Her mother swept her hand up and down Aubry’s arm. “Well, it’s not the first time he’s done that, and not just with you. He can be . . . difficult at times.”

Aubry choked out a laugh. “Difficult? That’s an understatement. I don’t know how you can keep from throwing plates at him.”

Her mother smiled. “He can also be sweet and kind and very open-minded.”

Aubry huffed out a sigh of disgust. “I haven’t seen much of that where I’m concerned.”

“I know you’re perfectly capable of handling your own life, sweetheart. You’re an adult now. You have been for a while. Your dad, though, still sees you as his baby girl. He only wants the best things for you. He wants you to succeed.”

She leaned against the kitchen counter. “And he thinks I can’t do that without his guidance. Or maybe I should say his bullying tactics.”

“Oh, honey. He’s not a bully.”

She shot her mother a look. “Isn’t he? What would happen if I brought a guy over to meet the two of you? Could you imagine how that would go over?”

Her mother tilted her head, giving Aubry a questioning look. “Is there a guy?”

She trusted her mother above anyone else. “There might be. I don’t know yet.”

“If you have a young man you want us to meet, you let me know and I’ll prepare your father for it. I’ll make sure he’s on his best behavior.”

Aubry raised a brow. “And how will you do that? Are you going to drug him?”

Her mother laughed. “No. But trust me, I do wield some influence where your father is concerned. You have nothing to worry about. He might come across as brusque and bullish at times, but, Aubry, he loves you.”

She sighed. “I know he does.”

“So bring your young man over for dinner, and let’s get your father used to the idea that you’re a grown woman who’s handling her own life just fine.”

She’d think about it. In the meantime, she’d push thoughts of her father’s opinions aside and concentrate on her date with Tucker tonight.

AFTER SPENDING THE AFTERNOON WITH HER MOTHER, who decided to go shopping with her, Aubry dashed home just in time to get ready for her date. Tucker had told her he’d pick her up at six and she could dress casual.

She’d bought a new blouse for tonight, so she put on her tight jeans, wedge sandals and the button-down silky red top, with a black tank underneath. She did her makeup, brushed out her hair, and finished off the look with her favorite lip gloss just as the doorbell rang.

She opened the door and couldn’t help the sigh of pleasure as Tucker stood there wearing dark jeans and a navy blue button-down shirt. His hair was getting a little long, which made it curl at the ends, making her want to sift her fingers through its thick softness. Unable to resist, she stepped up to him, slid her hand in his hair and kissed him.

He wrapped an arm around her, tugged her close and deepened the kiss. She moaned against his mouth.

When they broke apart, she read the heated passion in his eyes.

“Keep that up and I’ll never be able to give you your surprise tonight.”

She invited him in and closed the door. “Ooh. There’s a surprise?”

“There is.”

“Now I’m excited.”

His lips curved. “I hope you like it. I thought it might be fun.”

“Are we going bowling again?”

He laughed. “Not bowling.”

“Now I’m curious and excited.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

He drove them into Clayton, to a shopping center where he parked and they got out.

When she saw where they were headed, she turned to him. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

She grinned as they stepped inside, having figured out what was happening. It was a kitchen setup, but definitely industrial, with a long stainless steel island, a stove and lots of tools. Tools she was definitely unfamiliar with.

There was no one else here yet.

“We’ll just sit in the middle,” Tucker said, leading her to a spot in the center of the stainless steel island.

They were going to take a cooking class. She sat on the stool, then pivoted to face him. “What made you come up with this idea?”

“I figured since neither of us knew how to cook, maybe we could get some tips here. And, you know, stay in more often.”

When he waggled his brows, she laughed. “I like where your mind goes, Tucker Cassidy.”

“I figured you might. Plus, you know, we’d also go hungry less often.”