“I know you do.”
“Tell me about the risks, Mia,” Amelia said.
While the two of them talked, he got up and finished prepping the appetizer. They had already set the table before Amelia had arrived, so when he pulled the oysters out of the smoker, he took the sliced lemon and cocktail sauce he’d made earlier out of the fridge and set everything in the dining room.
Mia and Amelia came in and Mia poured more wine for them.
“These smell amazing, Flynn,” Amelia said.
“Thanks. I hope you like them.”
“I’m not sure where you found the time to learn how to cook,” Mia said. “But, I’m glad Amelia is here tonight because otherwise I’m sure I’d be getting burgers on the grill.”
Flynn shot a grin over at Mia. “You probably would.”
“Hey,” Amelia said. “I like burgers on the grill. You didn’t have to do anything fancy on my account.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” Flynn gave Amelia a knowing smile. She gave him an enigmatic, polite one in return.
After the oysters, he finished prepping the crab salad.
“This is just as good as the appetizer,” Amelia said after she finished the salad. Maybe I could hire you as my assistant at Ninety-Two.”
“Funny. And maybe you can try out as a linebacker.”
“You know, I never said I wanted to play football.”
“Are you insinuating that I’m ‘playing’ at being a cook?”
Amelia calmly took a sip of wine before replying. “I didn’t insinuate a thing. You’re very sensitive for a tough guy.”
“Now you’re insulting my manhood?”
“I didn’t realize we were bringing your penis into the discussion. And at the dinner table, in front of your sister. Really, Flynn, how could you?”
Mia laughed. “You two are hilarious. And I really like you, Amelia. Not many people can go toe-to-toe with my oldest brother. You’re doing a fantastic job. If my other brothers were here I think they’d stand and applaud.”
Flynn glared at his sister. “Shut up, Mia.”
Mia just snickered and got up to clear the table. When she left, he turned his attention on Amelia.
“And here I expected you to be all quiet and shy in front of my sister.”
“You did? Why would you think that?”
“I have no idea.”
Mia came back in. “Oh, please don’t change your personality on my behalf, Amelia. I like you just the way you are.”
“I like you, too, Mia.”
He felt ganged up on. Maybe this was how Mia felt being surrounded by all guys growing up. Deciding it was best to ignore both of them, he let it slide and went to pull the lasagna out of the oven.
Amelia had made her way into the kitchen.
“That smells amazing, Flynn. I can’t wait to taste it.”
He liked that she could tease him and throw insults one minute, and be complimentary and sweet the next. One didn’t survive in the Cassidy family if you held on to anger or insults for long.
“Thanks. I hope it tastes good.”
She laid her hand on his shoulder. “I have no doubt it will.”
“Oh, come on, you two,” Mia said. “I like it better when you’re flinging insults at each other.”
“Give it five minutes,” Flynn said, looking at Amelia. “I’m sure they’re coming.”
Amelia gave him a warm smile, squeezed his shoulder, then headed back into the dining room.
The dinner conversation was decidedly less controversial. Both Amelia and Mia raved over the lobster lasagna, and Flynn couldn’t help but agree. It had turned out great.
“There’s a hint of something spicy in here, Flynn. What is it?” Amelia asked. “Did you add jalapeños or something?”
“Red pepper flakes and a touch of cayenne pepper. Just enough to give it a hint of heat.”
“It’s excellent. Lasagna can often get bogged down in the sweetness of the tomatoes and cheese. I really love the idea of adding a little spice to it. We should put this on the menu.”
Coming from a chef, that was one hell of a compliment. “You can feel free to experiment with your own recipe and, yeah, we can add it to the menu.”
“Good. I’ll work it in around the pasta selections.”
After they finished dinner, they sat back and drank more wine.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you I didn’t make dessert. I’m not a dessert-making kind of guy.”
“I can whip something up,” Amelia said. “Provided you’re in the mood for dessert.”
“I don’t know about Flynn,” Mia said, “but I’m always in the mood for dessert.”
“That’s not necessary, Amelia. I told you, it’s your night off.”
She leaned over and patted his hand. “And I told you that I love to cook. Let’s take a stroll into the kitchen and see what you have available.”
He sighed. “Fine.”
He watched while she examined the contents of his refrigerator and pantry. “You have strawberries. I could make us some shortcakes and we’ll have it with strawberries and whipped cream.”
“Just like that.” Mia had taken up a spot at the island.
Amelia let out a short laugh. “Some baking would be in order, but yes.”
Flynn shrugged. “If that’s what you want to do.”
“Absolutely. Let’s get these dishes out of the way and I’ll take care of dessert.”
Flynn shoved the sleeves of his Henley up to his elbows. “I’ll do the dishes.”
Mia slid off the bar stool. “No, you’re both cooking. I’ll handle dishes.”
In the end, Amelia and Flynn helped put food away while Mia did dishes. With the three of them it took no time at all to clear the kitchen. Flynn and Mia finished up while Amelia started on the shortcake. Since Flynn didn’t have individual pans for making smaller cakes, she ended up going with one large cake. He cleaned and sliced the strawberries while she prepped the cake and put it into the oven.
“You didn’t have to do this, you know,” he said.
Amelia smiled. “How many times are you going to say that so that I have to reply that I love to cook? If a day goes by where I’m not cooking I don’t feel like it’s a complete day. So get over it, Flynn.”