Unexpected Inheritance

3

"Knew it."

Miranda rolled her eyes. "Don't start."

"Oh, I will start. Because I need to know—are you ready for tonight?"

"Of course. It's just dinner."

"Dinner. That's what you're ready for?"

"What else would I be talking about?"

A dramatic sigh came through the phone. "Miranda, it really has been awhile. He's having you over to his place. His cabin. Where he keeps his bed."

"So?"

"So this is totally the date where y'all sleep together."

Miranda's face went hot. "Callie"

"What? I'm just saying, this is classic setup—he's cooking for you, got the whole cozy cabin setting. It's practically written in the stars. You're going to end up having sex with him"

Miranda shook her head firmly. "That's not happening."

Callie hummed, unconvinced. "Mmm-hmm. You keep telling yourself that. Just don't wear anything too complicated. In case, you know... things take a turn."

"Goodbye, Callie."

Callie cackled as Miranda ended the call, setting her phone down with a sigh.

Shaking her head, she stood up and smoothed out her outfit. It's just dinner.

But as she glanced in the mirror, straightening her blouse, she had to admit—maybe she was a little more nervous than she thought.

Miranda stepped into Ben's cabin, glancing around at the space he called home. It was warm, well-lived-in, and smelled incredible. Whatever he was cooking filled the air with rich, savory aromas.

Ben turned to her with an easy smile. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll pour us some wine. Dinner's almost done."

She nodded and sat down, watching as he moved around the kitchen. He was at ease here, like he'd done this a thousand times before. As he uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses, he started talking.

But Miranda barely heard a word.

All she could think about was Callie's voice in her head.

This is totally the date where y'all sleep together.

She crossed her legs, shifting in her seat.

Ben was effortlessly charming, sleeves rolled up, forearms flexing as he worked. The man knew what he was doing in the kitchen—and he looked good doing it.

Where he keeps his bed. Callie's voice echoed again

She cleared her throat and took a sip of wine.

Ben glanced over, smirking. "You good over there?"

"Hmm? Yeah," she said quickly. "Fine."

His eyes lingered on her for a second, amused, but he didn't press. He just turned back to the stove, humming to himself as he stirred something.

Miranda exhaled, telling herself to snap out of it. It was just dinner. A nice dinner in a cozy cabin with a good-looking man who made her laugh and who definitely had a bed just down the hall.

No big deal. Right?

She tried to actually focus on what he was saying and she realized he was talking about cooking and grilling.

"You know, I used to grill. You're out in the air. You got your slab of beef. It's a very masculine activity. But you ever try to grill during the rainy season"