had convinced himself that Alyssia’s behavior was a string of situations she had no control over. Even though she’d intentionally left him